Reproductive system Flashcards
Male and female sex organ functions:
- Production of gametes (sex cells)
2. Production of hormones
Production of gametes (sex cells) and production of hormones are under the control of:
Tropic hormones from the pituitary gland
Testicular activity is under the control of 2 anterior pituitary hormones:
- FSH regulates sperm production
2. ICSH/ LH stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone
Interstitial cells:
Lie between the seminiferous tubules and produce testosterone
Where does sperm develop?
Within the seminiferous tubules of each testis
Testosterone function:
Influences sperm cell development and produces male secondary sex characteristics (facial/body hair and deep voice)
Pathway of sperm upon ejaculation:
Vas deferens
Ejaculatory duct
Urethra
Glands/pathways that produce transport medium/semen:
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral (Cowper’s glands)
Epididymis:
Where sperm is stored as they mature
Vas deferens:
Sperm duct
Seminal vescicles:
Secretes milky alkaline substance that help sperm survive in the acidic vagina
Prostate gland:
Thins semen
Bulbourethral (Cowper’s glands):
Lubricates urethra prior to ejaculation
Estrogen:
Produced by the follicle, initiates preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy
Role of LH in female reproductive system:
Released from the pituitary, stimulates ovulation and the conversion of the follicle to corpus luteum