Human Reproduction Flashcards
Where is the male reproductive system located?
In the pelvis region
What are the main components of the male reproductive system?
A pair of testes, accessory ducts, glands, and external genitalia
What is the function of the scrotum?
Helps maintain a low temperature for the testes necessary for spermatogenesis
What is the temperature range that the scrotum helps maintain for the testes?
2-2.5° C lower than the normal internal body temperature
What is the average length and width of an adult testis?
Length: 4 to 5 cm, Width: 2 to 3 cm
What are the compartments within each testis called?
Testicular lobules
What do the seminiferous tubules in the testicular lobules produce?
Sperms
What types of cells line the inside of the seminiferous tubules?
- Male germ cells (spermatogonia)
- Sertoli cells
What role do Sertoli cells play in the seminiferous tubules?
Provide nutrition to the germ cells
What type of cells are found in the interstitial spaces of the testes?
Leydig cells
What do Leydig cells synthesize and secrete?
Testicular hormones (androgens)
List the male sex accessory ducts.
- Rete testis
- Vasa efferentia
- Epididymis
- Vas deferens
What connects the seminiferous tubules to the vasa efferentia?
Rete testis
Where is the epididymis located in relation to the testis?
Along the posterior surface of each testis
What does the vas deferens do?
Ascends to the abdomen, loops over the urinary bladder, and leads to urethra
What is the external opening of the urethra called?
Urethral meatus
Fill in the blank: The urethra originates from the _______.
Urinary bladder
What is the male external genitalia?
The penis is the male external genitalia. It is made up of special tissue that helps in erection to facilitate insemination.
What is the glans penis?
The enlarged end of the penis is called the glans penis, which is covered by a loose fold of skin called foreskin.
What are the male accessory glands?
The male accessory glands include paired seminal vesicles, a prostate, and paired bulbourethral glands.
What do the secretions of male accessory glands constitute?
The secretions of these glands constitute the seminal plasma, which is rich in fructose, calcium, and certain enzymes.
What is the function of the bulbourethral glands?
The secretions of bulbourethral glands help in the lubrication of the penis.
What does the female reproductive system consist of?
The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia.
What are the primary female sex organs?
The ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones.