XVI Glossary
Acrosome: A cap-like structure on the head of a sperm cell containing enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg during fertilization. (Chapter 16.4)
Acute bacterial prostatitis: Diagnosed based on bacteria and white blood cells present in the urine and prostate fluid and is typically treated with intravenous antibiotics for up to two to four weeks. (Chapter 16.7)
Ampulla: The middle region of the Fallopian tube. (Chapter 16.5)
Andropause: A condition in males, also called male menopause, marked by a decline in testosterone levels and related symptoms, typically starting around 40 to 50 years of age. (Chapter 16.7)
Antrum: A fluid-filled cavity that forms within a developing ovarian follicle. (Chapter 16.6)
Areola: The circular pigmented area around the nipple containing glands that secrete lubricating fluid during lactation to protect against chafing. (Chapter 16.5)
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: Diagnosed when there are white blood cells present in semen, but the patient does not have pain or discomfort. (Chapter 16.7)
Atresia: The death of ovarian follicles. (Chapter 16.6)
Autosomal chromosomes: The 22 pairs of chromosomes in humans that do not determine sex but carry genes for other traits. (Chapter 16.1)
Bartholin’s (or greater vestibular) glands: Glands that produce mucus that adds lubrication to the vagina. (Chapter 16.5)
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH): Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can constrict the urethra and cause urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. (Chapter 16.7)
Blood–testis barrier: Protects developing sperm from the individual’s immune system. (Chapter 16.3)
Body (or corpus): The middle section of the uterus. (Chapter 16.5)
Breasts: Considered accessory organs of the female reproductive system. (Chapter 16.5)
Broad ligament: A primary support for the uterus, extending laterally from both sides of the uterus and attaching it to the pelvic wall. (Chapter 16.5)
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands): Small glands that release a thick, salty fluid to lubricate the urethra and vagina and cleanse urine residues from the penile urethra. (Chapter 16.3)
Certified nurse-midwife: A type of advanced practice registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training. (Chapter 16.8)
Cervical cancer: A slow-growing cancer that starts when abnormal cells in the cervix become malignant and can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. (Chapter 16.7)
Cervix: The narrow inferior portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina. (Chapter 16.5)
Chlamydia: A common bacterial infection that can cause vaginal or penile discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain. (Chapter 16.7)
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Long-term infection in the prostate that seems to resolve and reoccur. Treatment includes antibiotics for up to six months to prevent recurrent infection. (Chapter 16.7)
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: The most common but least understood type of prostatitis and results in inflammation of the prostate for more than three months in men of any age. (Chapter 16.7)
Circumcision: A surgical procedure that removes the prepuce (foreskin); often performed for religious or social reasons. (Chapter 16.3)
Clitoris: A highly innervated organ derived from the same embryonic tissue as the glans penis and important for sexual sensation and orgasm. (Chapter 16.5)
Corpus albicans: A scar-like structure formed when the corpus luteum degenerates if pregnancy does not occur. (Chapter 16.6)
Corpus cavernosum: One of two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood to produce an erection. (Chapter 16.3)
Corpus luteum: A temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone to support pregnancy. (Chapter 16.6)
Corpus spongiosum: The single column of erectile tissue surrounding the urethra in the penis that fills with blood during an erection to keep the urethra open. (Chapter 16.3)
Cowper’s glands: Small glands that release a thick, salty fluid to lubricate the urethra and vagina and cleanse urine residues from the penile urethra; also called bulbourethral glands. (Chapter 16.3)
Cremaster muscles: Two muscles that cover each testis like a muscular netting. (Chapter 16.3)
Cryptorchidism: A testis that doesn’t move down into its proper place in the scrotum before birth. (Chapter 16.7)
Dartos muscle: The muscle layer of the scrotum. (Chapter 16.3)
Differentiates: Undergoes a process of development to become a more specialized cell type. (Chapter 16.4)
Diploid: A cell that contains two full sets of chromosomes (2n), one set from each parent. Somatic cells are diploid. (Chapter 16.1)
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts but doesn’t spread beyond the milk ducts. (Chapter 16.7)
Ectopic pregnancy: Occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus, most commonly in the Fallopian tube, where the tissue cannot support the growing embryo. (Chapter 16.7)
Ejaculatory duct: A short structure formed from the ampulla of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle. (Chapter 16.3)
Endometriosis: A common health condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting about 11% of women in the U.S., especially those in their 30s and 40s. (Chapter 16.7)
