Reproduction Flashcards
what is the Epididymis
the area where the sperm matures (coiled tubes), after which they move to the ductus (vas) deferens
Where are the testes and why
outside the abdominal cavity in scrotum, for sperm to be viable the testes must descend to keep temperature below body temp
where is sperm produced
inside tubes called the seminiferous tubules
what other cells are inside the testes and what do they produced
interstitial cells which produce male sex hormones like testosterone and androgens
where do maturing sperm move to
the epididymis
what is the Ductus (vas) deferens
the area where sperm is stores, leads to the urethra, long tube from epididymis to urethra
what are the seminal vesicles
2 small glands
joins the ductus (vas) deferens at the bas of the bladder
what do the seminal vesicles make
seminal fluid (about 60%)
creates a slightly basic (pH 7.5) fluid, high in fructose, amino acids, prostaglandins, and buffers
what is prostaglandins
hormones that cause contractions of the vagina to help move sperm
what is the prostate gland
a gland found around the urethra which contributes to alkaline solutions
what is Cowper’s or Bulbourethral gland
a gland that adds to seminal fluid, 2 glands, secretes alkaline fluid to neutralize urine in urethra
what makes up semen
seminal fluid and sperm
what is seminal fluid
a fluid that is basic, contains fructose (sugar) to prove energy for sperm swimming, and prostaglandins a hormones that causes mild contractions in uterus to help sperm move towards egg
what is the urethra
a tube that serves as a double purpose for semen and urine but never at the same time
Semen expelled by rhythmic muscular contractions -> male orgasm
what does the penis do
becomes erect (due to compression of blood vessels) and hard to allow semen to be deposited in the vagina near the cervix
what is the path of sperm
testes - produce sperm
Epididymis - stores and matures sperm
Ductus (vas) deferens - sperm enters
Past the Prostate gland - contribues to alkaline fluid but no sperm travels hers
Urethra - sperm released
what are the functions of the seminal fluid
lubricates the vagina
provide energy for swimming sperm (fructose)
stimulate mild contractions of the vagina (prostaglandins (hormones) )
buffers to counteract acidity in vagina and uterus (sodium bicarbonate)
what is the concentration of sperm in semen
north of 400 million sperm in 3.5 mL of semen
what is the head of sperm called, and what does it contain
the acrosome which contains enzymes necessary for penetration of female egg surface, contains 23 chromosomes
what does the mid piece of sperm contain
mitochondria for energy of the tail
describe the structure of sperm’s tail
same structure as flagella “9 + 2 microtubules arrangements for movement”
what is the major hormone of the male
testosterone
what does testosterone do
essential for development
essential for development and function of male sex organs
maturation of sperm
secondary hair (facial, pubic, etc) impact on baldness
deepens voice (affects larynx and cords)
Increases muscle mass
increases aggression
what controls testosterone level
the hypothalamus and gonadotrophic hormones from the ant pituitary gland
remains relatively constant due to negative feedback loop
describe the loop that affects testosterone levels and sperm productions
Hypothalamus monitors levels, uses gonadotrophin releasing hormone to communicate to ant. pit gland, which releases LH and FSH, which trigger the testes to produce testosterone through interstitial cells, and sperm through the seminiferous tubules.
What is FSH
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (sperm production)
What is LH
Luteinizing hormone (testosterone production)
what are the 6 steps of the ovarian cycle
1) primary follicle contains oocyte and begins producing estrogen
2) secondary follicle contains primary oocyte and produces estrogen and progesterone
3) Vesicular follicle develops
4) Ovulation, secondary oocyte (egg) gets released
5) corpus luteum produces estrogen and progesterone
6) Corpus luteum degenerates