Reproductive Function Flashcards
(199 cards)
The generation of sperm
Spermatogenesis
Part of the male external genitalia; it contains erectile tissue that fills with blood during sexual arousal
Penis
A sheath of loose skin that covers the glans penis at birth. Often surgically removed for hygienic, cultural, or religious reasons
Foreskin
An oily secretion produced by the glans that can combine with dead skin to form a cheesy substance. If not regularly removed from under the foreskin, the penis can become irritated and infected
Smegma
An opening or passageway
Meatus
Propulsion of sperm-containing fluid
Ejaculation
A sac of skin just below the penis that contains the testes, epididymis, and lower spermatic cords
Scrotum
Gonads; organs that produce sperm and the sex hormones
Testes
Structure in the male reproductive tract that stores sperm up to 6 weeks until ejaculation
Epididymis
Hormone that gives males their classic secondary sex characteristics and sex drive. Can also regulate metabolism and protein anabolism, inhibits pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, and promotes potassium excretion and renal sodium reabsorption
Testosterone
Part of the male duct system that carries sperm out of the testes
Vas deferens
A cordlike structure, consisting of the vas deferens and its accompanying arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, that passes from the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal down into the scrotum to the back of the testicle
Spermatic cord
A pouch that joins the seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory duct in the male reproductive system. Stores semen and contributes secretions to it
Ampulla
A pair of pouches that secrete an alkaline ejaculatory fluid containing sugar, protein, and prostaglandins. Join with the ampulla to form the ejaculatory duct
Seminal vesicles
Canal in the male reproductive tract formed by union of the vas deferens and the duct from the seminal vesicle
Ejaculatory duct
Fluid made up of ejaculatory fluid and sperm. It flows from the ejaculatory duct to the urethra, where it is released from the penis during sexual intercourse
Semen
A chestnut-shaped gland at the base of the urethra in men; it produces fluid that mixes with the sperm and secretions of the seminal vesicles. This fluid decreases acidity of the secretions, increases sperm motility, and prolongs sperm life
Prostate gland
Two pea-sized glands adjacent to the urethra that secrete an alkaline fluid into the urethra to neutralize acidity caused by urine transportation. These secretions can sometimes be seen at the meatus before ejaculation. This secretion aids in lubrication of the penis during sexual intercourse and may contain some sperm left over from a previous ejaculation
Cowper gland
The climax of pleasurable sensations
Orgasm
The generation of eggs
Oogenesis
The transportation of the eggs
Ovulation
The fertilization of eggs
Impregnation
The support of fetal development from conception to birth by the female reproductive system
Gestation
The birth of the fetus
Parturition