Human Reproduction Flashcards
Scrotum
Contains the testes
Testis
The oval structures suspended outside the body in the scrotum
Epididymus
A highly convoluted tubule about 5m long, formed by the joining of seminiferous tubules
Vas deferens (sperm duct)
Muscular duct which is a continuation of the epididymus
Urethra
Duct at the end of the iron-genital system leading to the exterior
Prostate gland
Plum-sized gland surrounding the urethra at the base of the bladder
Ovaries
Two almond shaped organs found in the pelvic cavity and held in position by ligaments
Uterus
Hollow, pear-shaped, thick-walled muscular organ
Myometrium
Thick involuntary muscle layer
Endometrium
Lining richly supplied with blood vessels
Vagina
Muscular passage between the uterus and the outside of the body
Clitoris
Small mass of erectile tissue found at the anterior end of the vulva
Puberty
The process of physical and psychological changes
Adolescence
Period of physical, physiological as well as psychological change
Oestrous
A time when females ovulate and can be impregnated
Celibate
Abstaining from sex
Gametogenesis
The formation of mature gametes (sperm and eggs) by the reproductive glands (gonads)
Spermatogenesis
The sequence of events during which mature, haploid sperm are produced from the germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubules if the testes
Menarche
The first menstrual bleeding
Oogenesis
The production of haploid, mature eggs in the follicles of the ovaries
Ovulation
Release of a mature egg from a Graafian follicle every 28 days
Theca
Single layer of cells that surrounds the oogonium
Oogonium
Large central cell
Menopause
Overuse stop producing oestrogen and progesterone, therefore the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstruation no longer occurs
Atrophy
Degeneration
HRT
Hormone replacement therapy
Copulation
Sexual intercourse or coitus
The transfer of sperm into the vagina of the female when the male organ, the penis, is inserted and sperm are deposited near the cervix
Fertilization
The fusion of the sperm nucleus with the egg nucleus to form a diploid cell known as the zygote
Gestation
Pregnancy
The time between conception and birth, during which the embryo and then the fortis develops into the uterus
Morula
Solid ball of cells formed by dividing zygote
Blastocyst
Hollow, fluid-filled balls of cells
Trophoblast
Layer formed by the outer cells forming the wall of the blastocyst
Implantation
Occurs when the blastocyst sinks into the thickened, highly vascular endometrium
Crown-rump length
Crown of head to buttocks
Placenta
A disc shaped temporary organ richly supplied with maternal and foetal blood vessels
Intra-uterine cannibalism
Embryos which feed on fertilized eggs and other developing embryos in the uterus
Amnion
A membrane which surrounds the developing embryo and foetus
Umbilical cord
A flexible cord extending from the abdomen to placenta if the foetus
Birth
The expulsion of the foetus, its surrounding membranes and the placenta from the uterus
Uterine cycle
A series of changes in the endometrium which is regulated by hormones
Colostrum
Watery pre-milk fluid
Mammary glands
Organs in female mammals that produce milk to feed young offspring
Lactation
Production of milk
Fibroids
Lumps that develop from the myometrium
Endometriosis
A disease in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside the uterus
Surrogate
A woman who carries a baby on behalf of future parents who are medically unable to do so
Foetal alcohol syndrome
A pattern of birth defects, learning and behavioral problems affecting children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy
Erection
Penis becomes firm and enlarged due to increased blood flow, so that it can penetrate the vagina during copulation
Ejaculation
The release of sperm through the urethra of the stiffened penis during an erection
