Reproductive System Flashcards
what does the male reproductive system produce?
sperm aka male gametes
when and where is sperm produced?
during spermatogenesis in the testes
what occurs in the testes?
spermatogenesis
what is the scrotum?
sac-liked external part of male reproductive system that holds the testes
what does the scrotum do? and why?
-contracts and relaxes to move the testes closer to or farther away from the body which keeps the testes at the appropriate temperature for sperm production
epididymis
long coiled tube where mature sperm cells are stored
what is the vas deferens?
-a long, thin tube where sperm is transported from the epididymis
along the way from the epididymis to the vas deferens, the sperm are joined by fluids from three glands
-seminal vesicles
-prostate
-Cowper’s gland
what are seminal vesicles?
glands which secrete fluid composed of various proteins, sugars, and enzymes
what is prostate?
gland which contributes an alkaline fluid that counteracts the acidity of the vaginal tract
what is Cowper’s gland?
gland which secretes a protein-rich fluid that acts as a lubricant
what is semen?
mix of fluids and sperm which travels down the urethra and exists body through the penis
what is the main hormone associated with the male reproductive system?
testosterone which is released by the testes and in the adrenal glands in smaller amounts
what is testosterone responsible for?
male reproductive development and secondary sexual characteristics like muscle and facial hair
what does the female system produce?
eggs and fetus
what are female gametes
eggs
where are eggs produced?
where do they travel through?
-eggs are produced in the ovaries
-travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus
what is the uterus?
-made out of muscular organ that houses a fetus during pregnancy