Chapter 27: Reproductive System Flashcards
Gonads
testes and ovaries; develop from the same embryonic tissues (gonadal ridges) during 5th week of gestation
Gonads produce same types of products…
gametes via meiosis; steroid sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone)
What regulates the production of gametes?
hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis (HPG)
Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis
functions to regulate production of gametes and sex hormones
Inhibin
inhibits FSH ONLY
Scrotum
external sac enclosing testes; internal temp ~3 C lower than body temp;
Pampariform Venous Plexus
absorbs heat from the testicular artery
Cremaster Muscles
elevate testes; when it is cold
Duortes Muscle
wrinkles scrotal skin; when its cold
Testes
descend from abdomen into scortum thru inguinal canals; each one surrounded by 2 tunics
Spermatic Cords
connective tissue sheath; convey blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves and ducuts deferens to each testis
Tunica Vaginalis
outermost layer derived from the peritoneum
Tunica Albuanea
fibrous layer that forms septa, divising testis into lobules
Each lobule (of testis)…
contains 1-4 seminiferous tubules to straight tubule to rete testis to efferent duct to epididymis
Epididymis
comma shaped organ cupping the testis; contains a long, highly coiled duct; lined with pseudostratified epithelium; non motile stereocilia extend into lumen; sperm gain ability to swim and are stored until ejacualtion
Ductus Deferens
transports sperm from epididymis into pelvic cavity during ejaculation; ampulla (expanded end) merges with seminal vesicle duct to form ejaculatory duct
Urethra
transports both sperm and urine; subdivided into prostatic, mebranous and spongy regions
Penis
deposits sperm in female vagina; consists of root, shaft, and glans penis; prepuse (foreskin): loose skin covering the glans penis; contains 3 erectile tissues- 2 corpora lavernosa (dorsal) and 1 corpus spongiosum (ventral) (surrounds urethra)
Seminal Glands
2; contract during ejaculation to secrete thick, yellowish, alkaline fluid (contains fructose, ciltrate, clotting factors and protaglandins); contribute 70% of semen volume
Prostate Gland
1; donut shaped gland encirculing the urethra; contracts during ejaculation to secrete a milky, slightly acidic fluid (plays role in activating sperm); contributes ~30% semen vol
Bulbourethral Glands
2; pea sized glands embedded in the urogenital diaphragm; contracts during ejaculationto secrete a thick, clear mucus (functions to neutralize acid in male urethra and lubricates teh glans; <1% of semen vol
Semen
combination of sperm and accessory gland secretions; prostaglandin reduce viscosity of cervical mucus and stimulates reverse peristalsis in uterus; relaxin (hormone) enhances sperm motility; citrate and fructose provde sperm with energy source to make ATP; antibiotic chemicals; clotting factors and liquifying enzyems; pH 7.2-8 (helps neutralize acid in vagina); 2-5 ml per ejaculation; 20-150 million sperm/ml
Erection
enlargement and stiffening of penis; sexual excitement triggers parasympathetic reflex which stimules local release of nitrix oxide (NO) which vasodilates penile arterioles which leads to corpora caveronas filling with blood
Ejaculation
erectile impulses trigger sympathetic spinal reflex which constricts internal urethral sphincter and stimulates contraction of ductus deferens, prostate and seminal galnds; which leads to semen in urethra triggering somatic spinal refex which stimulates rythmic contractions of penile muscle resulting in ejaculation