Module 12 Flashcards
What are Testes?
The site of sperm creation and development in the male reproductive system
Coverings of the Testes
- Tunic Vaginalis and 2. Tunic Albuginea
Tunic Vaginalis
Outer protective covering
Tunic Albuginea
The inner fibrous coat or capsule
Seminiferous Tubules
Where the sperm are produced
Loose Connective Tissue Between Tubules
Leydig cells are found which produce and secrete testosterone
What is Sperm
Gametes of the male reproductive system
4 Regions of the Sperm
- Head 2. Neck 3. Midpiece 4. Tail
Head of Sperm
Flat and an oval shape. Contains the nucleus, which contributes to an X or Y chromosone in the fertalization process
What Else Does the Head Contain
The acrosomal cap, which contains enzymes that are released prior to fertilization to help the sperm penetrate the layer of the egg
Neck of Sperm
Connects to the midpiece
Midpiece of the Sperm
Continuation of the neck with a mitochondrial collar that helps produce energy
Tail of the Sperm
Source of movement
Scrotum
Sac of skin and fascia surrounding the testes. It is derived from the anterior abdominal wall and resides outside of the abdominopelvic cavity
What do the Muscles of the Testes do?
Function to control the temperature of the testes
What are the Muscles of the Testes?
Dartos muscle and cremaster muscle
Dartos Muscle
Located superficially in the skin of the scrotum. Responsible for the rugose appearance of the scrotal sac and helps regulate temperature by altering the exposed surface areas of the scrotum
Cremaster Muscle
A covering of the testis found deep to the scrotal wall
What Does the Cremaster Muscle do?
Reflexively contracts in a cold environment, drawing the testes superiorly in the scrotum, closer to the body wall where they can absorb heat
Male Duct System
The sperm must travel through the duct system to pass out of the body. Each teste has their own duct system
Epididymis
First portion of the male duct system
Regions of the Duct System
Head, body and tail
Ducts - Head
Contains and receives sperm from the seminiferous tubules
Ducts - Body
Lies on the superior and posterior - lateral border of the testis and contains the highly coiled duct of the epididymis
Ducts - Tail
Located near the inferior border of the testis. In the tail, the coiling of the duct has diminished and the tube reverses in its direction and ascends into the vas deferens. The tail is where sperm are stored prior to ejaculation
Histology of Ducts
Ducts of epididymis are lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Vas Deferens
Stores and transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Histology of Vas Deferens
Lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium containing stereocilia. It has a small lumen, but a thick muscularis composed of layers of smooth muscle. The thick muscle layer helps propel sperm through the vas deferens
Ampulla of Vas Deferens
Expanded distal portion of the vas deferens
Ejaculatory Duct
The ampulla of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle join to form the ejaculatory duct.
Seminal vesicles
accessory glands of the male reproductive system that secretes nutritive fluid for the sperm
Accessory glands
Three accessory glands that nourish the sperm as they travel through the duct system
Seminal vesicles location
Posterior surface of the bladder, in front of the rectum
Prostate Gland
Consists of tubular gland embedded in a mass of smooth muscle and connective tissue. Produces and secretes sugars and enzymes
Prostatic Fluid
Rich in proteases, prostate-specific antigen that aid in liquefaction and dissolution of cervical mucus in the femal reproductive system
Bulbourethral Glands
Two glands located immediately below the prostate at the base of the penis. They secrete a thick, clear, alkaline mucus that drains into the penile urethra. Secretion is released before ejaculation to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra and to lubricate the urethra and penis
Penis
Has both urinary and reproductive function as it serves as a conduit for the pathway of urine and sperm
3 Parts of the Penis
- Root, Body, Glans
Root of Penis
Fixed portion that attaches the penis to the ischium
Body of the Penis
Tubular, moveable portion of the penis that consists of three cylinders of erectile tissues and contains the urethra
Glans of Penis
Expanded distal end (tip). It contains the external urethral opening
Penile Tissue
Made up of two different types of erectile tissues - Corpora Cavernosa and Corpus Spongiosum
Corpora Cavernosa
