Glossary of Reproductive Biology Terms

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What is the function of the ampulla of the uterine tube?

Secretes a lubricating mucus during ejaculation

Provides lubrication during suckling

Middle portion where fertilization often occurs (correct)

Connects the vagina to the outer body

What role do Bartholin’s glands serve in the female reproductive system?

Produce estrogen and support ovulation

The location where sperm fertilizes the egg

Secrete lubrication for the vulva area (correct)

Support the structure of the uterus

What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?

Transports sperm to the ejaculatory duct

Produces lubricating mucus in the urinary tract

Secretes progesterone after ovulation (correct)

Secretes estrogen during menstruation

Which structure surrounds the penile urethra and supports an erection?

Corpus spongiosum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the endometrium in the uterus?

Inner lining that builds up and sheds during the menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for thickening the uterine wall?

Estrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following glands secretes a lubricating mucus prior to ejaculation?

Bulbourethral glands Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the uterus connects to the vagina?

Cervix Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system?

It produces fluid that contributes to semen during ejaculation. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the menstrual cycle involves the secretion of a nutrient-rich fluid in preparation for implantation?

Secretory phase Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure houses the testes?

Scrotum Signup and view all the answers

Which cells in the testes support the process of spermatogenesis?

Sertoli cells Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa?

Spermiogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Secondary follicles in the ovary contain which type of cell?

Granulosa cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the uterus?

Development of fertilized eggs into fetuses Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is involved in the transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus?

Uterine tubes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is responsible for producing estrogen in a maturing ovarian follicle?

Theca cells Signup and view all the answers

What are rugae and their primary function?

Folds of skin in the vagina allowing stretch Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the male reproductive system is responsible for the maturation and storage of sperm until ejaculation?

Epididymis Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process of developing ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary stages?

Folliculogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Leydig cells in the male reproductive system?

Secrete testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the phase of the menstrual cycle during which the endometrial lining is shed?

Menses phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mammary glands?

Secrete milk Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the female reproductive system is lined with smooth muscle that contracts during labor?

Myometrium Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gamete' refer to?

A reproductive cell contributing genetic material Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is specifically involved in the transport of milk to the nipple?

Lactiferous ducts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of granulosa cells in the ovarian follicle?

Produce estrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the uterine tube tapers to form fingerlike projections?

Fimbriae Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hymen in the female reproductive system?

Protect the vagina partially Signup and view all the answers

What hormone helps prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg?

