Reproductive system Flashcards
Familiarization
Is a collection of organs and structures in the body that produce, nurture, and birth children. It contains organs that produce reproductive cells (sperm in males and eggs or ovaries in females), as well as structures for fertilization and the support of developing embryos and fetuses in females.
Reproductive System
Produce sperm and testosterone.
Testes
Stores and matures sperm.
Epididymis
Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
Vas Deferens
Produce seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm.
Seminal Vesicles
Secretes fluid that helps activate sperm.
Prostate Gland
Delivers sperm into the female reproductive system.
Penis
Conducts semen and urine out of the body
Urethra
Produce eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Ovaries
Transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus; site of fertilization.
Fallopian Tubes
Supports the implantation and development of a fertilized egg.
Uterus
Connects the uterus to the vagina and allows passage of sperm, menstrual blood, or a baby during childbirth.
Cervix
Receives sperm, serves as the birth canal, and provides an exit for menstrual flow.
Vagina
Produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy.
Ovaries
Secrete testosterone, which regulates sperm production and secondary male characteristics like muscle mass and voice deepening.
Testes
Stimulates sperm production, development of male secondary sexual characteristics, and maintenance of libido.
Testosterone
Regulates the menstrual cycle, promotes the thickening of the uterine lining, and supports secondary sexual characteristics like breast development.
Estrogen
Prepares the uterus for pregnancy, maintains the uterine lining during pregnancy, and inhibits further ovulation.
Progesterone
Occurs in the testes. It produces millions of small, motile sperm continuously after puberty.
Spermatogenesis
Occurs in the ovaries. It produces a limited number of large, non-motile eggs. Only one mature egg is typically released per menstrual cycle.
Oogenesis
Prevent implantation or sperm movement.
IUDs
Vasectomy or tubal ligation permanently blocks gamete transport.
Sterilization
Stimulates gamete production
FSH FEMALE
Triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males
LH FEMALE
Secrete a pre-ejaculate fluid to neutralize acidity.
Bulbourethral glands
A muscular organ that houses and nourishes the developing fetus. During labor, the myometrium contracts to push the baby out.
Uterus
The lower portion of the uterus that dilates and softens during labor to allow passage of the baby.
Cervix
Inner layer that thickens during the menstrual cycle to support embryo implantation. Sheds during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.
Endometrium
Middle muscular layer responsible for powerful contractions during labor and menstruation.
Myometrium
Outer layer that provides structural support and reduces friction with other organs.
Perimetrium
Contains connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves that support the cortex.
Medulla
Contains follicles where oocytes (immature eggs) develop. Most ovarian activity occurs here.
Cortex
Stimulates the production of milk in the mammary glands
Prolactin
Facilitates the ejection of milk (milk letdown reflex) by contracting the smooth muscle around mammary ducts
Oxytocin
Stimulates spermatogenesis in the testes by acting on Sertoli cells.
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) MALE
Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, which supports sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) MALE
Contracts to pull testes closer to the body in cold temperatures.
Cremaster muscle
Contracts to wrinkle the scrotal skin and reduce heat loss.
Dartos muscle
Progesterone (from the corpus luteum) and estrogen exert negative feedback to suppress FSH and LH, preventing additional ovulations. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels drop, and the cycle restarts.
Luteal Phase
What are the effects of testosterone on secondary sexual characteristics and overall male reproductive function?
Deepening of the voice, Supports growth and maintenance of male reproductive organs (e.g., testes and prostate).
