Male And Female Anatomy Flashcards
(24 cards)
What do testes produce?
Sperm and testosterone
Testes are the male gonads responsible for the production of sperm cells and the hormone testosterone.
What is the function of the scrotum?
Tissue sac that holds the testes close to the body when cold and away when hot
The scrotum helps regulate the temperature of the testes for optimal sperm production.
What are seminiferous tubules?
Coiled tubes (250 m) where spermatogenesis occurs
These tubules contain Sertoli cells that supply nutrients and interstitial cells that produce testosterone.
What is the role of Sertoli cells?
Supply nutrients to developing sperm
Sertoli cells are essential for nourishing sperm cells during their development.
What do interstitial cells produce?
Testosterone
Interstitial cells are located within the seminiferous tubules and are crucial for male hormone production.
What is the function of the sperm tail?
Motility
The tail allows the sperm to swim and reach the egg for fertilization.
What is the purpose of the epididymis?
Stores immature sperm to become fertile as they mature
The epididymis is a coiled tube where sperm undergo maturation.
What is the ductus (vas) deferens responsible for?
Storage and transportation of sperm to the ejaculatory duct
The ductus deferens connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
What does the ejaculatory duct do?
Controls semen in the urethra and carries sperm to the penis
The ejaculatory duct is formed by the fusion of the ductus deferens and the seminal vesicle.
What is the function of the penis?
Shaft and foreskin deliver sperm to the female
The penis is the external organ for sexual intercourse and urination.
What do seminal vesicles provide?
Fructose for sperm energy and prostaglandins for reverse peristalsis in females
Seminal vesicles contribute to about 60% of the semen volume.
What is the role of the prostate gland?
Produces an alkaline buffer to neutralize the acidic vagina
The prostate gland helps create a suitable environment for sperm in the female reproductive tract.
What does Cowper’s gland secrete?
Mucus before ejaculation
This secretion helps lubricate the urethra and neutralize any acidity.
What are ovaries?
Female gonads that produce estrogen and progesterone, containing follicles with eggs
Ovaries are responsible for the production of female gametes and hormones.
What is an ovum?
Egg, oocyte that is fertile for ~ 24 hours and is non-motile
The ovum is the female gamete that can be fertilized by sperm.
What do oviducts do?
Transport eggs for early embryo development
Oviducts (fallopian tubes) are the site of fertilization.
What is the function of fimbriae?
Bring oocytes to the oviduct
Fimbriae are finger-like projections at the end of the oviduct that help guide the egg.
What is the myometrium?
Muscle layer of the uterus
The myometrium is responsible for uterine contractions during labor.
What is the endometrium?
Blood vessel lining of the uterus where the embryo is implanted
The endometrium thickens during the menstrual cycle in preparation for potential implantation.
What is the cervix?
Neck of the uterus that holds the fetus in place and dilates 10 cm for birth
The cervix acts as a barrier to the uterus and plays a crucial role during childbirth.
What is the vagina’s role?
Site for sexual intercourse and birth canal
The vagina connects the external genitals to the uterus.
What does the vulva consist of?
Labia majora and labia minora
The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia.
What happens during arousal in the clitoris?
Becomes erect
The clitoris is a sensitive organ that plays a significant role in female sexual arousal.
What is oogenesis?
Egg development (64 chromosomes at birth, 46 chromosomes at puberty, 23 chromosomes at fertilization)
Oogenesis is the process of forming female gametes from precursor cells.