Progesterone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Glossary

Alveoli (of the breast): Milk-secreting cells located within the mammary glands.
Ampulla (of the uterine tube): Central section of the uterine tube where fertilization commonly occurs.
Areola: Pigmented circular area surrounding the nipple, containing glands that provide lubrication during suckling.
Bartholin’s glands: Glands that secrete mucus to maintain vulvar moisture, also known as greater vestibular glands.
Body of uterus: The central section of the uterus, playing a pivotal role in housing a fertilized egg.
Broad ligament: A wide ligament providing support to the uterus by attaching it to the pelvic wall.
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands): Glands producing lubricating mucus that cleans the urethra before and during ejaculation.
Cervix: The elongated lower end of the uterus, connecting to the vagina.
Clitoris (glans clitoris): Highly sensitive area of the vulva that enhances sexual pleasure.
Corpus albicans: Nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovary post-corupus luteum regression.
Corpus cavernosum: Two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that engorge with blood during erection.
Corpus luteum: Hormone-secreting structure formed after ovulation, primarily producing progesterone.
Corpus spongiosum: Erectile tissue surrounding the penile urethra, engorged during erection.
Ductus deferens (vas deferens): Duct responsible for transporting sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
Ejaculatory duct: Connects the ductus deferens' ampulla with the seminal vesicle duct in the prostatic urethra.
Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen: Key female hormone responsible for uterine lining thickening and ovulation; primarily in the form of estradiol.
Epididymis: Coiled structure where sperm matures and is stored before ejaculation.
Fimbriae: Fingerlike projections on the uterine tubes assisting in the capture of the ovulated egg.
Follicle: The ovarian structure housing one oocyte along with surrounding granulosa cells.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormone from the pituitary gland that stimulates follicle growth; used medically to promote ovulation.
Folliculogenesis: Development process of ovarian follicles under gonadotropin influence.
Fundus (of the uterus): Domed upper portion of the uterus above the uterine tubes.
Gamete: A haploid reproductive cell contributing genetic material in offspring formation.
Glans penis: Bulbous end of the penis packed with nerve endings, enhancing sexual sensation.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Hypothalamus-released hormone regulating FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) production.
Gonads: Reproductive organs (testes in males, ovaries in females) responsible for gamete production and hormone secretion.
Granulosa cells: Cells in the ovarian follicle that produce estrogen, supporting egg development.
Hymen: Membranous tissue partially covering the vaginal opening.
Infundibulum (of the uterine tube): Wide terminus of the uterine tube that ends in fimbriae.
Inguinal canal: An opening in the abdominal wall linking the testes to the abdominal cavity.
Isthmus: Narrowest part of the uterine tube that connects to the uterus.
Labia majora: Hair-covered folds of skin located behind the mons pubis, part of the vulva.
Labia minora: Thin, hairless flaps of skin located inner and below the labia majora.
Lactiferous ducts: Ducts transporting milk from mammary glands to the nipple.
Lactiferous sinus: Area for milk collection between alveoli and the lactiferous duct.
Leydig cells: Testosterone-producing cells found between seminiferous tubules in the testes.
Mammary glands: glands in the breast responsible for milk production.
Menarche: The onset of a female's first menstruation.
Menses: The process of shedding the uterine lining as part of the menstrual cycle.
Menses phase: The phase during which the endometrial lining is expelled.
Menstrual cycle: Approximately 28-day cycle involving changes in the uterus, including menses, proliferative, and secretory phases.
Mons pubis: Fatty tissue mound located at the front of the vulva.
Müllerian duct: Embryonic duct system that develops into female reproductive structures.
Myometrium: Smooth muscle layer in the uterus essential for contractions during labor and menstruation.
Oocyte: Cell developed from oogonium, becoming haploid through meiotic divisions.
Oogenesis: Process of oocyte development, from oogonia to matured ova.
Oogonia: Female stem cells that develop into primary oocytes.
Ovarian cycle: 28-day cycle illustrating changes in the ovary, comprising the follicular and luteal phases.
Ovaries: Female gonads responsible for oocyte production and sex hormone secretion.
Ovulation: The release of a secondary oocyte from the ovary, along with granulosa cells.
Ovum: The mature haploid female gamete, resulting from completed meiosis II.
Penis: The organ of copulation in males.
Perimetrium: The outer epithelial layer of the uterine wall.
Prepuce (foreskin): Skin flap covering the glans penis, providing protection and lubrication.
Primary follicles: Stage of ovarian follicles with a primary oocyte and a single layer of granulosa cells.
Primordial follicles: Initial stage of ovarian follicles consisting of an oocyte and a layer of squamous granulosa cells.
Progesterone: Hormone crucial for preparing the uterine lining for possible embryo implantation.
Proliferative phase: Phase of the menstrual cycle where the endometrium increases in thickness.
Prostate gland: Gland surrounding the urethra that produces seminal fluid for semen.
Puberty: Developmental stage in which an adolescent becomes capable of reproduction.
Rugae (of the vagina): Folds in the vaginal wall allowing for stretching during intercourse and childbirth.
Scrotum: External pouch containing and protecting the testes.
Secondary follicles: Ovarian follicles with a primary oocyte and multiple layers of granulosa cells.
Secondary sex characteristics: Traits influenced by sex hormones that support reproductive functions.
Secretory phase: Phase in the menstrual cycle where the endometrium secretes nutrients in preparation for embryo implantation.
Semen: The fluid containing sperm and secretions from reproductive glands ejected during ejaculation.
Seminal vesicle: Gland producing seminal fluid contributing to semen.
Seminiferous tubules: Tubes within the testes where sperm production occurs.
Sertoli cells: Support cells for germ cells during spermatogenesis.
Sperm (spermatozoon): Male gametes involved in fertilization.
Spermatic cord: Cord of nerves and blood vessels supplying the testes, containing the ductus deferens.
Spermatid: Immature sperm resulting from meiosis II in secondary spermatocytes.
Spermatocyte: Cell developed from spermatogonia, undergoing meiosis to produce spermatids.
Spermatogenesis: The production process of sperm occurring in seminiferous tubules.
Spermatogonia: Diploid precursor cells destined to become sperm.
Spermiogenesis: The transformation from spermatid to mature sperm.
Suspensory ligaments: Connective tissue that attaches and supports the breast on the chest wall.
Tertiary follicles (antral follicles): Mature follicles with a primary or secondary oocyte and formed antrum.
Testes (testis): Male reproductive glands responsible for sperm production.
Theca cells: Cells found in the ovarian follicle that synthesize estrogens.
Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes): Ducts aiding in transporting the ovulated egg to the uterus.
Uterus: Muscular organ where a fertilized egg can develop into a fetus.
Vagina: Tunnel connecting the uterus and external environment facilitating both intercourse and childbirth.
Vulva: The external part of the female genitalia.
Wolffian duct: Embryonic duct system that develops into male reproductive structures.

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Description

This quiz covers essential glossary terms related to reproductive biology, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system. It includes definitions of terms such as alveoli, ampulla, and areola, providing a clear understanding of key concepts in this field. Ideal for students studying biology or health sciences.