Defining the reproductive tracts Flashcards
Function of both reproductive organs
Production, storage and delivery of germ cells
Function of just female reproductive organs
Sustain and support developing foetus/ embryo
Female reproductive system
Gonads: ovaries
Internal ducts: uterine/ fallopian tube, uterus, cervix, vagina
External genitalia: vulva (clitoris, vestibule, labia)
Gonads (ovaries)
Location: housed in lateral wall of pelvis, inferior to pelvic inlet
Appearance: Greek olive shape
Function: egg production, hormone secretion
Blood: gonadal arteries and veins
Nerves: ovarian plexus (abdomen)
Ovarian cortex contents
Ovarian follicles- germ cells to become ova
Smooth muscle cells
Corpus luteum- secretes progesterone
Theca secrete androgens and granulsa convert to oestrogen
Ovarian medulla contents
Blood/ lymph vessels and nerves
Female internal duct system
Ova travel- exiting the ovaries, within the abdomen
- fallopian tubes
- uterus
- cervix
- vagina
Fallopian tubes
Passageway from ovaries to uterus (passage of ovum)
Thin 8-10cm long tube
Finger like projections (fimbriae) capture released ovum
Structurally composed of three areas: infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus
Fallopian tube function
Inner wall contain cilia that propel ovum
Normally the site of fertilisation
Fallopian tube VAN
Branches from uterine and ovarian arteries and veins
Sympathetic innervation from ovarian
Parasympathetic from pelvic splanchnic
Uterus shape
Body- cone shaped, upper 2/3rd
Cervix- cylindrical, lower 1/3rd
Uterus function
Site of implantation of fertilised egg and foetus development
Uterus 3 layered wall
Perimetrium- outer serous wall covering the uterus
Myometrium- thick muscular layer, responsible for process of parturition
Endometrium- inner mucous layer; site of implantation; thickness changes through menstrual cycle
Innervation of the uterus
Sympathetic from the hypogastric plexus (along uterine artery)
Parasympathetic via the pelvic splanchnic
Touch and pain (birth): via somatic afferents to S2-S4
Cervis
Inferior to portion of uterus; cylindrical tube
Thick muscular layer- support developing foetus
Lumen- cervical canal
Constricted openings at ends
- internal communicating with uterus
- external communicating with vagina
Vagina
Musculomembranous tube, 7-9cm long
Link cervix of uterus with vulva
Vagina function
Canal for menstruation; recieves penis during copulation (semen); forms part of birth canal
External genitalia
Mons pubis
Labia minora and majora
Clitoris
Vestibular glands Bartholin
Labia minora
Encloses the vestibule (openings for vagina and urethra) and the clitoris
Labia function
Copulatory organ
Urethra function
Outflow of urine
Clitoris function
Arousal (erectile tissue)
Bartholin function
Lubrication of vestibule
Blood supply/ drainage to external female genitalia
Pudendal artery (erectile) and vein
Innervation to external female genitalia
Branches of genitofemoral and pudendal nerve
Reproductive system male
Gonads: testis
Internal ducts: efferent ductules, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands, urethra
External genitalia: penis, scrotum
Gonads (testis)
Location: housed in scrotum
Appearance: small egg shaped
Function: sperm production, hormone secretion
Blood: gonadal arteries and veins
Nerves: spermatic plexus (abdomen)
Testis contents
250-300 lobules each with 4 seminiferous tubules
- spermatogenic- generate sperm cells
- sertoli- support germ cell production
Leidig cells (interstitial): - secrete testosterone
Testis- ducts
Seminiferous tubules- coiled tubules; sperm is produced
Rete testis- straight tubules
Efferent ductules- ducts leaving testis
Epididymis- transport and storage of sperm
Vas deferens- thin muscular tube about 45cm long
Internal duct system- male
Spermatic cord suspends testes in scotum; contains vas deferens, blood and lymphatic vessels, cremaster muscle, nerves
Enter abdomen via superficial inguinal ring
Deferens travels posteriorly, cross over external iliacs and towards the back of bladder
Joined by duct seminal gland –> ejactulatory duct
VAN
Arteries: those that primarily supply the lower bladder- inferior vesical - and rectum - middle rectal
Venous: blood follow the arteries and so have the same name
Nerves: sympathetic innervation from splanchnic and hypogastric plecus; parasympathetic from the pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-3)
Accessory glands- male
Deferens duct is joined by accessory glands
- seminal vesicles
- prostate
- bulbourethral glands
Seminal vesicles
5cm elongated organ
Just inferior to rectovesical pouch; secretes alkaline fluid and fructose and coagulate
Prostate
Blunt inverted cone
3x4cm
Located at base of bladder
Secretes prostatic fluid (20% total volume)
Bulbourethral glands
Pea sized glands
aka Cowpers glands
Located inferior to prostate
Secretion assists lubrication of ducts
Urethra- male
Leads into prostatic urethra
Becomes membranous then penile/ spongy urethra