Endometrium: Innermost layer of the uterus. (Chapter 16.5)
Epididymis: A coiled tube attached to the testis where newly formed sperm continue to mature. (Chapter 16.3)
Episiotomy: An incision made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum to prevent tearing and to also facilitate the birth of the fetus’ head. (Chapter 16.5)
Erectile dysfunction (ED): The difficulty or inability to attain and/or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. (Chapter 16.7)
Estrogens: Hormones produced by the ovaries, including estradiol, estriol, and estrone, that regulate the reproductive system, menstrual cycle, female secondary sex traits, and pregnancy. (Chapter 16.6)
External urethral orifice: The external opening at the tip of the penis through which urine and semen exit the body. (Chapter 16.3)
Fallopian tubes: Carry the ovulated oocyte to the uterus; also called uterine tubes or oviducts. (Chapter 16.5)
Fimbriae: Slender, finger-like projections that sweep the egg into the Fallopian tube. (Chapter 16.5)
Flagellum: A long, whip-like tail that enables a sperm cell to swim. (Chapter 16.4)
Follicle: A structure that contains one oocyte and its supporting cells. (Chapter 16.5)
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): A gonadotropin that promotes the production and development of sex cells (ova in females and sperm in males). (Chapter 16.6)
Follicular phase: The phase of the ovarian cycle when the follicles are growing and secreting estrogen. (Chapter 16.6)
Folliculogenesis: The process by which ovarian follicles grow and develop, usually resulting in ovulation of one oocyte and the degeneration of the others. (Chapter 16.6)
Foreskin: The fold of skin that covers and protects the glans penis; also known as prepuce. (Chapter 16.3)
Fundus: The portion of the uterus superior to the opening of the uterine tubes. (Chapter 16.5)
Gamete: A specialized sex cell (sperm or egg) that contains half the number of chromosomes of a typical body cell and is involved in sexual reproduction. (Chapter 16.1)
Genital herpes: A chronic viral infection that causes sores and blisters on the genitals. (Chapter 16.7)
Glans penis: The rounded, sensitive tip of the penis that is covered by the foreskin unless circumcised. (Chapter 16.3)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). (Chapter 16.6)
Gonorrhea: A common bacterial infection that can cause painful urination, discharge, and painful intercourse. (Chapter 16.7)
Granulosa cells: A single flat layer of support cells that surround the oocyte and can stay in this resting state for years—some until right before menopause. (Chapter 16.6)
Gynecologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. (Chapter 16.8)
Haploid: A cell that contains only one complete set of chromosomes (23 in humans), typically seen in gametes like sperm and ova. (Chapter 16.1)
Hepatitis B or C: A viral infection that damages the liver. (Chapter 16.7)
Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Aa). (Chapter 16.1)
Hirsutism: The medical term for excessive hair growth in areas where hair is usually minimal or absent. (Chapter 16.7)
HIV: A chronic viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS. (Chapter 16.7)
Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., XX for sex chromosomes in females or AA/aa for other traits). (Chapter 16.1)
Human papillomavirus (HPV): A virus that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer by infecting cervical cells. (Chapter 16.7)
Hymen: A thin membrane that sometimes partially covers the entrance to the vagina. (Chapter 16.5)
Infertility: The inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse or after six months of unprotected intercourse for women over 35 years old. (Chapter 16.7)
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Rare, fast-growing cancer looks like a rash on the breast. (Chapter 16.7)
Infundibulum: The funnel-shaped opening near the ovary that captures and directs the released oocyte into the Fallopian tube. (Chapter 16.5)
Inguinal canal: A passage in the lower anterior abdominal wall through which the spermatic cord passes in males (and the round ligament in females). (Chapter 16.3)
Inguinal hernias: The most common type of hernia, making up 75% of all hernias. Occurs when abdominal tissues bulge through an opening in the lower abdomen wall. (Chapter 16.7)
Interstitial cells: Cells found between the seminiferous tubules in the testes that produce the hormone testosterone. (Chapter 16.3)
Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): Cancer that starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby breast tissue. It is the most common type of breast cancer in the United States. (Chapter 16.7)
Isthmus: The narrow medial end of the Fallopian tube that is connected to the uterus. (Chapter 16.5)
Labia majora: Folds of hair-covered skin that begin just posterior to the mons pubis. (Chapter 16.5)
Labia minora: The smaller, hairless inner folds of skin situated medial to the labia majora. (Chapter 16.5)
Lactation: The process by which the breasts produce and supply milk to nourish an infant. (Chapter 16.5)
Leydig cell: Produces the hormone testosterone. (Chapter 16.3)
Lobular breast cancer: Breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) in the breast and often spreads to nearby breast tissue. It is the second most common breast cancer in the United States. (Chapter 16.7)
Luteinizing hormone (LH): A gonadotropin that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males. (Chapter 16.6)
Mammary glands: Modified sweat glands that produce breast milk. (Chapter 16.5)
Meiosis: A special type of cell division that occurs only in the sperm and ovum. (Chapter 16.4)
Membranous urethra: The short segment of the male urethra that passes through the pelvic floor muscles between the prostate and the penis. (Chapter 16.3)
Menarche: The start of menstruation. (Chapter 16.6)
Menopause: The ending of a female’s reproductive functions. (Chapter 16.6)
Menstrual (uterine) cycle: Starts with the first day of menstruation, referred to as Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. (Chapter 16.6)
Menstrual phase: Phase of the menstrual cycle when the stratum functionalis of the uterus is shed; also known as menstruation. (Chapter 16.6)
Midwife: An individual who assists women during pregnancy and childbirth. (Chapter 16.8)
Mitosis: A process of nuclear division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. (Chapter 16.4)
Mons pubis: A pad of fat that is located superficial to the pubic bone. (Chapter 16.5)
Myometrium: The middle smooth muscular layer that makes up most of the uterus and is responsible for uterine contractions. (Chapter 16.5)
Neonatologists: Physicians who specialize in the care of newborns, especially those that require special medical expertise, such as premature and critically ill newborns. (Chapter 16.8)
Obstetrician: A physician who specializes in providing medical care through pregnancy, labor, and delivery of a baby. (Chapter 16.8)
Oogenesis: The production of an ovum (egg). (Chapter 16.6)
Oogonia: Ovarian stem cells formed during fetal development. (Chapter 16.6)
Ovarian ligaments: Fibrous bands that connect each ovary to the uterus, helping to hold the ovary in place. (Chapter 16.5)
Ovaries: A pair of small glands, about the size of an almond, that serve as the female gonads. (Chapter 16.5)
Ovulation: The release of an oocyte from the ovary. (Chapter 16.6)
Ovum: The female gamete, a non-motile cell that carries half the genetic material needed for reproduction and can be fertilized by a spermatozoon. (Chapter 16.1)
Oxytocin: A hormone that triggers the milk ejection reflex (“letdown”), allowing milk to be released from the breast during nursing. (Chapter 16.5)
Paget’s disease of the breast: Rare cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and may look like a rash. Less than 4% of all breast cancers are Paget’s disease of the breast. (Chapter 16.7)
Pediatrician: A doctor who focuses on the health of infants, children, and adolescents, with pediatric care starting at birth. (Chapter 16.8)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs that typically occurs when a sexually transmitted infection spreads from the vagina to the uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries. (Chapter 16.7)
Penis: The male copulatory (sex) organ. (Chapter 16.3)
Perimenopause: The earliest changes occur during the menopausal transition when a menstrual cycle becomes irregular but does not stop entirely. (Chapter 16.6)
Perimetrium: A serous membrane that covers the outside of the uterus. (Chapter 16.5)
Perineum: The area between the genitals and the anus. (Chapter 16.5)
Polar body: A small cell produced during oogenesis that contains little cytoplasm and typically disintegrates, ensuring most resources go to the developing oocyte. (Chapter 16.6)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A condition characterized by hormone imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, and multiple ovarian cysts (i.e., small sacs of fluid). (Chapter 16.7)
Postmenopausal: The stage after menopause when menstruation has ceased permanently. (Chapter 16.6)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Menstruation symptoms that happen every month and are significant enough to affect a woman’s quality of life. (Chapter 16.7)
Prepuce (foreskin): The fold of skin that covers and protects the glans penis. (Chapter 16.3)
Primary follicles: Single layer of granulosa cells, but they become active, increase in size, and proliferate. (Chapter 16.6)
Primary oocytes: Immature egg cells that are arrested in Prophase I of meiosis and remain dormant until puberty, when they may resume development during the menstrual cycle. (Chapter 16.6)
Primary spermatocyte: A diploid male germ cell that undergoes the first meiotic division to form secondary spermatocytes. (Chapter 16.4)
Primordial follicles: The earliest and most immature ovarian follicles, consisting of a primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flat supporting cells. (Chapter 16.6)
Progesterone: A hormone from the ovaries that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy preparation and maintenance. (Chapter 16.6)
Prolactin (PRL): The hormone that promotes lactation (milk production). (Chapter 16.5)
Proliferative phase: A phase of the menstrual cycle that begins when menstrual flow stops and the endometrium begins to grow (proliferate) again; ovulation marks the end of the proliferative phase. (Chapter 16.6)
Prostate gland: A walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra and secretes a slightly acidic, milky fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm. (Chapter 16.3)
Prostate specific antigen: A protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. (Chapter 16.3)
