Chapter 28 - Reproductive Systems Flashcards
Reproduction
Process by which new individuals of a species are produced & genetic material is passed from generation to generation
Testes
Male gonads; suspended in scrotum
Scrotum
- AKA “Scrotal sacs”
- Keeps testes at 34-35 C
- If colder than 34 C, contraction of cremaster muscles raises testes + contraction of dartos muscle reduces volume of pouches
- If warmer than 35 C, sperm cell survival decreases; cremaster & dartos muscles relax
Scrotal Septum
Fascia of dartos muscle
Dartos Muscle
SubQ smooth muscle
Raphe
External median ridge of the scrotum
Cryptorchidism
Condition in which testes do not descend into scrotum -> sterility & increased risk of cancer
Tunica Vaginalis
Membrane sheath covering testis
Hydrocele
Excessive fluid within tunica vaginalis
2 Functions of the Testes
- Sperm cell production (Done by seminiferous tubules)
2. Testosterone production (Done by Leydig cells)
Tunica Albuginea (Male)
Has septa which divides testes into lobules
Duct System within Testes
Seminiferous tubules -> straight tubules -> rete testis -> efferent ducts -> epididymis
Epididymis
- Very long coiled tubule outside each testis
- Function: Sperm transport, maturation & storage
Histology of the Epididymis Wall (3 Layers)
- Mucosa: Pseudostratified columnar epithelium w/ stereocilia + lamina propria
- Muscularis: Smooth muscle; propels sperm into ductus deferens via peristalsis
- Adventitia: Outermost covering
Ductus Deferens
-AKA “Vas Deferens”
=A tubule that starts at epididymis & ascends into body cavity via inguinal canal
-Function: Stores & conducts sperm from epididymis toward urethra
Spermatic Cord
=Ductus deferens, blood & lymph vessels, cremaster muscle, nerves
Histology of the Ductus Deferens Wall
- Mucosa: Pseudostratified columnar epithelium + lamina propria
- Muscularis: Inner + outer = longitudinal; middle = circular
- Adventitia: Outermost covering
Ampulla (Ductus Deferens)
- Dilated terminal portion of ductus deferens
- Joins seminal vesicle duct -> ejaculatory duct to prostatic urethra
Varicocele
Dilation of testicular veins; a major cause of male infertility
Vasectomy
Cutting of the ductus deferens; results in sterilization + development of immunity to sperm cells
Vasovasostomy
Reversal procedure for a vasectomy
Ejaculatory Duct
- A union of a ductus deferens w/ a duct from a seminal vesicle
- Function: Receives/mixes sperm cells & seceretions of seminal vesicle + eject the mixture into prostatic urethra
Urethra (Male)
A tube shared by both urinary & reproductive systems in males
3 Divisions of the Male Urethra
- Prostatic Urethra: Runs along prostate
- Intermediate Urethra: Passes through urogenital diaphragm
- Spongy Urethra: Runs within the corpus spongiosum; leads to the external urethral orifice