chapte 16 Flashcards
reproductive systems
the male and female reproductive systems consist of the tissues and organs that participate n creating a new human being
sperm
male reproductive system evolved to deliver the male reproductive cells
testes
sites of sperm production In the male are the paired testes.
scrotum
an outpunching of skin and smooth muscle. regulates the tempt of the developing sperm with the testes, for sperm develop best at temp a few degrees cooler than body temp
seminiferous tubules
sperm are produced
epidiymis
a single coiled duct just outside the testis
ductus (vas) deferens
epididymis joins this, which eventually joins the duct from the seminal vesicle to become the ejaculatory duct
penis
male organ of sexual intercourse. deliver sperm internally to the female, safely away from the harsh external environment
erection
increase in length, diameter, and stiffness of the penis that facilitates its entry into the vagina
semen
improve their chances of survival, the male delivers sperm in a thick, whitish mixture of fluids called semen. contains secretions from the seminal vesicle, the prostate gland, and the bulbourethral gland
seminal vesicles
produce seminal fluid, a watery mixture containing fructose and prostaglandins that represent about 60% of the volume of semen
prostate gland
secretions temporarily raise the vaginal pH to about 6, optimal for sperm
bulbourethral glands
secrete mucus into the urethra during sexual arousal
gametes
are called haploid cells because they contain only 23 chromosomes
sertoli cells
make up most of the bulk of the seminiferous tubules
testosterone
a steroid hormone produced by interstitial cells located between the seminiferous tubules within the testes
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
from the hypothalamus
ovaries
primary female reproductive organs are the 2 ovaries, which release the female gametes, immature eggs called oocytes, at regular intervals during the reproductive years
oviduct
leads from the ovary to the uterus.
uterus
hollow pear-shaped organ where the fertilized egg grows and develops. walls of the uterus comprise 2 layers of tissues
endometrium
inner layer of the uterus. lining of epithelial tissue, glands, connective tissue, and blood vessels
myometrium
outer layer of the uterus. consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. stretches during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus
cervix
lower part of the uterus. opening in the cervix permits sperm to enter the uterus and allows the fetus to exit during birth
vagina
a hollow muscular organ of sexual intercourse and also the birth canal. glands produce lubricating secretions during sexual arousal