Lecture 25: Reproductive System

Question 1

Group the male reproductive organs by function:

Answer 1

• *Gonads** (testes)
• *Ducts** (epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra)
• *Accessory sex glands** (seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands)
• *Supporting structures**; copulatory organ -> penis, scrotum

Question 2

What are the main muscles of the scrotum and identify their function:

Answer 2

• Internally divided by scrotal septum and externally divided by scrotal raphe
• Dartos muscle → allows for wrinkling
  
  • Cremaster Muscle → Elevate testes when cold

Question 3

Describe the anatomy of the testes and their function:

Answer 3

Oval paired glands covered by tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea (divides testis into lobule)

Function: Produce sperm and hormones!

Question 4

Label the testis

Answer 4

Question 5

What is the function of the seminiferous tubules? What cells are situated there?

Answer 5

SPERM PRODUCTION (SPERMATOGENESIS)

Cells: Spermatogenic cells, sertoli cells (support),

Spaces between tubule → Leydig Cells (produce testosterone)

Question 6

What is the anatomy of the epididymis and what is its function?

Answer 6

Located along the posterior border of each testis

Single highly coiled tube

pseudostratified columnar epithelium covered by sterocillia

Function: site of sperm maturation and STORAGE

Question 7

What is the continuation of the epididymis?

Answer 7

Ductus Deferens, continuation of the duct of epididymis

Conveys sperm to the urethra!

Dilated terminal portion becomes ampulla of ductus deferens

→ Will join duct of seminal gland to form ejaculatory duct; carries sperm to urethra

Question 8

what is the role of the spermatic chord?

Answer 8

Supporting structure

Ascends from scrotum and consists of

• Ductus deferens
• testicular artery
• veins
• nerves and lymphatics
  *

Question 9

Where are the seminal vesicles located and what is its function?

Answer 9

Paired vesicles lie posterior to the urinary bladder

Function: Secrete alkaline fluid rich in fructose (energy source for sperm and neutralises acidic environment of female reproductive tract.

Secretes coagulant so sperm does not leak from vagina

Question 10

Where is the prostate located and what is its function?

Answer 10

Inferior to urinary bladder which surrounds the prostatic part of the urethra.

Function: citric acid production for the activation of sperm

Question 11

Where is the bulbourethral gland located and what is its function?

Answer 11

Pea sized, inferior to prostate, lateral to membranous urethra

Function: Secrete alkaline substance to neutralise acids from urine in urethra and protect sperm.

Secrete mucous to lubricate end of penis and lining of urethra

Question 12

Label the accessory sex glands and any other important features

Answer 12

Question 13

What is the male copulatory organ? Identify important features?

Answer 13

PENIS:

Body of penis has 3 cylindrical masses of tissue, covered by tunica albuginea

→ Corpora cavernosa

Corpus spongiosum

Question 14

What portion of the penis is attatched? Name identifiable features

Answer 14

Root of penis: bulb (portion of corpus spongiosum)

crus (portion of corpus cavernous)

Question 15

What nervous supply causes the erection and ejaculation of sperm

Answer 15

Parasympathetic: stimulation of blood to penis

Sympathetic: stimulation causes contraction of smooth muscle in the ducts and glands.

Question 16

Where are the ovaries located and what are their function?

Answer 16

Almond shaped, lateral walls of lesser pelvis

Function: Production of gametes and hormones

Question 17

What are the ovarian ligaments?

Answer 17

1. Mesovarium; subdivision of larger mesentery of uterus
2. Broad ligament; mesentery of uterus
3. Ovarian Ligament - Tethers ovary to the uterus
4. Suspensory Ligament - continuous with mesovarium, ascends and attaches to pelvic wall
5. Round Ligament- uterine horns continue to labia majors
   
   1. Uterosacral - attach the cervix to the anterior aspect of the sacrum

Question 18

Label the Ovarian Ligaments:

Answer 18

Question 19

What are the regions of the ovary?

Answer 19

• Cortex (contains ovarian follicles)
  
  • Medulla (blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics)

Question 20

What is the function of the fallopian tubes? Name the identifiable features

Answer 20

Function: Transport the secondary oocyte

Divided into - Infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus

Suspended in peritoneal cavity

Fimbriae of uterine tube helps get oocyte from ovary into fallopian tube

Question 21

What are the 3 layers of the uterine tube?

Answer 21

Mucosa (ciliated simple columnar) INNER

Muscularis

Serosa OUTER

Question 22

Where is the uterus located and what is its function?

Answer 22

Thick-walled located in lesser pelvis, body on top of urinary bladder and between the urinary bladder and rectum

FUNCTION: site of implantation, foetal development, menstrual flow.

Question 23

What are the divisions of the uterus?

Answer 23

→ Fundus- superior to isthmus of fallopian tube

Body (btw the layers of broad ligament)

→ Cervix : cervical canal, internal and external os

Question 24

How many layers make up the uterus?

Answer 24

• Perimetrium
• Myometrium
• Endometrium → Stratum functionalis →>>> Will be menstruated at period blood
• →Stratum Basalis

Question 25

Where is the vagina located and what is its function?

Answer 25

Posterior to urethra and urinary bladder and anterior to rectum.

Function: Receptacle for penis, menstrual flow and child birth.

Question 26

What are two identifiable features of the vagina?

Answer 26

• Vaginal Fornix (recess around cervix_
• Hymen ( partially closes vaginal orifice, can be broken during intercourse)
  *

Question 27

What are the 3 layers of the vagina?

Answer 27

• Mucosa
• Muscularis
  
  • Adventitia

Question 28

Label the external genitals of the female

Answer 28

Question 29

What is this structure called?

Answer 29

Perineurium