Unit 3 Lesson 12 Vocabulary
Mature:
is to become fully grown or developed.

Endocrine system:
is the body system that consists of glands that produce hormones.

Hormone:
is a chemical messenger that is released into the bloodstream.

Gland:
is a group of cells or an organ that secretes hormones.

Pituitary gland:
is a gland that produces hormones that control other glands.

Thyroid gland:
is a gland that produces thyroxin.

Thyroxin:
is a hormone that controls metabolism.

Metabolism:
is the rate at which food is converted to energy in the cells.

Parathyroid glands:
are four glands that control the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Adrenal glands:
are two glands that control the body's water balance, help in the digestive process, and secrete adrenaline.

Pancreas:
is a gland that produces digestive enzymes and chemicals that control blood sugar levels.

Insulin:
is a hormone that regulates the blood sugar level.

Ovaries:
are two female reproductive glands that produce egg cells and estrogen.

Estrogen:
is a female sex hormone that controls the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty.

Puberty:
is the stage of growth and development when secondary sex characteristics appear.

Testes:
are two male reproductive glands that produce sperm cells and testosterone.

Testosterone:
is a male sex hormone that controls the development of the secondary sex characteristics during puberty.

Reproductive system:
is the body system that consists of the organs involved in producing offspring.

Female reproductive system:
is the body system that consists of the female organs involved in producing offspring.

Egg cells:
are female reproductive cells.

Ova(Egg):
is a female reproductive cell.

Ovulation:
is the release of a mature egg from an ovary and is part of the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual cycle:
is the monthly series of changes that take place in the female reproductive system.

Fallopian tube:
is a four-inch-long tube that extends from the ovary to the uterus.

Uterus:
is a muscular organ that supports the fertilized egg during pregnancy.

Vagina:
is a muscular tube
that connects the uterus to the outside of the body.

Conception or fertilization:
is the union of an egg and a sperm.

Menstruation:
is the part of the menstrual cycle in which an unfertilized egg and the inner lining of the uterus leave the body.

Menarche:
is the first menstrual cycle.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS):
is a flu-like illness caused by the presence of dangerous bacteria in the body.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS):
is a group of changes that may affect a female before her menstrual period.

Male reproductive system:
is the body system that consists of the male organs involved in producing offspring.

Penis: is the male sex organ for reproduction and urination.

Sperm:
is the male reproductive cells. 35. The scrotum is a sac-like pouch that holds each testis and helps regulate temperature for sperm production.

Seminiferous tubules:
are a network of coiled tubes in which sperm are produced.

Epididymis:
is a comma-shaped structure on the rear upper surface of each testis where sperm are stored.


Vas deferens:
are two long, thin tubes that function as a passageway for sperm and as a place for sperm storage.

Seminal vesicles:
are two small glands that secrete a fluid that nourishes and helps the sperm to move, alkaline base helps protect the sperm from the acid in the vagina.

Prostate gland:
is a gland that makes a fluid to help keep sperm alive, the fluid has a large content of sugar that the sperm use for nourishment.

Cowper's glands:
are glands that secrete a clear, lubricating fluid that lubricates the urethra before ejaculation.

Ejaculation:
is a series of muscular contractions that expel semen from the penis, these contractions are caused by involuntary muscles.

Semen:
is the fluid that consists of a combination of sperm and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper's glands.

Circumcision:
is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the forskin protects the head of the penis the urethra.

Body image:
is the perception a person have of his or her body's appearance.

Sexuality:
includes the feelings and attitudes a person has about his or her body, sex role, and relationships.

Sex role:
is the way a person acts
and the feelings and attitudes (s)he has about being a male or a female.