Two erectile cylinders on the dorsal surface of the penis, which make up most of the mass of the penis. The proximal portions of the corpora cavernosa are known as the crura of the penis and are attached to the bony pelvis muscles
Corpus Spongiosum
Contains the urethra and expands distally to form the glans of the penis. The proximal end is enlarged and called the bulb of the penis
Female Gamete Cell
Ovum
The Ovaries
Paired organs located near the lateral walls of the pelvis. Ovaries are where eggs or ova are produced and stored prior to ovulation
Ligaments of the Ovaries
Various ligaments protect and anchor ovaries, they are protected by an outer covering of dense connective tissue
Ovarian Ligament
Anchor the ovaries to the uterus
Suspensory Ligament
Anchor the ovaries to the pelvic wall
Internal Anatomy of the Ovaries
Surrounded by a connective tissue capsule known as the tunica albuginea
Deep to the Tunica Albuginea
The ovaries are each divided into a cortex and medulla
Cortex of the Ovaries
Contain many ovarian follicles, each at a different stage in development towards becoming a mature follicle. One mature follicle is ovulated during a menstraul cycle
Medulla of the Ovaries
the inner region of the ovary. It contains blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics that supply the tissue of the ovary
Uterine Tubes
Ducts of the female reproductive system. Also called fallopian tubes or oviducts
Infundibulum
Funnel-shaped, distal end that opens into the peritoneal cavity and has finger like extensions called fimbriae
Function of Infundibulum
To capture the egg after it is released from an ovary
Ampulla - Female Duct
The longest and widest portion. It is where fertilization normally occurs
Isthmus - Female Duct
The proximal portion and passes through the uterine wall, opening into the lumen of the uterus
Uterus
Pear-shaped muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder and the rectum. The organ that carries and supports the developing fetus during pregnancy and contracts to eject the fetus during childbirth
Uterus - Fundus
The most superior portion. It is dome shaped and extends between the uterine tubes
Uterus - Body
Main part of the uterus and is composed of smooth muscle
Uterus - Cervix
The most inferior portion, within the cervix is the cervical canal which connects to the vagina
Two openings to the Cervical Canal
Internal os and External os
Internal Os
Connects uterus and cervix
External Os
Connects cervix and vagina
3 Layers of the Uterine Wall
Endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium
Endometrium
The glandular inner lining of the uterus which undergoes changes throughout the menstral cycle. Makes up 10% of the total mass of the uterus
Myometrium
Middle layer of smooth muscle that makes up 90% of the total mass of the uterus
Perimetrium
Thin outer layer which is composed of serosa
Broad Ligament of the Uterus
The uterus is supported by the broad ligament, which drapes over the uterus
Vagina
Inferior to the cervix, is approximetly 10 cm in length and connects the uterus to the outside body and acts as the birth canal
Mucosa of the Vagina Type
Stratified squamous
What does the mucousa of the vagina produce
Glycogen, which is metabolized by bacteria into lactic acid, which protects the vagina by creating an acidic environment
Muscularis of the Vagina
Is elastic and loose connective tissue, with an inner circular and very thick outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle
What is the Vagina Covered by
An adventitia
What is Female External Genitalia Called?
Vulva or pudendum
Mons Pubis
Adipose tissue overlying the pubic bone
Clitoris
Highly sensitive area composed of erectile tissue that is homogous of the corpora cavernosa in the male
Labia Majora
(large lips) two elongated, fatty folds of skin that are homologous to the male scrotum and bear pubic hair
Labia Minora
(small lips) two thin, fat free folds of skin close to the vestibule or the opening of the vagina. Devoid of pubic hair
Vestibule
The space bounded by the labia minora. Bears the external urethral and vaginal openings
Mammary Glands
Modified sweat gland that produce and secrete milk
How many lobes do mammary glands consist of
15-20 lobes that contain glands
Connective Tissue and Mammary Glands
Connective tissue separate the lobes and function as the suspensory ligaments that attach the breast to the underlying muscle and overlying the skin
What do mammary gland contain
Lactiferous ducts, which drain into the nipple
Areola
The pigmented area around the nipple
Lobules
Extensions from the tunica albuginea penetrate into the testes, dividing it into compartments known as lobules. Each lobule contains up to four thin and elognated seminiferous tubules
