Reproductive System Flashcards
consists of organs and tubes that produce and transport the sex cells
reproductive system
is the production of gametes or reproductive cells that are produced in the gonads
gametogenesis
carry the chromosomes and genetic information from each parent
gametes
male gonads and the production site of male gamete or sperm cell (spermatozoon or spermatozoa – plural)
testes
female gonads and the production site of female gamete or egg cell (ovum or ova – plural)
ovaries
the duct system in males nourishes sperm cells until they mature and are deposited in the female reproductive tract by the penis. The female reproductive system receives the sperm from the male and provides passageway for them to the fertilization site
fertilization
the female reproductive system nurtures the developing fetus in the uterus until birth and provides nourishment (breast milk) after birth
development and nourishment of a new individual
hormones produced by the reproductive system control its development and the development of the sex-specific body form. These hormones are also essential for the routine functions of the reproductive system and for reproductive behavior
production of reproductive hormones
a type of cell division specialized for sexual reproduction
It occurs in the diploid germ cells of the testes and ovaries
meiosis
__________ __________ are the products of meiosis
haploid gametes
two divisions of meiosis
meiosis I
meiosis II
cells that contain two full sets of chromosomes
diploid cells
Each diploid human cell contains __________ chromosomes
46
diploid cells of the testes and ovaries
The only cells that can undergo meiosis and develop in gametes
germ cells
diploid cells that do not directly participate in reproductions
Neurons and myocytes are examples
somatic cells
cells that contain only one full set of genetic information amounting to 23 chromosomes
haploid cells
a saclike structure that contains the testes
The wall of the __________ includes the skin, a layer of superficial fascia consisting of loose connective tissue, and smooth muscles
scrotum
contracts in cold temperatures causing the skin of the scrotum to become firm and wrinkled and reducing its overall size
This muscle relaxes during increased temperatures making the scrotum skin loose and thin
dartos muscle
extensions of the abdominal skeletal muscles into the scrotum, contract and help pull the testes near the body in cold temperatures
During warmer times, this muscle relaxes allowing the testes to descend away from the body and keep cool
cremaster muscle
is the area between the thighs that is bounded by the pubic symphysis anteriorly, the coccyx posteriorly, and the ischial tuberosities laterally
perineum
small oval shaped male gonads the produce sperm cells (exocrine function) and hormones (endocrine function)
testes (testis)
around 300 to 400 cone shaped compartments that contain the seminiferous tubules
lobules
coiled tubes inside the testes where sperm cells develop
seminiferous tubules
clusters of endocrine cells located at the loose connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules
These cells secrete testosterone
interstitial cells / Leydig cells
are large nurse cells that extend from the periphery to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule
These cells nourish the germ cells and together with the interstitial cells, produce androgens and estrogens
sustentacular cells / Sertoli cells
sperm cell development that occurs in the seminiferous tubules and starts at puberty
The germ cells in the seminiferous tubules divide and differentiate to form sperm cells
spermatogenesis
cells in the testes that give rise to mature sperm cells via meiosis
spermatocytes
a tightly coiled tube that receives and stores sperm from the testes and is the site of sperm maturation
It takes 12 – 16 days for sperm to travel through this and appear in the ejaculate
epididymis
a duct branching out from the epididymis and travels upward out of the scrotum, carries sperm to the urethra
vas deferens / ductus deferens
soft round cord like structure that suspends and supports the testes and epididymis
It is formed by the cremaster muscle, vas deferens, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves
It provides blood and nerve supply for the vas deferens, testes, and epididymis
spermatic cord
is an elective surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception
During the procedure, the male vasa deferentia are cut and tied or sealed so as to prevent sperm from entering into the urethra and thereby prevent fertilization of a female through sexual intercourse
vasectomy / vasoligation
approximately 2.5 cm long that connects the vas deferens with the urethra
ejaculatory duct
about 20 cm long and extends from the urinary bladder to the distal end of the penis
It carries sperm, male reproductive fluids, and urine out of the body
urethra
connected to the bladder and passes through the prostate glands
prostatic urethra
shortest part of the urethra, extending from the prostate gland through the perineum
membranous urethra
longest part of the urethra, it extends from the membranous urethra through the length of the penis, where it opens to the exterior at the external urethral orifice
spongy urethra / penile urethra
is the male organ of copulation, through which sperm cells are transferred from the male to the female
It is composed of erectile tissues with a network of connective tissue and smooth muscle with spaces that can fill with blood
penis
is the elongated portion of the penis
shaft
the erectile columns that forms the dorsum and sides of the penis
corpora cavernosa
another erectile column forming the ventral portion of the penis
corpus spongiosum
an expansion of the corpus spongiosum forming a cap over the distal end
glans penis
known as the foreskin is a loose fold of skin that covers the glans penis
prepuce
The male reproductive system is under hormonal and nervous control
__________ also influence sexual behavior
__________ are primarily involved in sexual behavior and control of the sexual act
hormones
neural mechanisms
is required to initiate and maintain male sexual behavior
It enters the cells within the hypothalamus and the surrounding areas of the brain and influences their function, resulting in sexual behavior
testosterone
Male sexual reflexes are initiated by a variety of sensory stimuli
Action potentials are conducted by sensory neurons from the genitals through the __________ __________ to the sacral region of the spinal cord, where reflexes that result in the male sexual act are integrated.
pudendal nerve
penile erectile tissue becomes engorged with blood enabling the penis to penetrate the vagina and deposit semen in the female reproductive tract
erection
is the accumulation of sperm cells and male reproductive secretions by the accessory glands into the urethra
emission
pleasurable sensation at the peak of sexual stimulation accompanied by rhythmic muscular contractions that eject the semen through the urethra and out of the penis
male orgasm
the discharge of semen from the penis, forceful expulsion of semen from the urethra caused by contraction of the urethra, the skeletal muscles in the pelvic floor, and the muscles at the base of the penis
ejaculation