Reproductive System Flashcards
consists of organs and tubes that produce and transport the sex cells
reproductive system
is the production of gametes or reproductive cells that are produced in the gonads
gametogenesis
carry the chromosomes and genetic information from each parent
gametes
male gonads and the production site of male gamete or sperm cell (spermatozoon or spermatozoa – plural)
testes
female gonads and the production site of female gamete or egg cell (ovum or ova – plural)
ovaries
the duct system in males nourishes sperm cells until they mature and are deposited in the female reproductive tract by the penis. The female reproductive system receives the sperm from the male and provides passageway for them to the fertilization site
fertilization
the female reproductive system nurtures the developing fetus in the uterus until birth and provides nourishment (breast milk) after birth
development and nourishment of a new individual
hormones produced by the reproductive system control its development and the development of the sex-specific body form. These hormones are also essential for the routine functions of the reproductive system and for reproductive behavior
production of reproductive hormones
a type of cell division specialized for sexual reproduction
It occurs in the diploid germ cells of the testes and ovaries
meiosis
__________ __________ are the products of meiosis
haploid gametes
two divisions of meiosis
meiosis I
meiosis II
cells that contain two full sets of chromosomes
diploid cells
Each diploid human cell contains __________ chromosomes
46
diploid cells of the testes and ovaries
The only cells that can undergo meiosis and develop in gametes
germ cells
diploid cells that do not directly participate in reproductions
Neurons and myocytes are examples
somatic cells
cells that contain only one full set of genetic information amounting to 23 chromosomes
haploid cells
a saclike structure that contains the testes
The wall of the __________ includes the skin, a layer of superficial fascia consisting of loose connective tissue, and smooth muscles
scrotum
contracts in cold temperatures causing the skin of the scrotum to become firm and wrinkled and reducing its overall size
This muscle relaxes during increased temperatures making the scrotum skin loose and thin
dartos muscle
extensions of the abdominal skeletal muscles into the scrotum, contract and help pull the testes near the body in cold temperatures
During warmer times, this muscle relaxes allowing the testes to descend away from the body and keep cool
cremaster muscle
is the area between the thighs that is bounded by the pubic symphysis anteriorly, the coccyx posteriorly, and the ischial tuberosities laterally
perineum
small oval shaped male gonads the produce sperm cells (exocrine function) and hormones (endocrine function)
testes (testis)
around 300 to 400 cone shaped compartments that contain the seminiferous tubules
lobules
coiled tubes inside the testes where sperm cells develop
seminiferous tubules
clusters of endocrine cells located at the loose connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules
These cells secrete testosterone
interstitial cells / Leydig cells
are large nurse cells that extend from the periphery to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule
These cells nourish the germ cells and together with the interstitial cells, produce androgens and estrogens
sustentacular cells / Sertoli cells
sperm cell development that occurs in the seminiferous tubules and starts at puberty
The germ cells in the seminiferous tubules divide and differentiate to form sperm cells
spermatogenesis
cells in the testes that give rise to mature sperm cells via meiosis
spermatocytes
a tightly coiled tube that receives and stores sperm from the testes and is the site of sperm maturation
It takes 12 – 16 days for sperm to travel through this and appear in the ejaculate
epididymis
a duct branching out from the epididymis and travels upward out of the scrotum, carries sperm to the urethra
vas deferens / ductus deferens
soft round cord like structure that suspends and supports the testes and epididymis
It is formed by the cremaster muscle, vas deferens, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves
It provides blood and nerve supply for the vas deferens, testes, and epididymis
spermatic cord
is an elective surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception
During the procedure, the male vasa deferentia are cut and tied or sealed so as to prevent sperm from entering into the urethra and thereby prevent fertilization of a female through sexual intercourse
vasectomy / vasoligation
approximately 2.5 cm long that connects the vas deferens with the urethra
ejaculatory duct
about 20 cm long and extends from the urinary bladder to the distal end of the penis
It carries sperm, male reproductive fluids, and urine out of the body
urethra
connected to the bladder and passes through the prostate glands
prostatic urethra
shortest part of the urethra, extending from the prostate gland through the perineum
membranous urethra
longest part of the urethra, it extends from the membranous urethra through the length of the penis, where it opens to the exterior at the external urethral orifice
spongy urethra / penile urethra
is the male organ of copulation, through which sperm cells are transferred from the male to the female
It is composed of erectile tissues with a network of connective tissue and smooth muscle with spaces that can fill with blood
penis
is the elongated portion of the penis
shaft
the erectile columns that forms the dorsum and sides of the penis
corpora cavernosa
another erectile column forming the ventral portion of the penis
corpus spongiosum
an expansion of the corpus spongiosum forming a cap over the distal end
glans penis
known as the foreskin is a loose fold of skin that covers the glans penis
prepuce
The male reproductive system is under hormonal and nervous control
__________ also influence sexual behavior
__________ are primarily involved in sexual behavior and control of the sexual act
hormones
neural mechanisms
is required to initiate and maintain male sexual behavior
It enters the cells within the hypothalamus and the surrounding areas of the brain and influences their function, resulting in sexual behavior
testosterone
Male sexual reflexes are initiated by a variety of sensory stimuli
Action potentials are conducted by sensory neurons from the genitals through the __________ __________ to the sacral region of the spinal cord, where reflexes that result in the male sexual act are integrated.
