anat lab 17: genital systems and gametogenisis Flashcards
describe the genital system
The genital system is unique in that it is not essential to the survival of the individual. Unlike
other organs, the organs of the genital system are inactive until puberty, when hormones
cause them to grow and become functionally mature structures
what are the functional similarities between male and female systems
- both adult systems produce mature gametes (sex cells). - both systems can store, nourish, and transport the gametes. - both systems produce hormones that are essential to the development and functioning of
each respective genital system.
what does the male genital system consist of?
The male genital system consists of the testes, the ducts (epididymis, ductus deferens,
ejaculatory duct, and urethra), the accessory sex glands (seminal glands, prostate and
bulbourethral glands), and supporting structures such as the scrotum and penis.
describe the testes and the epididymis
- Paired testes and epididymides (epididymis, singular) are contained in the scrotum. In each
testis, seminiferous tubules produce sperm and inhibin, and interstital endocrine cells produce
testosterone. At puberty, testosterone stimulates the development of male secondary sex
characteristics.
what are 4 male characteristics
- Prominent Adam’s apple
- growth of facial hair
- enlargement of larynx and deepening of voice
4.fat deposits mainly around abdomen and waist
describe the epididymis
The epididymis is a site of sperm storage, and of sperm maturation. Peristaltic contractions
of the ducts of the epididymis move sperm into the ductus (vas) deferens.
describe the ductus deferentia
The ductus deferentia (deferens, singular) exit the scrotum and enter the pelvic cavity to
loop up over the ureters, and empty into the ejaculatory ducts. Sperm are also stored in the
ductus deferens.
describe the seminal glands (vesicles)
The seminal glands (vesicles) contribute a variety of substances to semen, which they
release into the ejaculatory ducts
list 3 substances produced by the seminal glands
fructose - provides energy for the sperms
proteins - (seminogelin) forms protective gell around spem
alkaline fluid - neutralize acidic enviro of male urethra and female reproductive tract
describe the prostate
- The prostate is a doughnut shaped gland that surrounds the superior portion of the urethra.
It secretes a number of substances into the urethra that contribute to sperm motility and
viability.
list 2 substances secreted by the prostate
prostatic secretions- essential for sperm health and motility
- spermine - enhances sperm motility
describe the bulbourethral glands
The bulbourethral glands are located inferior to the prostate, with ducts emptying into the
urethra
list 2 functions of the sybstances secreted by the bulbourethral glands
- alkaline mucus reduces acidity of male urethra and female reproductive tract
- lubrication
function of scrotum
supporting structure
function of testes and seminiferous tubules
paired ovals glands in scrotum. make sperm and produce testosterone
seminiferous tubules - where sperm is produced
epididymis function
sperm mature and are stored here
ductus (vas) deferens function
conveys sperm during sexual arousal from epididymis toward the urethra by peristaltic contraction
seminal gland (vesicle)
pouch-like structure
-secretes seminal fluid and neutralizes acid
ejaculatory duct function
delivers sperm into the urethra, adding secretions and additives from the prostate necessary for sperm function, while providing an interface between the reproductive and urinary systems in men
prostate gland function
The prostate’s most important function is the production of a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, makes up semen. The muscles of the prostate also ensure that the semen is forcefully pressed into the urethra and then expelled outwards during ejaculation.
bulbourethral (Cowper’s) gland
paired glands that are partially embedded in the urogenital diaphragm muscle and are composed of compound tubuloalveolar glands.
Secrete a clear, viscous fluid that lubricates and cleanses the urethra, and neutralizes its acidity in preparation for sperm
prostatic urethra vs membranous urethra vs spongy urethra
prostatic (located within the prostate), membranous (the part contained within the perineal pouch), and spongy (located in the spongious body of the penis) parts.
corpus spongiosum penis
The corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra (the tube through which urine and sperm pass from the body). It contains blood vessels that fill with blood to help make an erection and keep the urethra open during the erection.
corpora cavernosa penis
One of two columns of spongy tissue that runs through the shaft (body) of the penis. The corpus cavernosum forms most of the penis and contains blood vessels that fill with blood to help make an erection.
external urethral orifice
the external opening or urinary meatus, normally located at the tip of the glans penis,
prepuce
is a movable sheath of skin that covers the head of the penis
FORESKIN GROSSSS
what do the ovaries produce?
After puberty, the ovaries produce oocytes (eggs or gametes) which are released in a process
called ovulation. The ovaries also produce estrogens, progesterone, relaxin and inhibin.
what does the female genital system include?
The female genital system includes the ovaries, uterine (fallopian) tubes, uterus,
vagina, external genitalia (vulva) and mammary glands.
describe the ovaries
The ovaries are held in place by ligaments attaching them to the uterus, pelvic wall and
peritoneum. Review the stages of follicular development in the ovary - the primordial, primary,
secondary, and tertiary ovarian follicles, corpus luteum, and corpus albicans, as well as the
follicular and granulosa cells.
describe fallopian tubes
he uterine (fallopian) tubes are the passageway for sperm to reach the ovulated oocyte,
and they transport the secondary oocyte (or fertilized ovum) to the uterus. The distal end of
the uterine tube, the infundibulum, is funnel-shaped and has fingerlike projections from its
expanded end called fimbriae.
describe the epithelium of the fallopian tubes
The mucosal lining of the uterine tubes is made of simple ciliated columnar epithelium, to
move the secondary oocyte (or fertilized ovum) or zygote along the tube, and non-ciliated
secretory cells (peg cells) that provide nutrition for the ovum. The peristaltic contractions of
the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle of the muscularis layer also move the oocyte or
fertilized ovum toward the uterus.