Reproductive System Flashcards
Secondary sex characteristics
Physical features that develop during puberty that are not directly involved in reproduction
Primary sex characteristics
Physical features that are directly involved in reproduction
Epididymis
Duct where sperm mature and become motile, located near each testicle
Seminiferous tubules
Tube in testes where sperm are produced
Seminal vesicles
Gland that secretes mucus containing fructose, an energy source for sperm. Located behind the prostate gland
Prostate gland
Gland that secretes alkaline fluid into the urethra. Provides an environment best suited for sperm
Cowper’s gland
Gland that secretes clear mucus fluid that aids in lubrication and neutralizes acidity in the urethra. Located below the prostate
Ductus deferens (vas deferens)
Storage duct leading to the penis. Runs from the epididymis into a cavity behind the bladder
Urethra
Tube through which urine and semen exit the body
Testis
Male reproductive organ that produces sperm
Interstitial cells
Cells in the testes that produce sperm
Sertoli cells
Cells around which spermatids develop in the testes
Ovary
One of a pair of female reproductive organs
Oviduct
Cilia-lined tube that leads from ovary to uterus for transport of ova
Fimbriae
Projections that sweep ova from the ovary to the oviduct
Cervix
Opening of the uterus towards the vagina
Vagina
Tube that leads from the exterior to the uterus
Endometrial lining
Inner lining of the uterus. Changes throughout the uterine cycle, sheds during menstruation
Testosterone
Hormone that develops reproductive tract. Production inhibits the release of LH
FSH
Hormone that stimulates development of sex organs and gamete production
LH
Hormone that stimulates production of testosterone and triggers ovulation
Inhibin
Hormone that inhibits the production of FSH
Estrogen
Hormone that develops reproductive tract and secondary sex characteristics
Progesterone
Hormone that causes uterine thickening
Oxytocin
Hormone that causes cervix to open during birth
Prolactin
Hormone produced from infant suckling, leads to milk production
Fallopian Tube
Where fertilization occurs
Uterus
Where development occurs
Follicular stage
Stage of the menstrual cycle where FSH increases, stimulating one follicle to mature
Ovulation
End of the follicular stage, halfway through the cycle (day 14)
Luteal stage
Stage of the menstrual cycle where the follicle develops into the corpus luteum, secreting progesterone and some estrogen
Endometrium
During the uterine cycle, it is shed during the first ~5 days. Estrogen levels cause thickening. After ovulation, progesterone causes faster thickening
hCG
Hormone released during implantation, remains high for two months if pregnancy occurs
AI
Artificial insemination: sperm collected before being placed in a woman’s uterus
IVF
In vitro fertilization: eggs harvested, fertilized in lab glassware, developing embryo implanted
IVM
In vitro maturation: eggs harvested and matured in lab glassware, then fertilized and implanted
Superovulation
Hormone treatment to produce multiple eggs
Cryopreservation
Freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos for later use
Natural methods
Methods of contraception that involve abstinence, withdrawal, or fertility awareness
Physical or chemical barriers
Methods of contraception that involve condoms, sponge, cervical cap, diaphragm, copper IUD, or jellies
Hormonal contraception
Methods of contraception that involve the pill, patch, vaginal ring, hormonal IUD, injectable, or plan-B
Surgical sterilization
Methods of contraception that involve tubal ligation (female) or vasectomy (male)
Stem cells
Cells that can develop into many types of cells, valuable for research into diseases and conditions
Multipotent
Stem cells that can turn into a few types of cells, come from adult bone marrow
Female infertility
Infertility caused by blocked oviducts, failure to ovulate, endometriosis, or damaged eggs
GIFT
Gamete intrafallopian transfer: eggs and sperm are placed in the oviducts to allow natural fertilization
Surrogates
Eggs and sperm are implanted in a contracted woman to carry the pregnancy
Cleavage
Process of cell division without growth
Differentiation/specialization
Process where cells specialize to perform specific functions
Chorion
Outermost membrane that encloses all other membranes and the embryo
Amnion
Transparent sac that grows to enclose the embryo, filled with amniotic fluid
Allantois
Foundation for umbilical cord, helps the embryo exchange gases and waste
Labour
Stages of childbirth where the uterus experiences contractions
Fraternal twins
Twins that result from two separate eggs being fertilized
Identical twins
Twins that result from one egg being fertilized and then separated
Home pregnancy test
Test that indicates pregnancy by the second week
Ultrasound
Diagnostic technique that provides physical information and internal structures for developing fetus
Fetoscopy
Surgical access to fetus through incision, done during fetal growth
Amniocentesis
Diagnostic technique where amniotic fluid is withdrawn after the 14th week for genetic testing
Chorionic Villi Sampling
Diagnostic technique where fetal cells are removed after the 9th week for genetic testing
Maternal Blood Tests
Blood sampling for health and family history, can be done any time
Cell-free DNA Prenatal Screening
Sample of cells in the mother’s blood originally from the fetus, used for genetic testing
Male infertility
Infertility caused by obstruction, low sperm count, non-viable sperm, or erectile dysfunction
Pluripotent
Cells that are capable of developing into most, but not all, of the body’s cell types