pudendal nerve
penile erectile tissue becomes engorged with blood enabling the penis to penetrate the vagina and deposit semen in the female reproductive tract
erection
is the accumulation of sperm cells and male reproductive secretions by the accessory glands into the urethra
emission
pleasurable sensation at the peak of sexual stimulation accompanied by rhythmic muscular contractions that eject the semen through the urethra and out of the penis
male orgasm
the discharge of semen from the penis, forceful expulsion of semen from the urethra caused by contraction of the urethra, the skeletal muscles in the pelvic floor, and the muscles at the base of the penis
ejaculation
characterized by a flaccid penis, an overall feeling of satisfaction, and the inability to achieve erection and a second ejaculation for a period that can range from minutes to hours or longer
resolution
an extension of the peritoneum that spreads out on both sides of the uterus and attaches to the ovaries and uterine tubes
It helps hold the female internal reproductive organs in place
broad ligament
female gonads that produces egg cells (exocrine function) and hormones (endocrine function)
ovaries
a peritoneal fold that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis
The ovarian arteries, veins, and nerves traverse the __________ __________ and enter the ovary
suspensory ligament
is the ligament that attaches the ovary to the superior margin of the uterus
ovarian ligament
is the making of an egg cell that begins before a female is born
oogenesis
also known as having your tubes tied or tubal sterilization — is a type of permanent birth control
the fallopian tubes are cut, tied or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy
tubal ligation
a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy
they are one form of long-acting reversible birth control
intrauterine device / intrauterine contraceptive device or coil
fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that contain the oocyte
It secretes hormones that influence the stages of the menstrual cycle
graafian follicle / mature ovarian follicle
cells in the ovaries that give rise to mature egg cells via meiosis
approximately once a month, beginning at puberty, one ovary releases the single most mature __________ that becomes the egg cell
oocyte
is the release of the egg cell from an ovary
This event occurs when the ovarian follicles rupture and release the secondary oocyte that differentiated from the primary oocytes
ovulation
tube that extends from the area of the ovary to the uterus
this opens directly into the peritoneal cavity to receive the secondary oocyte released from the ovary during ovulation
fallopian tube / uterine tube / oviduct
funnel shaped distal end of the fallopian tubes near the ovary
infundibulum
fingerlike projections that surround the opening of the infundibulum
Its inner surface consists of cilia that sweeps the secondary oocyte into the uterine tube
fimbriae
part of the uterine tube that is nearest the infundibulum
It is the widest and longest part of the tube where fertilization occurs
ampulla
sac like organ that receives the egg cell or the zygote and is the site where the embryo develops
It is like the size and shape of a medium-sized pear, slightly flattened anteroposteriorly
uterus
attaches to the lateral wall of the uterus to the sacrum for support
uterosacral ligament
extends from the uterus through the inguinal canals to the labia majora of the external genitalia to support the uterus
round ligament
larger, rounded part of the uterus that is directed superiorly in the pelvic cavity
fundus
narrower part of the uterus directed inferiorly in the pelvic cavity and opens to the vagina
cervix
the main part of the uterus and is the region between the fundus and the cervix
body
a slight constriction that marks the junction of the cervix and the body
isthmus
uterine wall layers from superficial to deep
perimetrium
myometrium
endometrium
serous layer that is the visceral peritoneum and outer lining that covers the uterus
perimetrium
muscle layer that is composed of a thick layer of smooth muscle
It accounts for the bulk of the uterine wall and is the thickest layer of smooth muscle in the body
myometrium
innermost layer of the uterus having a rich blood supply needed for pregnancy. It is shed during menstruation
endometrium
female organ of copulation, receiving the penis during intercourse. It also allows menstrual flow and childbirth
vagina
Its wall consists of an outer muscular layer and an inner mucous membrane
The muscular layer is smooth muscle that allows it to increase in size to accommodate the penis during intercourse and to stretch greatly during childbirth
The mucous membrane is moist, forming a protective surface layer and provides lubrication
vagina
refers to the external female sex organs
vulva
is the space into which the vagina opens posteriorly and the urethra opens anteriorly
vestibule
greater vestibular glands, two pea sized glands found at the posterior wall of the vaginal opening secreting mucus for lubrication (homologous to the male’s bulbourethral gland)
Bartholin’s gland
lesser vestibular glands, pair of glands located at the anterior wall of the vaginal opening secreting fluids for lubrication (homologous to the male’s prostate gland)
skene’s gland
a pair of thin longitudinal skin folds that form a border on each side of the vestibule
labia minora
prominent, rounded folds of skin found lateral to the labia minora
labia majora
thin fold of mucosa that partially closes the distal end of the vagina
hymen
a small erectile structure located in the anterior margin of the vestibule
clitoris
a fold of skin over the clitoris formed by two labia minora
prepuce
an elevation over the pubic symphysis formed by the union of two labia majora
mons pubis
is the area between the posterior part of the vulva and the anus
The skin and muscle of this region can tear during childbirth
perineum
The region between the vagina and the anus is the __________ __________
clinical perineum
