Reproductive System Flashcards
Function of Reproduction System
To reproduce the species and the method to do so.
Gonads (Testes)
The testes are the gonads of the male reproduction system that is 1.5-2” long that produces spermazoa and testosterone.
Gamete (Spermazoa)
The sperm (spermazoa) is the gamete of the male reproduction system.
Gonads (Ovaries)
The ovaries are the gonads of the female reproduction system.
Gamete (Ova)
The ova is the gamete of the female reproduction system.
Accessory Organs of the Reproductive System
The ducts used for transport and the exocrine glands provide the secretions.
Scrotum
A sac suspended behind the penis that houses the testes, outside the body for lower temperature requirement of sperm. Septa divide the sac into 2 testes. Each teste has about 250 compartments which contain seminiferous tubules.
Testosterone
A hormone produced in the testes that stimulates the development of male reproduction organs and secondary sex characteristics
Epididymis
A coiled tube 20’ long, posterior border of the testes; provides storage, transportation and maturation of the spermazoa.
Ductus deferens (Vas deferens)
A duct the sperm travels from the testes to the penis. The duct passes out of the scrotum and through the abdominal wall in a region known as the inguinal canal.
Vasectomy
A form of male birth control that cuts the supply of sperm to your semen. It’s done by cutting and sealing the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm.
Ejaculatory ducts
Two ducts form by the union of the vas deferens and the ducts from the seminal vesicle. Passes through the prostrate gland and open into the urethra. Function to conduct sperm into the urethra during ejaculation.
Urethra
Transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and to transport semen to the outside of the body.
Penis
External male reproduction organ used for urination and copulation. Composed of columns of spongy tissue that contain many hollow spaces that can be filled with blood. During sexual stimulation these spaces fill with blood causing an erection.
Circumcision
The surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin of the penis.
Semen
A thick mucoid, sticky, milky secretion with alkaline pH, 2.5-5ml, 50-100 million sperm/ml. Contain sperm cells and all secretions containing nutrients from three different glands. Function is to nourish/transport sperm, lubricate reproductive tract and neutralize the acidic female reproductive tract.
Seminal vesicles
Are sac like structures located behind the bladder and connected to the vas deferens by a duct. They secrete semen.,
Prostrate Gland
Located just below the bladder, it is a muscular gland that contracts as a part of ejaculation. Secretes alkaline fluids that enhance sperm mobility and neutralize the acidity of female reproductive tract.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
Can happen later in life for males and results in dysuria and urinary retention.
Ejaculatory ducts
Two ducts formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct from the seminal vesicle, they pass through the prostrate gland and open into the urethra.
Cowper’s glands (Bulbourethral)
Two small pea sized glands located on either side of the membranous urethra with ducts opening into the urethra.
Route of Sperm
Seminiferous tubules (formation) to Epididymides (maturation and storage) to Vas Deferens to Ejaculatory ducts to Urethra
GSH
Germinal Stimulating Hormone- stimulates the production of sperm (spermatogenesis).
FSH
Follicle Stimulating Hormone- stimulates the ripening of follicles (oogenesis) and production of estrogen. Produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
ICSH
Interstitial Cell-Stimulating Hormone- Stimulates the cells in the testes that produce the male hormone testosterone.
LH
Luteinizing Hormone- Produced by the pituitary gland, causes follicle to complete growth, ovulation or release of an ovum in females and conversion of follicle to corpus luteum.
Hypothalamus
Stimulates pituitary gland to release hormones required by the male reproductive system.
Testosterone
Regulates hormone production by acting as negative feedback messenger to hypothalamus; needed for secondary sex characteristics.
Infertility of males
The inability to conceive and produce offspring.
Cryptochidism
The failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum.