Male and Female Reproductive Systems Flashcards
What does spermatogenesis refer to, and how many sperm are produced every day?
Spermatogenesis refers to the production of sperm, with over 300 million produced every day.
When does spermatogenesis begin and how long does it continue?
Spermatogenesis begins at puberty and continues until death.
Where does spermatogenesis mostly occur and where do sperm cells move as they mature?
Spermatogenesis mostly occurs in the seminiferous tubules. As maturation continues, sperm cells move to the lumen and then to the epididymis for final maturation.
What is the role of Sertoli (nurse) cells in the seminiferous tubules?
Sertoli (nurse) cells in the seminiferous tubules nourish the sperm as they mature.
Which hormones stimulate sperm production during spermatogenesis?
Sperm production is stimulated by FSH and testosterone.
Where is testosterone produced, and what stimulates its production?
Testosterone is produced in the interstitial cells of the testes, and its production is stimulated by LH.
Describe the structure of sperm and its various components.
Sperm structure includes…
Acrosome: contains enzymes to penetrate the egg
Head: contains the nucleus (holds DNA)
Tail: moves with whip-like movements to propel the sperm towards the egg
Mid-Piece: contains mitochondria to provide energy for whipping motion
What does semen include?
Semen includes sperm and secretions from supportive fluids for nourishment and protection against the acidic environment of the vagina.
What is the function of the prepuce (foreskin)?
The prepuce (foreskin) serves a protective function and is sometimes removed in circumcision.
What is the glans in male anatomy?
The glans is the expanded tip of the penis, also known as the head of the penis.
What is the function of the corpus cavernosa?
The corpus cavernosa is erectile tissue that fills with blood, producing an erection
What is the role of the corpus spongiosa?
The corpus spongiosa is soft erectile tissue that prevents compression of the urethra.
What is the function of the urethra in males?
The urethra in males carries sperm and urine, but never at the same time, as a sphincter controls urine excretion.
What is the role of the prostate gland?
The prostate gland produces mucous for lubrication and buffering to protect sperm from the acidic environments of the vagina and male urethra.
What is the function of the vas deferens (ductus deferens)?
The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra.
What is the role of the seminal vesicle?
The seminal vesicle is a sac under the bladder that secretes fructose (food for sperm) and prostaglandins (stimulates uterine contractions to help sperm move up the uterus). It contributes to 60% of the total semen volume.
What is the function of the ejaculatory duct in the male reproductive system?
The ejaculatory duct connects the vas deferens to the urethra, allowing sperm to travel during ejaculation.
What is the Cowper’s gland, and what is its function?
The Cowper’s gland, also known as the bulbourethral gland, secretes clear, salty mucous for lubrication and neutralizes acidic male urethra and acidic vagina.
What is the epididymis, and what is its role in sperm development?
The epididymis is a coiled tube attached to the outer edge of the testis, where sperm complete their development and mature.
What are the seminiferous tubules, and what is their function?
he seminiferous tubules are 250mm of twisting tubes in the testis, which serve as the site of sperm production.
What is the scrotum, and what is its role in sperm development?
The scrotum is a sac that contains the testes, made of elastic skin, and it helps regulate temperature for optimal sperm development, which occurs at 3°C lower than regular body temperature.
What issues can arise if testicles do not descend properly?
If testicles do not descend, viable sperm will not develop. This issue is more common in dogs.
What can happen if a rupture occurs in the membrane separating the testes from the small intestine?
If a rupture occurs, the small intestine may slip through, impairing blood supply for either the testis or the small intestine, and causing a hernia.
In which demographic is testicular cancer most common, and how is it treated?
Testicular cancer is most common in young males and can be easily treated with the removal of one of the testicles.
What prostate problems are generally found in older males, and how are they treated?
Prostate problems, such as enlargement or prostate cancer, are generally found in older males. Enlargement can lead to urinary problems, while prostate cancer is treated primarily with excision.
What is a vasectomy, and how does it affect sperm and ejaculation?
A vasectomy involves the snipping or tying of the vas deferens, preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate and rendering the male sterile.
What is oogenesis, and when does it occur?
Oogenesis is the process of egg development in females. Girls are born with all of their primary oocytes in Prophase I of meiosis. Every month after puberty, up until menopause, a primary oocyte continues with meiosis I and meiosis II to develop into a secondary oocyte.
When does ovulation occur during oogenesis?
Ovulation occurs at Metaphase II during oogenesis.
When does meiosis II proceed through Anaphase II and Telophase II in oogenesis?
Meiosis II proceeds through Anaphase II and Telophase II in oogenesis only if the egg is fertilized.
Describe the female anatomy: labia majora
Protective flaps of skin homologous to the male scrotum
Describe the female anatomy: labia minora
Protective flaps of skin homologous to the male urethra and penile tissue
Describe the female anatomy: clitoris
Packed with sensory nerves, homologous to the male penis head
Describe the female anatomy: vagina
Connects the uterus to the outside world, site of sperm deposition, birth canal, and protection from bacterial invasion (highly acidic)
Describe the female anatomy: cervix
Muscular band that prevents premature delivery, dilates during birth
Describe the female anatomy: uterus (womb)
Pear-shaped organ where fertilized ovum embeds in the endometrium (uterine lining)
Describe the female anatomy: ovary
Stores and produces ova, generally one mature ovum is produced monthly (alternating ovaries)
Describe the female anatomy: oviduct (fallopian tube)
Tube carrying mature ova to the uterus, usually site of fertilization; ova swept in by fimbria at open ends
