Topic 7: Reproductive Systems Flashcards
(156 cards)
1
Q
General Concepts
Gametes
A
Haploid reproductive cells that each carry one set of chromosomes; sperm in males and oocytes in females unite at fertilization to restore the diploid chromosome number.
2
Q
General Concepts
Gonads
A
Primary sex organs—the testes in males and the ovaries in females—that produce gametes and secrete sex hormones.
3
Q
General Concepts
Sex hormones
A
Steroid messengers released by the gonads, such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, that drive sexual development, gamete maturation, and secondary‑sex characteristics.
4
Q
General Concepts
Sexual dimorphism
A
The collection of anatomical and physiological differences between males and females that emerge from genetic sex and hormone exposure during development and puberty.
5
Q
General Concepts
Primary sex organs
A
Another term for the gonads, emphasizing their unique role as the only organs that create gametes.
6
Q
General Concepts
Secondary sex organs
A
All additional ducts and glands that support gamete transport, fertilization, and embryonic development—for example, epididymis, uterus, and mammary glands.
7
Q
General Concepts
Spermatozoa (sperm)
A
Motile male gametes produced in seminiferous tubules; streamlined cells designed to deliver paternal DNA to an oocyte.
8
Q
General Concepts
Oocyte
A
Female gamete arrested in meiosis until ovulation; after fertilization it completes meiosisII and is often called an ovum or “egg.”
9
Q
General Concepts
Fertilization
A
Fusion of one sperm with one secondary oocyte, usually in the ampulla of a uterine tube, forming a diploid zygote.
10
Q
General Concepts
Embryo
A
Human developmental stage from implantation to eight weeks of gestation during which all major organ systems begin to form.
11
Q
General Concepts
Fetus
A
Human developmental stage from nine weeks of gestation to birth, characterized by growth and functional maturation of organs.
12
Q
Microscopic Structures – Testis
Tunica albuginea
A
Tough connective‑tissue capsule that partitions the testis into lobules and maintains slight internal pressure to aid sperm release.
13
Q
Microscopic Structures – Testis
Seminiferous tubules
A
Tightly coiled tubes where spermatogonia divide and mature into sperm; Sertoli cells inside form the blood‑testis barrier and support developing germ cells.
14
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Ovarian cortex
A
Outer region of the ovary that houses follicles at all developmental stages.
15
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Ovarian medulla
A
Central region of the ovary containing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
16
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Primordial follicle
A
Primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of squamous follicular cells; quiescent until recruited for maturation.
17
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Primary follicle
A
Growing oocyte encircled by cuboidal granulosa cells; the zona pellucida begins forming around the oocyte.
18
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Secondary follicle
A
Follicle in which fluid‑filled pockets appear among granulosa cells, and an external theca layer develops.
19
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Graafian (vesicular) follicle
Also called tertiary follicle
A
Mature, thin‑walled follicle with a large fluid‑filled antrum that bulges from the ovarian surface just before ovulation.
20
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Corpus luteum
A
Endocrine structure formed from the post‑ovulatory follicle; secretes progesterone and estrogen to prepare the uterus for possible implantation.
21
Q
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Corpus albicans
A
Fibrous scar that remains after the corpus luteum regresses if pregnancy does not occur.
22
Q
Microscopic Structures – Uterus
Endometrium
A
Inner mucosal layer that undergoes cyclical proliferation and shedding; provides the implantation site and forms the maternal placenta.
23
Q
Microscopic Structures – Uterus
Myometrium
A
Thick smooth‑muscle layer whose coordinated contractions power menstrual cramping and labor.
24
Q
Microscopic Structures – Uterus
Perimetrium
A
Outer serous coat (visceral peritoneum) covering most of the uterine surface.
25
# Gross Male Anatomy
Scrotum
Temperature‑regulated pouch of skin and dartos muscle that houses the testes outside the body cavity.
26
# Gross Male Anatomy
Epididymis
Comma‑shaped duct on the posterior testis where sperm develop motility and are stored until ejaculation.
27
# Gross Male Anatomy
Ductus (vas) deferens
Muscular tube that conveys sperm from the epididymis, through the inguinal canal, and into the pelvic cavity; its distal ampulla joins the seminal vesicle duct.
28
# Gross Male Anatomy
Testicular artery
Branch of the abdominal aorta that supplies oxygenated blood to each testis.
29
# Gross Male Anatomy
Testicular vein (pampiniform plexus)
Network of veins that drains the testis and cools arterial blood by counter‑current heat exchange.
30
# Gross Male Anatomy
Spermatic cord
Bundle containing the vas deferens, vessels, nerves, and cremaster muscle that passes through the inguinal canal.
