Puberty
a period of rapid growth and sexual maturation during which the reproductive system becomes fully functional; male and female reproductive organs are fully developed
What is the main function of the male reproductive system?
to produce and deliver sperm
Scrotum
external sac containing the testes
Seminiferous tubules
clusters of tiny tubules inside of each testis that is where sperm is produced
Epididymis
where sperm fully mature and are stored
Vas deferens
tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra; merges with the urethra
Urethra
the tube that leads to the outside of the body through the penis; tube through which semen is released from the body
Penis
external male reproductive organ
Ovaries
primary reproductive organs
What is the main function of the female reproductive system?
produce ova(eggs)
What does the female reproductive system prepare the female body for?
to nourish a developing embryo
Follicles
clusters of cells surrounding a single egg; helps an egg mature for release into the reproductive tract; where an egg develops
Ovulation
process by which an egg is released from the ovary
Fallopian tubes
one of 2 fluid-filled tubes in human females through which an egg passes after its release from an ovary
Uterus
organ of the female reproductive system in which a fertilized egg can develop in
Cervix
outer end of the uterus
Vagina
a canal that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body
Menstruation
the lining of the uterus, along with blood and the unfertilized egg, is discharged through the vagina
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
diseases that are spread from one person to another during sexual contact
Fertilization
the process of a sperm joining an egg
Zygote
the fertilized egg
Implantation
a blastocyst attaches itself to the wall of the uterus
Differentiation
process in which cells become specialized in structure and function; responsible for the development of the various types of tissue in the body
Gastrulation
process of cell migration by which a 3rd layer of a cell is formed within the cavity of a blastocyst
Ectoderm
develops into skin and the nervous system; outer layer of the embryo
Mesoderm
cells differentiate to form many of the body's internal tissues and organs; the middle layer of the embryo
Endoderm
forms the lining of the digestive system and many of the digestive organs
Neurulation
development of the nervous system
Amnion membrane
develops into the amniotic sac; cushions and protects the developing embryo within the uterus
Placenta
organ through which nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and waste are exchanged between the embryo and its mother; embryo's organ of respiration, nourishment, and excretion
Fetus
name given to a human embryo after 8 weeks of development
Umbilical cord
connects the fetus to the placenta