27.4: Key Terms
- Page ID
- 108433
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| Words (or words that have the same definition) | The definition is case sensitive | (Optional) Image to display with the definition [Not displayed in Glossary, only in pop-up on pages] | (Optional) Caption for Image | (Optional) External or Internal Link | (Optional) Source for Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Eg. "Genetic, Hereditary, DNA ...") | (Eg. "Relating to genes or heredity") |  | The infamous double helix | https://bio.libretexts.org/ | CC-BY-SA; Delmar Larsen |
| Word(s) | Definition | Image | Caption | Link | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 and ovaries) 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 |