31
# Gross Male Anatomy
Inguinal canal
Oblique passage in the anterior abdominal wall through which the spermatic cord (or round ligament in females) travels.
32
# Gross Male Anatomy
Seminal vesicle
Paired posterior‑bladder gland that secretes fructose‑rich, alkaline fluid forming about sixty percent of semen volume.
33
# Gross Male Anatomy
Prostate gland
Walnut‑sized gland surrounding the prostatic urethra; adds citrate, enzymes, and prostate‑specific antigen to semen and helps propel it by muscular contraction.
34
# Gross Male Anatomy
Bulbourethral (Cowper) gland
Pea‑sized gland at the base of the penis that secretes alkaline mucus to neutralize residual urine and lubricate the urethra before ejaculation.
35
# Gross Male Anatomy
Male urethra
Common passageway for urine and semen, extending from the bladder through the penis; divided into prostatic, membranous, and spongy segments.
36
# Gross Male Anatomy
Penis
External organ of copulation composed of two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum that surrounds the urethra and expands distally to form the glans.
37
# Gross Male Anatomy
Corpora cavernosa
Paired dorsal columns of erectile tissue that fill with blood during erection, causing penile rigidity.
38
# Gross Male Anatomy
Corpus spongiosum
Median ventral column of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra and prevents it from collapsing during erection.
39
# Gross Male Anatomy
Glans penis
Expanded distal tip of the corpus spongiosum containing dense sensory innervation.
40
# Gross Female Anatomy
Ovaries
Female gonads that produce oocytes and secrete estrogen and progesterone; suspended by the ovarian and suspensory ligaments.
41
# Gross Female Anatomy
Mons pubis
Fatty pad over the pubic symphysis that becomes covered with hair after puberty.
42
# Gross Female Anatomy
Vulva
Collective term for the female external genitalia, including labia, clitoris, and vestibule.
43
# Gross Female Anatomy
Labia majora
| Sometimes called *Labium Majus*
Pair of larger, hair‑covered skin folds that protect the vestibule.
44
# Gross Female Anatomy
Labia minora
| Sometimes called *Labium Minus*
Pair of smaller, hairless skin folds that border the vestibule and form part of the clitoral hood.
45
# Gross Female Anatomy
Prepuce (clitoral hood)
Fold of skin formed by the labia minora that covers the clitoral glans.
46
# Gross Female Anatomy
Clitoris
Highly innervated erectile structure homologous to the glans penis; central to female sexual arousal.
47
# Gross Female Anatomy
Vagina
Fibromuscular canal extending from the cervix to the vestibule; receives semen, serves as the birth canal, and allows menstrual flow.
48
# Gross Female Anatomy
Cervix
Inferior cylindrical portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina and produces cervical mucus that changes across the menstrual cycle.
49
# Gross Female Anatomy
Uterus
Hollow muscular organ sitting anterior to the rectum and superior to the bladder; site of implantation, fetal development, and labor contractions.
50
# Gross Female Anatomy
Oviducts (uterine or fallopian tubes)
Paired ducts that transport the ovulated oocyte toward the uterus; typical site of fertilization.
51
# Gross Female Anatomy
Infundibulum
Funnel‑shaped distal segment of a uterine tube that opens into the peritoneal cavity.
52
# Gross Female Anatomy
Fimbriae
Finger‑like projections at the infundibulum that sweep the ovulated oocyte into the uterine tube.
53
# Gross Female Anatomy
Broad ligament of the Uterus
Fold of peritoneum that drapes over the uterus and adnexa, anchoring them to the lateral pelvic walls.
54
# Gross Female Anatomy
Ovarian ligament
Fibrous band that anchors the ovary to the lateral side of the uterus.
55
# Gross Female Anatomy
Suspensory ligament of ovary
Peritoneal fold that contains the ovarian vessels and nerves and attaches the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall.
56
57
# Male Anatomy
Dartos muscle
Thin layer of smooth muscle in the scrotal subcutaneous tissue that wrinkles the skin to reduce surface area and save heat, helping regulate testicular temperature.
58
# Male Anatomy
Cremaster muscle
Skeletal muscle fibers derived from the internal oblique that elevate the testes toward the body when it contracts, aiding thermoregulation and protection.
59
# Male Anatomy
Tunica vaginalis
Serous membrane derived from peritoneum that forms visceral and parietal layers around each testis, reducing friction as the testes move within the scrotum.
60
# Male Anatomy
Gubernaculum testis
Fibrous cord that guides the descent of the testes from the posterior abdominal wall into the scrotum during fetal development.
