Sexual Health Flashcards
Hormones
a product of living cells that circulates in body fluids (as blood) that stimulates other body cells to do something
Thyroid gland
a large endocrine gland at the base of the neck of most vertebrates that produces iodine-containing hormones (as thyroxine) that affect growth, development, and metabolism – called also thyroid gland
Parathyroid gland
produces a hormone that controls the amount of calcium and phosphorus in blood.
Hypothalamus
produces hormones which pass to the front part of the pituitary gland, and is important in regulating the activities of the autonomic nervous system
Pineal gland
produces melatonin especially in response to darkness – called also pineal body
Melatonin
-hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland especially in response to darkness and has been linked to the regulation of bodily functions or activities (as sleep) that occur in approximately 24 hour cycles
Pituitary gland
A small oval endocrine organ located at the base of the brain that produces various hormones that regulate especially growth and reproduction
Adrenal gland
either of a pair of endocrine glands that are located near the kidney and produce the hormone epinephrine
Epinephrine
- a hormone of the adrenal gland acting especially on smooth muscle, causing narrowing of blood vessels, and raising blood pressure – called also adrenaline
Pancreas
a large gland of vertebrates that lies near the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and insulin
Insulin
a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is necessary for the normal use of glucose by the body
Seminal vesicle
pair of glandular pouches that lie one on either side of the male reproductive tract and in the human male secrete a sugar- and protein-containing fluid into the ejaculatory duct
Prostate gland
an organ found in men and male animals that produces the liquid in which sperm is carried. This gland increases in size and can sometime develop cancer. Normal screening reduces cancer risks.
Cowpers gland
either of two small glands lying on either side of the male urethra below the prostate gland and discharging a secretion into the semen that neutralizes conditions inside urethra.
Vas deferens
a sperm-carrying duct in the male beginning at the epididymis and eventually joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct
Testis
male reproductive glands that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and is contained in the scrotum.
Epididymis
a system of ducts leading from the testis that holds sperm during maturation before uniting into the vas deferens
Testicular cancer
Cancer of the testicles usually occurring between ages 15-35
Ovaries
usually two organs in women and female animals that produce eggs and female hormones
Ovum
Female egg cell
Uterus
the organ in women in which babies develop before birth
Monogamy
one mutually faithful sexual partner
Vertical transmittion
spreading disease from mother to baby
Ovulation
one egg leaving a woman’s ovary once a month.