present in both sexes, but they normally function only in females
These are the organs of milk production and they are located within the breasts
mammary glands
Each adult female mammary gland usually consists of __________ glandular lobes covered by a considerable amount of adipose tissue, giving the breast its form
15 – 20
secretory sacs that produces milk when the woman is lactating
mammary alveolus
cluster of mammary alveoli that makes up a breast lobe
The lobe then drains produced milk via the lactiferous duct
mammary lobules
the milk duct found in each lobe which opens independently of other lactiferous ducts on the surface of the nipple, draining produced milk
lactiferous duct
a spindle shaped structure formed by the lactiferous duct where milk accumulates during milk letdown
lactiferous sinus
the projection at the mammary glands on the surface of which the lactiferous ducts open
nipple
pigmented area that surrounds the central protruding nipple
Its slight bumpy surface is caused by the presence of the areolar glands just below the surface
areola
a group of suspensory ligaments that support and hold the breasts in place
cooper ligaments
It refers to the cyclic changes in sexually mature, non-pregnant females
it typically refers to the changes in the uterus, the term is often used to refer to all the cyclic events in the reproductive system, including alterations in hormone secretion and changes in the ovaries
menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is normally described as __________ __________ long
28 days
the menstrual cycle consists of two stages
ovarian cycle
uterine cycle
refers to the regular events that occur in the ovaries of a sexually mature, non-pregnant women during the menstrual cycle
It is hormonally regulated
ovarian cycle
occurs before ovulation where a primordial follicle develops into a graafian follicle as the primary oocyte inside continues the first meiotic division
Given the idealized 28 day cycle, this phase occurs between days 1 and 14
On day 14, the mature follicle ruptures, releasing the newly formed secondary oocyte
follicular phase
houses the primary oocytes present at birth
But once puberty begins, some of these mature into graafian follicles
This transition occurs as the oocyte inside it enlarges
primordial follicle
occurs after ovulation at days 15 to 28
Following ovulation, the now-ruptured mature follicle transforms into a gland called a corpus luteum
luteal phase
an endocrine structure that secretes estrogen and progesterone
corpus luteum
If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum __________ and remains active to maintain pregnancy
Progesterone causes changes in the uterus that make it more suitable for implantation of the fertilized ovum and the nourishment of the embryo
enlarges
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum eventually __________
This decreases estrogen and progesterone secretion, resulting in menses
degenerates
refers to changes that occur primarily in the endometrium of the uterus during the menstrual cycle caused by the secretions of estrogen and progesterone
There are also subtle changes in the vagina and other structures
uterine cycle
period of mild hemorrhage that occurs approximately once each month, during which the endometrium is sloughed off and expelled from the uterus
menses
is the discharge of the sloughed endometrial tissue and blood
menstruation
the time between the ending of menses and ovulation
During this phase, the endometrium of the uterus begins to regenerate
Estrogen causes the endometrial cells and, to a lesser degree, the myometrial cells to divide
proliferative phase
the period after ovulation and before the next menses
During this phase, the endometrium becomes thicker and starts to secrete small amounts of a fluid rich in glycogen
Approximately 7 days after ovulation, or about day 21 of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium is prepared to receive a developing embryonic mass, if fertilization has occurred
secretory phase
due to parasympathetic stimulation, blood flow to the female genitals is increased, engorging the erectile tissues in the clitoris and around the vaginal opening
The mucous glands within the vestibule secrete mucus for lubrication
engorgement
increased vaginal secretions for sexual intercourse lessening friction in penile penetration
lubrication
pleasurable sensation at the peak of sexual stimulation accompanied by rhythmic pelvic muscular contractions with vaginal, uterine, perineal, and anal contractions
Muscle tension increases throughout the body
In contrast to males, females can be receptive to further stimulation
female orgasm
an overall sense of satisfaction and relaxation that occurs after the sexual act
resolution
used to deliver a baby through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and uterus
cesarean delivery / c-section
When a woman goes into labor without the aid of any labor inducing drugs or methods, and is able to deliver the baby without requiring a doctor’s aid through cesarean section, vacuum extraction, or with forceps
normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
are exocrine glands that secrete important material for normal reproductive function
These secretions are released to the ducts of the male reproductive tract
accessory glands
the fluid that carries sperm cells and includes secretions from several accessory glands
semen
are sac shaped glands about 5 cm long that tapers into a short excretory duct that joins with the vas deferens to form the ejaculatory duct
It secretes a fructose rich fluid that is the main component of semen
seminal vesicles
walnut-sized accessory organ that wraps around part of the urethra and contributes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid that activates the sperm to swim
prostate gland
pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate gland and produces thick, clear alkaline mucus that drains into the urethra
Each of this is a compound mucous gland
bulbourethral glands / Cowper glands