61
# Male Anatomy
Rete testis
Network of interconnected channels in the mediastinum testis that collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules and directs them to the efferent ductules.
62
# Male Anatomy
Efferent ductules
Small ducts that carry sperm from the rete testis to the head of the epididymis and help reabsorb excess testicular fluid.
63
# Male Anatomy
Head of epididymis
Superior expanded region of the epididymis where efferent ductules empty and early sperm maturation begins.
64
# Male Anatomy
Body of epididymis
Central portion of the epididymis where sperm acquire motility and surface proteins needed for fertilization.
65
# Male Anatomy
Tail of epididymis
Inferior portion of the epididymis that stores mature sperm until ejaculation.
66
# Male Anatomy
Leydig cells
Interstitial endocrine cells located between seminiferous tubules that synthesize and secrete testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone.
67
# Male Anatomy
Sertoli cells
Large sustentacular cells lining seminiferous tubules that support germ cells, form tight junctions for the blood testis barrier, and secrete inhibin and androgen binding protein.
68
# Male Anatomy
Blood testis barrier
Tight junction network between adjacent Sertoli cells that isolates developing germ cells from blood borne immune components and toxins.
69
# Male Anatomy
Counter current heat exchange
Process by which cooler venous blood in the pampiniform veins absorbs heat from the warmer incoming testicular artery, keeping testicular temperature about 2 Celsius below core.
70
# Male Anatomy
Median scrotal septum
Fibrous partition that divides the scrotum into right and left chambers, limiting infection spread and torsion.
71
# Male Anatomy
Deep dorsal vein of penis
Main venous drainage channel that runs beneath Buck fascia along the dorsal midline and empties into the prostatic venous plexus.
72
# Male Anatomy
Helicine arteries
Coiled arteries within the corpora cavernosa whose relaxation allows rapid blood filling during erection.
73
# Male Anatomy
Penile prepuce
Fold of skin covering the glans penis that provides protection and lubricant-producing mucosa.
74
# Male Anatomy
Bulbospongiosus muscle
Superficial perineal muscle that compresses the bulb of the penis to aid ejaculation and expels residual urine.
75
# Male Anatomy
Ischiocavernosus muscle
Muscle covering the crura of the penis that compresses deep dorsal veins to maintain penile erection.
76
# Male Anatomy
Ejaculatory duct
Short duct formed by the union of the vas deferens ampulla and seminal vesicle duct that empties into the prostatic urethra.
77
# Male Anatomy
Seminal colliculus
Elevated structure on the posterior wall of the prostatic urethra where the ejaculatory ducts open.
78
# Male Anatomy
Urethral crest
Longitudinal ridge in the prostatic urethra that directs urinary flow and houses the seminal colliculus.
79
# Male Anatomy
Cryptorchidism
Condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, increasing risk of infertility and malignancy.
80
# Male Physiology
Spermatogonium type A
Stem cell population that undergoes mitosis to maintain the germ cell line throughout life.
81
# Male Physiology
Spermatogonium type B
Committed germ cells that enlarge and enter meiosis as primary spermatocytes.
82
# Male Physiology
Primary spermatocyte
Diploid germ cell that begins meiosis I to generate genetic diversity.
83
# Male Physiology
Secondary spermatocyte
Haploid cell produced after completion of meiosis I that quickly enters meiosis II.
84
# Male Physiology
Spermatid
Haploid cell resulting from meiosis II that differentiates without further division.
85
# Male Physiology
Spermiogenesis
Final maturation phase where a round spermatid elongates, forms an acrosome and flagellum, and sheds excess cytoplasm to become a spermatozoon.
86
# Male Physiology
Acrosome
Caplike vesicle derived from the Golgi apparatus containing hydrolytic enzymes that enable sperm penetration of the zona pellucida.
87
# Male Physiology
Midpiece of sperm
Segment of the sperm tail packed with mitochondria that generate ATP for flagellar movement.
88
# Male Physiology
Flagellum
Long motile tail of the sperm built from microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement that propels the cell forward.
89
# Male Physiology
Capacitation
Biochemical changes in the female tract that remove stabilizing proteins from the sperm membrane, increasing motility and preparing it for the acrosome reaction.
90
# Male Physiology
Acrosome reaction
Exocytosis of acrosomal enzymes triggered by binding to zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3, allowing sperm to penetrate the oocyte.
91
# Male Physiology
Emission phase
Sympathetically driven stage of ejaculation during which sperm and glandular secretions enter the prostatic urethra.
