human reproductive systems Flashcards
male reproductive system, female reproductive system and their functions
how many primary functions are male reproductive system organs specialised into
3
describe the 3 primary functions of the organs of the male reproductive system
- to produce, maintain, transport, and nourish sperm and protective fluid (semen)
-spermatogenesis
-semen - To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract
- to produce and secrete male sex hormones
-testosterone
define spermatogenesis
the process of sperm production within the seminiferous tubules in the testes
describe/define semen
contains spermatozoa, enzymes, and fructose that promotes spermatozoa survival
provides medium for sperm motility
define testosterone
steroid hormone produced primarily in the male testes and responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics
the organs of the female reproductive system are specialised: (3)
- to produce female reproductive cells
- specialised as the site of development of a foetus
- to produce and secrete female sex hormones
Most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the body. Name these external structures
penis
scrotum
epididymis
testes
internal organs of the male reproductive system
vas deferens
seminal vesicles
prostate gland
external male sex organ- penis -describe (4)
- penis= male sex organ for sexual intercourse and urination
- contains erectile tissue that fills with blood making the penis erect
- sperm need to be kept in an aquatic environment as they have to swim so secretions are added- seminal fluid.
- semen and urine leave the penis through the urethra
what is the socrotum
-external male sex organ
-loose, pouch-like sack of skin that hangs behind the penis, containing the testes
name the protective function of the scrotum
-the maintenance of optimal temps for sperm survival and function
why is the protective function of the scrotum important?
-for sperm development, the testes must maintain a temperature slightly cooler than the normal body temp.
-special muscles in the wall of the scrotum contract and relax in order to move the testes near the body
where is the epididymis located?
at the back of the testis and connects it to the vas deferens
function of epididymis
store and carry sperm
testis = location for?
testosterone production
where does spermatogenesis take place?
the seminiferous tubules
(which are a coiled collection of tubes within the testes)
the internal organs of the male reproductive system are known as?
accessory sex organs