Key Terms Chapter 27: The Reproductive System
- Page ID
- 62679
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- alveoli
- (of the breast) milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland
- ampulla
- (of the uterine tube) middle portion of the uterine tube in which fertilization often occurs
- antrum
- fluid-filled chamber that characterizes a mature tertiary (antral) follicle
- areola
- highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling
- Bartholin’s glands
- (also, greater vestibular glands) glands that produce a thick mucus that maintains moisture in the vulva area; also referred to as the greater vestibular glands
- blood–testis barrier
- tight junctions between Sertoli cells that prevent bloodborne pathogens from gaining access to later stages of spermatogenesis and prevent the potential for an autoimmune reaction to haploid sperm
- body of uterus
- middle section of the uterus
- broad ligament
- wide ligament that supports the uterus by attaching laterally to both sides of the uterus and pelvic wall
- bulbourethral glands
- (also, Cowper’s glands) glands that secrete a lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation
- cervix
- elongate inferior end of the uterus where it connects to the vagina
- clitoris
- (also, glans clitoris) nerve-rich area of the vulva that contributes to sexual sensation during intercourse
- corpus albicans
- nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovarian stroma following structural and functional regression of the corpus luteum
- corpus cavernosum
- either of two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during an erection
- corpus luteum
- transformed follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone
- corpus spongiosum
- (plural = corpora cavernosa) column of erectile tissue in the penis that fills with blood during an erection and surrounds the penile urethra on the ventral portion of the penis
- ductus deferens
- (also, vas deferens) duct that transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord and into the ejaculatory duct; also referred as the vas deferens
- ejaculatory duct
- duct that connects the ampulla of the ductus deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle at the prostatic urethra
- endometrium
- inner lining of the uterus, part of which builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds with menses
- epididymis
- (plural = epididymides) coiled tubular structure in which sperm start to mature and are stored until ejaculation
- fimbriae
- fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tubes
- follicle
- ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa (and later theca) cells
- folliculogenesis
- development of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary under the stimulation of gonadotropins
- fundus
- (of the uterus) domed portion of the uterus that is superior to the uterine tubes
- gamete
- haploid reproductive cell that contributes genetic material to form an offspring
- glans penis
- bulbous end of the penis that contains a large number of nerve endings
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
- hormone released by the hypothalamus that regulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland
- gonads
- reproductive organs (testes in men and ovaries in women) that produce gametes and reproductive hormones
- granulosa cells
- supportive cells in the ovarian follicle that produce estrogen
- hymen
- membrane that covers part of the opening of the vagina
- infundibulum
- (of the uterine tube) wide, distal portion of the uterine tube terminating in fimbriae
- inguinal canal
- opening in abdominal wall that connects the testes to the abdominal cavity
- isthmus
- narrow, medial portion of the uterine tube that joins the uterus
- labia majora
- hair-covered folds of skin located behind the mons pubis
- labia minora
- thin, pigmented, hairless flaps of skin located medial and deep to the labia majora
- lactiferous ducts
- ducts that connect the mammary glands to the nipple and allow for the transport of milk
- lactiferous sinus
- area of milk collection between alveoli and lactiferous duct
- Leydig cells
- cells between the seminiferous tubules of the testes that produce testosterone; a type of interstitial cell
- mammary glands
- glands inside the breast that secrete milk
- menarche
- first menstruation in a pubertal female
- menses
- shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out though the vagina; also referred to as menstruation
- menses phase
- phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrial lining is shed
- menstrual cycle
- approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the uterus consisting of a menses phase, a proliferative phase, and a secretory phase
- mons pubis
- mound of fatty tissue located at the front of the vulva
- Müllerian duct
- duct system present in the embryo that will eventually form the internal female reproductive structures
- myometrium
- smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood
- oocyte
- cell that results from the division of the oogonium and undergoes meiosis I at the LH surge and meiosis II at fertilization to become a haploid ovum
- oogenesis
- process by which oogonia divide by mitosis to primary oocytes, which undergo meiosis to produce the secondary oocyte and, upon fertilization, the ovum
- oogonia
- ovarian stem cells that undergo mitosis during female fetal development to form primary oocytes
- ovarian cycle
- approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the ovary consisting of a follicular phase and a luteal phase
- ovaries
- female gonads that produce oocytes and sex steroid hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone)
- ovulation
- release of a secondary oocyte and associated granulosa cells from an ovary
- ovum
- haploid female gamete resulting from completion of meiosis II at fertilization
- penis
- male organ of copulation
- perimetrium
- outer epithelial layer of uterine wall
- polar body
- smaller cell produced during the process of meiosis in oogenesis
- prepuce
- (also, foreskin) flap of skin that forms a collar around, and thus protects and lubricates, the glans penis; also referred as the foreskin
- primary follicles
- ovarian follicles with a primary oocyte and one layer of cuboidal granulosa cells
- primordial follicles
- least developed ovarian follicles that consist of a single oocyte and a single layer of flat (squamous) granulosa cells
- proliferative phase
- phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium proliferates
- prostate gland
- doughnut-shaped gland at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra and contributing fluid to semen during ejaculation
- puberty
- life stage during which a male or female adolescent becomes anatomically and physiologically capable of reproduction
- rugae
- (of the vagina) folds of skin in the vagina that allow it to stretch during intercourse and childbirth
- scrotum
- external pouch of skin and muscle that houses the testes
- secondary follicles
- ovarian follicles with a primary oocyte and multiple layers of granulosa cells
- secondary sex characteristics
- physical characteristics that are influenced by sex steroid hormones and have supporting roles in reproductive function
- secretory phase
- phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium secretes a nutrient-rich fluid in preparation for implantation of an embryo
- semen
- ejaculatory fluid composed of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands
- seminal vesicle
- gland that produces seminal fluid, which contributes to semen
- seminiferous tubules
- tube structures within the testes where spermatogenesis occurs
- Sertoli cells
- cells that support germ cells through the process of spermatogenesis; a type of sustentacular cell
- sperm
- (also, spermatozoon) male gamete
- spermatic cord
- bundle of nerves and blood vessels that supplies the testes; contains ductus deferens
- spermatid
- immature sperm cells produced by meiosis II of secondary spermatocytes
- spermatocyte
- cell that results from the division of spermatogonium and undergoes meiosis I and meiosis II to form spermatids
- spermatogenesis
- formation of new sperm, occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
- spermatogonia
- (singular = spermatogonium) diploid precursor cells that become sperm
- spermiogenesis
- transformation of spermatids to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis
- suspensory ligaments
- bands of connective tissue that suspend the breast onto the chest wall by attachment to the overlying dermis
- tertiary follicles
- (also, antral follicles) ovarian follicles with a primary or secondary oocyte, multiple layers of granulosa cells, and a fully formed antrum
- testes
- (singular = testis) male gonads
- theca cells
- estrogen-producing cells in a maturing ovarian follicle
- uterine tubes
- (also, fallopian tubes or oviducts) ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus
- uterus
- muscular hollow organ in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus
- vagina
- tunnel-like organ that provides access to the uterus for the insertion of semen and from the uterus for the birth of a baby
- vulva
- external female genitalia
- Wolffian duct
- duct system present in the embryo that will eventually form the internal male reproductive structures