92
# Male Physiology
Expulsion phase
Somatic reflex mediated by the pudendal nerve that rhythmically contracts bulbospongiosus muscles to propel semen out of the urethra.
93
# Male Physiology
Nitric oxide in erection
Neurotransmitter released by parasympathetic nerves that activates guanylyl cyclase in smooth muscle, raising cGMP and causing vasodilation.
94
# Male Physiology
Phosphodiesterase 5
Enzyme that degrades cGMP in penile smooth muscle; its inhibition prolongs erection.
95
# Male Physiology
Hypogastric plexus
Autonomic plexus supplying sympathetic fibers to pelvic organs that contribute to emission.
96
# Male Physiology
Pudendal nerve
Somatic nerve providing motor innervation to perineal muscles and sensory input from external genitalia, crucial for ejaculation reflex.
97
# Male Physiology
Prostaglandins in semen
Lipid mediators primarily from seminal vesicles that thin cervical mucus and induce uterine contractions.
98
# Male Physiology
Fructose in seminal fluid
Simple sugar secreted by seminal vesicles serving as the principal energy substrate for sperm metabolism.
99
# Male Physiology
Prostate specific antigen
Serine protease released from the prostate that liquefies the semen clot after ejaculation.
100
# Male Physiology
Seminal vesicle secretion composition
Alkaline fluid containing fructose, prostaglandins, fibrinogen, citrate and coagulating proteins that supports sperm survival.
101
# Male Physiology
Prostatic urethra histology
Lined by transitional epithelium and surrounded by glandular tissue that adds prostatic secretions to the ejaculate.
102
# Male Physiology
Membranous urethra
Shortest urethral segment passing through the external urethral sphincter and perineal membrane.
103
# Male Physiology
Spongy urethra
Longest urethral segment within the corpus spongiosum extending to the external meatus.
104
# Male Physiology
Spermatogenesis duration
Approximate time of 64 to 72 days from spermatogonium to release of sperm into the lumen.
105
# Male Physiology
Epididymal transit time
Elapsed time of roughly 10 to 14 days for sperm to pass from head to tail of epididymis and gain motility.
106
# Female Anatomy
Greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands
Paired mucus secreting glands at the posterior vestibule that provide lubrication during intercourse.
107
# Female Anatomy
Paraurethral (Skene) glands
Glands homologous to the prostate located near the urethral opening that secrete fluid contributing to lubrication and antimicrobial defense.
108
# Female Anatomy
Vestibular bulbs
Erectile tissue masses on either side of the vaginal orifice that engorge with blood during sexual arousal.
109
# Female Anatomy
Perineal body
Fibromuscular mass between vagina and anus that serves as a central point of attachment for perineal muscles.
110
# Female Anatomy
Deep transverse perineal muscle
Muscle of the urogenital diaphragm that supports pelvic organs and stabilizes the perineal body.
111
# Female Anatomy
Pelvic diaphragm
Muscular floor formed mainly by levator ani and coccygeus muscles that supports pelvic viscera.
112
# Female Anatomy
Uterosacral ligaments
Fibrous bands extending from cervix to sacrum that help maintain uterine position.
113
# Female Anatomy
Cardinal (transverse cervical) ligaments
Thick fibrous condensations of pelvic fascia that anchor the cervix to the lateral pelvic walls and transmit uterine vessels.
114
# Female Anatomy
Round ligament of uterus
Fibromuscular band passing through the inguinal canal to the labia majora that helps keep the uterus anteverted.
115
# Female Anatomy
Myometrium fiber arrangement
Interlacing longitudinal, circular and oblique smooth muscle layers that produce strong coordinated contractions.
116
# Female Anatomy
Spiral arteries
Coiled vessels supplying the functional layer of the endometrium that constrict during menstruation.
117
# Female Anatomy
Basal arteries
Straight vessels that supply the basal layer of the endometrium and remain intact during the menstrual cycle.
118
# Female Anatomy
Endometrial glands
Tubular glands in the endometrium that secrete glycogen rich fluid to nourish an early embryo.
119
# Female Physiology
Ischemic phase
Short premenstrual interval when spiral artery spasm causes functional layer necrosis before shedding.
120
# Female Physiology
Menstrual phase
Days 1 to 5 of the uterine cycle when the functional layer is shed due to falling progesterone.
121
# Female Physiology
Proliferative phase
Endometrial regeneration phase driven by estrogen, typically days 6 to 14.
122
# Female Physiology
Secretory phase
Progesterone dominated phase after ovulation when endometrial glands widen and secrete nutrient rich fluid.
123
# Female Physiology
LH surge
Abrupt rise in luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation and transforms the ruptured follicle into a corpus luteum.
