Module 19: The Reproductive System Flashcards
Structures of male reproductive system
testes epididymis vas deferens seminal vesicles ejaculatory duct prostate gland bulbourethral gland penis
function of testes
descend into scrotum divided into lobules further divided into seminiferous tubules (sperm production) Interstitial cells (leydig cells) produce testosterone
function of epidiymis
coiled tube that collects sperm cells (sperm maturation)
Stores sperm for up to 2 months
function of Vas Deferens
a direct continuation of the epididymis
3 layers of muscle in walls to move sperm during ejaculation
function of seminal vesicles
hollow glands
ducts that join with each vas deferent
Product alkaline viscous secretion added to sperm to form semen to nourish sperm
Function of ejaculatory ducts
formed by union of vas deferent and seminal vesicle ducts
open not the first part of the urethra
function of prostate gland
surrounds urethra at points where ejaculatory ducts are formed
adds alkaline secretions to semen (help neutralize acidic vaginal fluid)
Bulbourethral Glands (cowpers glands)
add alkaline secretions
sperm pH
pH 7.5
Male hormones
Testosterone
responsible for normal growth, development of sex organs, sperm production
Develops male secondary sex characteristics (voice change, beard, muscle)
Growth promoting effect
Structures of female reproductive system
fimbriae ovary endometrium (of uterus) cervix fallopian tube round ligament myometrium (of uterus) clitoris vagina labia perimetrium (of uterus)
Function of ovaries
contain immature ova
each ovum is enclosed in a follicle
secretes estrogens and progesterone
Uterine (fallopian) tubes
carry ova from ovaries to uterus
moved along the tube by cilia lining the internal surface of the wall
funnel like end of uterine tube = infundibulum
finger like projections = finbriae
Uterus
outermost perimetrium
middle myometrium
inner endometrium (consists of stratum baseless and stratum functionalis)
Vagina
extends from cervix to outside of body
lined with mucous membrane
Pathway of an ovum
fimbriae of fallopian tube sweep ovum into the tube
Propelled towards uterus
If fertilization has not taken place, the ovum is shed during next menstrual period
Female hormones
estrogen
progesterone
human chorionic gonadotropin
estrogen
produced by follicular cells
promote growth of female reproductive organs
induce ovulation
cause thickening of uterine lining
promote development of female secondary sex characteristics
progesterone
secreted by mature follicle (called corpus luteum) after it has ruptured during ovulation
prepared lining of endometrium of uterus for implantation of fertilized ovum
inhibits ovulations during pregnancy
causes largement of mammary glands during pregnancy
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
secreted by cells that form outer layer of placenta
make sure corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone during first few months of pregnancy
menstrual cycle
hormonal secretion and endometrial lining of uterus
28 days long
Ovulation and preparation of the endometrium for implantation should the ovum become fertilized
Stages of menstrual cycle
menstrual phase
Proliferative phase (perovulatory)
secretory phase
Menstrual phase
first 5 days
withdrawal of hormonal support from endometrium, lining is shel (period)
first day of menstruation = first day of new cycle
Proliferative Phase
next 10 days
time between menstruation and ovulation
Several ova and surrounding follicles start to develop under influence of FSH; only one ovum and its follicle continue to grow
follicle secretes estrogen
Secretory phase
day 15-28
called progestational phase
Ovulation occurs between proliferative and secretory phase
mature follicle ruptures and ovum are released to uterus
If fertilization does not occur, corpus luteum begins to degenerate
menopause
end of child bearing years
menstruation has ceased for more than 1 year
fertilization
union of gametes (sex cells)
union of ovum and sperm cell
each contain half # of chromosomes
Gestation
length of time from conception to birth
about 280 days
Parturition
act of giving birth
Lactation
secretion and ejection of milk by mammary glands
