Male and Female reproductive organs

Question 1

What is the Epididymis and what purpose does it serve?

Answer 1

It is a coiled tubule (~6m) and has 3 functions:

Temporarily stores sperm and facilitates their maturation

Adjust the fluid produced by the seminiferous tubules

Recycles spermatozoa

Question 2

95% of the volume of semen comes from which accessory glands?

Answer 2

• Bulbourethral glands
• Prostate
• Seminal Gland

Question 3

What does each male accessory gland do?

Answer 3

Bulbourethral glands

Secrete alkaline luid to neutralise urine acids

Prostate

Secretes antimicrobial fluid that can destroy bacteria

Seminal gland

Stimulates smooth muscle contraction, gives fructose energy to sperm, forms a temporary semen clot within the vagina

Needed for activation of the sperm

Question 4

What are the 4 main components of the Female Reproductive System ?

Answer 4

• Ovaries
• Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes)
• Uterus
• Vagina

Question 5

What are the ovaries and what is their purpose?

Answer 5

They are the equivalent to the testes:

• Produce gametes
• Produce hormones
• Mature oocytes

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Uterine tube and describe the movement that occurs within it?

Answer 6

Oocytes are released into the uterine tubes and to the uterus

The site of fertilisation

Movement:

Peristalsis (smooth muscle)
Lined with cities and mucin-secreting cells
Push oocyte towards the uterus

Question 7

What are the different linings of the Uterus called?

Answer 7

Endometrium

Thin and sheds during menstrual cycle

Myometrium

Thick, middle, 90% is smooth muscle

Perimetrium

Thin connective tissue
Lines the uterine cavity

Question 8

What role does the Cervix play?

Answer 8

Produces mucous plug, responsible for consistency and amount of mucous change

Question 9

What do the mucosa and rug do in the Vagina?

Answer 9

Muscosa restricts the growth of many pathogen, by having a low pH,

Rugae is folded giving the ability to stretch quite significantly. Important for sexual intercourse and birth of baby.

Question 10

The vulva is the external genitalia, what does it consist of?

Answer 10

• Clitoris
• Labie majora
• Labie minore
• Glands on either side of the vaginal orifice

Question 11

What layer of the uterus is responsible for contraction and expelling the foetus?

Answer 11

Myometrium