Human Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

• The male sex organ is the penis, which transports sperm into the female vagina.
• The prostate gland produces and stores prostatic fluid, a medium that makes up semen.
• The reproductive tract is the ductwork leading from the epididymis to the outside of the body.
• The scrotum is a sac that encloses and protects the testicles.
• Semen is a combination of male gametes, glandular secretions, and prostatic fluid.
• The seminal vesicle secretes a thick substance that nourishes sperm.
• Spermatogenesis is the production of sperm.
• Testes (singular: testis) are organs that produce and store male gametes.

Female Reproductive System

• Similar to the male reproductive system, the female reproductive system has internal and external organs.
• Internal organs include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and hymen.
• External genitalia include the vulva, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urinary meatus.
• The Bartholin's glands are small organs located on either side of the vagina.

Hormones and Genetics

• Androgens are hormones that promote the production of male gametes.
• Chromosomes are gene-bearing bundles of DNA found in the nucleus of cells.
• Embryo refers to the developing organism from the zygote stage to the eighth week of pregnancy.
• Fetus refers to the developing organism from the eighth week of pregnancy to birth.

Pregnancy and Development

• Fertilization is the joining of male and female gametes.
• Gestation is the development of the fetus between fertilization and birth.
• Gravida is a pregnant woman.
• Lactation is milk production.
• Menstrual cycle refers to the uterine cycle, comprising secretory, proliferative, and menses phases.
• Mitosis is the process of cell division.

Disorders

• Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.
• Anorchism is the congenital absence of one or both testes.
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy is an enlarged, noncancerous prostate.
• Cervicitis is inflammation of the uterine cervix.
• Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation.
• Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
• Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria.
• Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus.
• Mastitis is inflammation of the breast.
• Orchitis is inflammation of a testis.
• Ovarialgia is pain in an ovary.
• Ovaritis is inflammation of an ovary.
• Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate.
• Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse or contact.
• Vaginitis is inflammation of the vaginal tissues.

Medical Procedures

• Cesarean section is a surgical operation to deliver a baby through the abdominal wall and uterus.
• Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C) involves dilation of the cervix and curettage of the uterus.
• Mammography is an examination of the breast using an imaging technique.
• Mastectomy is the removal of a breast.
• Hysterotomy is an incision into the uterus.
• Orchiectomy is the removal of one or both testes.
• Ovariectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries.