Glossary
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
Second messenger that is important in various biological processes. Derived from ATP and used in signal transduction in different organisms.
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Calcium (Ca2+)
Important chemical in most organisms essential for various cell physiological functions. Ca2+ is both a neurotransmitter and a second messenger.
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Sperm
The reproductive cell of a male (gamete)
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Testes
Two oval shaped structures located in the scrotum. These are male reproductive organs (gonads)
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Urethra
A tube that extends from the bladder to the exterior, in male, it carries both semen and urine
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Vas deferens
A tube that conveys sperm from epididymis to the penis.
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Prostate gland
Muscular organ that surrounds the urethra and controls urine secretion. It secretes an alkaline fluid that makes a siginicant portion of semen and aid sperm motility.
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Seminal Vesicle
Two small glands located on each side of the bladder. The secrete various nutrients in the semen during ejeculation.
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Penis
Male sexual organ, also used in urine excretion.
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Erection
The raising upright of the penis
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Ejaculation
The discharge of semen from the penis.
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Emission
Discharge of semen from the male to the female
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Epididymis
A convoluted tubule located in each testes that carries sperm to the vas deferens
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Scrotum
A bag like structure that contains the testicles.
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Bladder
A muscular sac in which urine concentrates before excretion.
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Flagellum
A whip like extension that is essential in sperm motility
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Axoneme
A bundle of fibrils that constitute the core of the flagellum
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Vagina
The opening of the female reproductive system
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Cervix
Narrow tubular structure that extends from the vagina to the uterus
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Uterus
A muscular structure in which the fertilized oocyte implants and develops
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Oviducts
Tubular structures in the female reproductive system in which the oocyte are carried from the ovary to the uterus.
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Oocyte
Female gamete
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Capacitation
A priming phase that occurs in the female reproductive system that renders sperm capable of fertilizing the oocyte.
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Hyperactivation
A type of sperm motility essential fro fertilization.
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Fertilization
The processes in which the sperm contacts the oocyte to produce a zygote.
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