124
# Female Physiology
Follicle rupture mechanism
Combination of increased intrafollicular pressure and enzyme mediated breakdown of the follicle wall by collagenase and plasmin.
125
# Female Physiology
Corpus luteum lifespan
Roughly 14 days unless rescued by human chorionic gonadotropin from an implanting embryo.
126
# Female Physiology
Follicular atresia
Degeneration and resorption of ovarian follicles that do not reach ovulation.
127
# Female Physiology
Theca interna
Endocrine layer of the follicle that converts cholesterol to androstenedione under luteinizing hormone stimulation.
128
# Female Physiology
Granulosa cell aromatase
Enzyme that converts theca derived androgens into estrogens under follicle stimulating hormone control.
129
# Female Physiology
Zona pellucida ZP3
Glycoprotein that acts as the sperm receptor and triggers the acrosome reaction.
130
# Female Physiology
Corona radiata
Layer of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte after ovulation that supplies nutrients during transit.
131
# Female Physiology
Polar body
Small cell with minimal cytoplasm produced during oocyte meiosis to discard extra chromosomes.
132
# Female Physiology
Primary oocyte arrest
Stage where oocytes remain in prophase I from fetal life until recruitment for ovulation.
133
# Female Physiology
Secondary oocyte arrest
Stage where the ovulated oocyte halts at metaphase II until fertilization.
134
# Female Physiology
Menarche
First menstruation signaling onset of reproductive capability, typically occurring around age 12.
135
# Female Physiology
Menopause
Permanent cessation of menstruation due to depletion of ovarian follicles, usually after age 45.
136
# Endocrine Regulation
GnRH pulse generator
Hypothalamic neurons that release gonadotropin releasing hormone in pulses, dictating LH and FSH secretion patterns.
137
# Endocrine Regulation
Inhibin
Peptide hormone from Sertoli and granulosa cells that selectively inhibits FSH release from the pituitary.
138
# Endocrine Regulation
Activin
Peptide produced by gonadal cells that stimulates FSH secretion and enhances follicle development.
139
# Endocrine Regulation
Anti Mullerian hormone
Glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells that causes regression of paramesonephric ducts during male development and serves as an ovarian reserve marker in women.
140
# Embryology & Development
Wolffian ducts
Mesonephric ducts that develop into male internal genitalia such as epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles under testosterone influence.
141
# Embryology & Development
Mullerian ducts
Paramesonephric ducts that differentiate into female internal structures including uterus, oviducts and upper vagina.
142
# Embryology & Development
SRY gene
Sex determining region of the Y chromosome encoding a transcription factor that initiates testis development.
143
# Embryology & Development
5 alpha reductase and DHT
Enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen essential for development of male external genitalia.
144
# Embryology & Development
Uterine tube ciliated cells
Epithelial cells with motile cilia that beat toward the uterus, moving the oocyte or zygote along the tube.
145
# Embryology & Development
Peg cells
Nonciliated secretory cells of the uterine tube that produce nutritive fluid supporting gametes and embryos.
146
# Embryology & Development
Ampulla of uterine tube
Widest segment where fertilization most commonly occurs.
147
# Embryology & Development
Isthmus of uterine tube
Narrow medial segment that joins the uterus and acts as a selective gate for sperm and embryos.
148
# Embryology & Development
Decidualization
Progesterone driven transformation of endometrial stromal cells into nutrient rich decidual cells for embryo implantation.
149
# Embryology & Development
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Placental glycoprotein that maintains the corpus luteum and progesterone production during early pregnancy.
150
# Embryology & Development
Placental villi
Fingerlike projections of chorion containing fetal blood vessels that exchange nutrients and gases with maternal blood.
151
# Embryology & Development
Syncytiotrophoblast
Multinucleated outer layer of the placenta that invades maternal endometrium and secretes hormones.
152
# Embryology & Development
Cytotrophoblast
Inner layer of trophoblast that proliferates and fuses to renew the syncytiotrophoblast.
153
# Embryology & Development
Chorion
Extraembryonic membrane formed from trophoblast and extraembryonic mesoderm that contributes to the placenta.
154
# Embryology & Development
Amniotic fluid
Liquid surrounding the fetus that cushions, allows movement, and maintains temperature.
155
# Embryology & Development
Placental barrier
Composite of fetal capillary endothelium, basement membranes and syncytiotrophoblast that regulates substance exchange between mother and fetus.
156
# Embryology & Development
Mammary gland alveoli
Milk secreting sacs lined by lactocytes and surrounded by myoepithelial cells that eject milk under oxytocin influence.