Prostatic urethra: The portion of the male urethra that passes through the prostate gland. (Chapter 16.3)
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate, a painful condition that occurs in 10-12% of young and middle-aged men. (Chapter 16.7)
PSA test: A blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. (Chapter 16.3)
Puberty: The stage of development when individuals become sexually mature. (Chapter 16.4)
Raphae: A seam or ridge marking the line of fusion between two symmetrical structures in the body. (Chapter 16.3)
Reproduction: The process of forming a new organism. (Chapter 16.1)
Round ligament: Attaches to the uterus near the Fallopian tubes and extends to the labia majora. (Chapter 16.5)
Scrotal septum: A wall that divides the scrotum into two compartments, each housing one testis. (Chapter 16.3)
Scrotum: A muscular sac that contains the testes. (Chapter 16.3)
Secondary follicles: Follicles that have grown larger with dividing granulosa cells and an added outer layer of connective tissue, blood vessels, and theca cells that help produce estrogens. (Chapter 16.6)
Secondary oocyte: A mature egg cell produced after Meiosis I that is released during ovulation and will complete Meiosis II only if fertilization occurs. (Chapter 16.6)
Secondary sex characteristics: Physical characteristics that are influenced by estrogen and are important for reproductive function. (Chapter 16.6)
Secondary spermatocytes: Haploid cells produced from the first meiotic division of primary spermatocytes that quickly undergo the second meiotic division to form spermatids. (Chapter 16.4)
Semen: The thick, milky fluid that is ejaculated. (Chapter 16.3)
Seminal vesicle (or seminal gland): A paired gland that secretes a thick, alkaline fluid rich in fructose and other substances that nourish and promote the motility of sperm. (Chapter 16.3)
Seminiferous tubules: Long, coiled structures within the testes where sperm production occurs. (Chapter 16.3)
Sertoli cells: A type of supporting cells that are typically found in epithelial tissue. (Chapter 16.3)
Sex chromosomes: The pair of chromosomes (X and Y) that determine an individual’s biological sex—XX for females and XY for males. (Chapter 16.1)
Spermatic cord: A bundle of nerves, ducts, and blood vessels that supports the testicles and carries sperm to the urethra. (Chapter 16.3)
Spermatid: New haploid cells. (Chapter 16.4)
Spermatogenesis: The process that begins with spermatogonia and ends with mature sperm. (Chapter 16.3, Chapter 16.4)
Spermatogonia: Stem cells located in the seminiferous tubules that divide to produce sperm cells. (Chapter 16.3)
Spermatozoa: Formed sperm. (Chapter 16.4)
Spermatozoon: The male gamete, a motile cell that carries half the genetic material needed for reproduction. (Chapter 16.1)
Spermiogenesis: A process that transforms early spermatids, beginning the formation of the parts of a true sperm. (Chapter 16.4)
Spongy (or penile) urethra: The longest part of the male urethra that runs through the corpus spongiosum of the penis and ends at the external urethral orifice. (Chapter 16.3)
Stratum basalis (or basal layer): The deeper layer of the endometrium that creates the more superficial stratum functionalis. (Chapter 16.5)
Stratum functionalis (or functional layer): Grows and thickens in response to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in preparation for a potential pregnancy. (Chapter 16.5)
Suspensory ligaments: Connect the breast tissue to the dermis of the overlying skin. (Chapter 16.5)
Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can progress through different stages, causing sores, rash, and serious complications if left untreated. (Chapter 16.7)
Testes: The male reproductive organs or gonads. (Chapter 16.3)
Testicular torsion: Occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum. (Chapter 16.7)
Theca cells: Cells that work with the granulosa cells to produce estrogens. (Chapter 16.6)
Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection that can cause vaginal discharge, itching, and painful urination. (Chapter 16.7)
Urologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatments of disorders of the urinary and reproductive systems. (Chapter 16.8)
Uterosacral ligament: Stabilizes the uterus posteriorly by its connection from the cervix to the pelvic wall. (Chapter 16.5)
Uterus: A muscular organ that nourishes and supports a growing embryo and fetus. (Chapter 16.5)
Vagina: The female copulatory (sex) organ. (Chapter 16.5)
Vas deferens: A long, muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct in preparation for ejaculation. (Chapter 16.3)
Vasectomy: A surgical procedure for male sterilization in which the vas deferens is cut or sealed to prevent sperm from entering the semen. (Chapter 16.3)
Vasocongestion: Engorgement of the tissues because more arterial blood is flowing into the penis than is leaving. (Chapter 16.3)
Vestibule: The area between the labia minora where the external urethral orifice and vaginal orifice are located. (Chapter 16.5)
Vulva: The external female reproductive structures. (Chapter 16.5)
Zona pellucida: Acellular membrane surrounding the oocyte that protects it and plays a key role in sperm binding during fertilization. (Chapter 16.6)
Zygote: A single diploid cell formed by the fusion of a sperm and an ovum during fertilization. (Chapter 16.1)
