Cell reproduction and the Continuity of Life: Human reproductive systems Flashcards
Test review
What are the parts of the male reproductive system?
-Testis
-Scrotum
-Epididymus
-Vas Deferens
-Urethra
What are the testes (paired male gonads)?
Produces testosterone and male sex hormones. Consists of coiled semineferous tubules which produce sperm right until death. Nurse/Sertoli cells support, regulate, and nourish the sperm whilst also producing inhibin.
What is the scrotum?
Sac containing the testes outside of the body. Consistently 1.5 degrees (C) lower than normal body temperature since it is separate, as sperm require cooler temperature to mature properly.
What is the epididymus?
Stores sperm produced by the testes until they mature and become motile. One end attaches to the epididymus, the other to the vas deferens.
What is the vas deferens?
Tube that carries sperm from the epididymus to the urethra.
What is the urethra?
Tube that carries sperm through the penis to the outside of the body. Also carries urine out of the body from the bladder. (Exclusively does this in females)
What happens to sperm as it travels from the urethra to the epididymus?
Several glands add secretions which altogether form seminal fluid. When sperm and seminal fluid are mixed, they create semen.
What are the glands and their functions?
Seminal vesicles - Produces mucus like fluid contain sugar for sperm nourishment
Prostate gland - Secretes alkaline fluid
Cowper’s gland/Bulbourethral- Secretes alkaline fluid
What are the 3 functions of seminal fluid?
-Carrying the sperm and lubricating it’s passage
-Nourishing the sperm because it contains fructose (sugar)
-Protecting the sperm from acidity in the female reproductive tract
What are the parts of the female reproductive system?
-Ovaries
-Oviduct/Fallopian tube
-Uterus/Womb
-Cervix
-Vagina
What is the oviduct?
Eggs are carried through this to the abdominal cavity when they exit the ovary. They are swept into it by fimbriae, and are carried on by weak contractions of the oviduct and light pulses of the cilia within it.
What are the ovaries (paired female gonads)?
Resides in the abdominal cavity and produces female sex hormones and gametes (eggs/ova). Eggs are larger than sperm as they contain more cytoplasm.
What is the uterus?
Embryo develops here if egg is fertilized. It’s lining is called the endometrium which has a rich supply of blood vessels to nourish the developing embryo.
What is the cervix?
The narrow end of the uterus. Runs into the vagina/birth canal, leading to the outside of the body.
What is the vagina?
The opening that allows sperm to enter into the female reproductive system, but also serves as the birth canal for the baby during birth.
