Topic 7: Reproductive Systems Flashcards
(156 cards)
General Concepts
Gametes
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.
General Concepts
Gonads
Primary sex organs—the testes in males and the ovaries in females—that produce gametes and secrete sex hormones.
General Concepts
Sex hormones
Steroid messengers released by the gonads, such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, that drive sexual development, gamete maturation, and secondary‑sex characteristics.
General Concepts
Sexual dimorphism
The collection of anatomical and physiological differences between males and females that emerge from genetic sex and hormone exposure during development and puberty.
General Concepts
Primary sex organs
Another term for the gonads, emphasizing their unique role as the only organs that create gametes.
General Concepts
Secondary sex organs
All additional ducts and glands that support gamete transport, fertilization, and embryonic development—for example, epididymis, uterus, and mammary glands.
General Concepts
Spermatozoa (sperm)
Motile male gametes produced in seminiferous tubules; streamlined cells designed to deliver paternal DNA to an oocyte.
General Concepts
Oocyte
Female gamete arrested in meiosis until ovulation; after fertilization it completes meiosisII and is often called an ovum or “egg.”
General Concepts
Fertilization
Fusion of one sperm with one secondary oocyte, usually in the ampulla of a uterine tube, forming a diploid zygote.
General Concepts
Embryo
Human developmental stage from implantation to eight weeks of gestation during which all major organ systems begin to form.
General Concepts
Fetus
Human developmental stage from nine weeks of gestation to birth, characterized by growth and functional maturation of organs.
Microscopic Structures – Testis
Tunica albuginea
Tough connective‑tissue capsule that partitions the testis into lobules and maintains slight internal pressure to aid sperm release.
Microscopic Structures – Testis
Seminiferous tubules
Tightly coiled tubes where spermatogonia divide and mature into sperm; Sertoli cells inside form the blood‑testis barrier and support developing germ cells.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Ovarian cortex
Outer region of the ovary that houses follicles at all developmental stages.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Ovarian medulla
Central region of the ovary containing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Primordial follicle
Primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of squamous follicular cells; quiescent until recruited for maturation.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Primary follicle
Growing oocyte encircled by cuboidal granulosa cells; the zona pellucida begins forming around the oocyte.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Secondary follicle
Follicle in which fluid‑filled pockets appear among granulosa cells, and an external theca layer develops.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Graafian (vesicular) follicle
Mature, thin‑walled follicle with a large fluid‑filled antrum that bulges from the ovarian surface just before ovulation.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Corpus luteum
Endocrine structure formed from the post‑ovulatory follicle; secretes progesterone and estrogen to prepare the uterus for possible implantation.
Microscopic Structures – Ovary
Corpus albicans
Fibrous scar that remains after the corpus luteum regresses if pregnancy does not occur.
Microscopic Structures – Uterus
Endometrium
Inner mucosal layer that undergoes cyclical proliferation and shedding; provides the implantation site and forms the maternal placenta.
Microscopic Structures – Uterus
Myometrium
Thick smooth‑muscle layer whose coordinated contractions power menstrual cramping and labor.
Microscopic Structures – Uterus
Perimetrium
Outer serous coat (visceral peritoneum) covering most of the uterine surface.