reproductive systems Flashcards
what is sodium balance important in the maintenance of body fluids
Because sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the ECF its the most influential factor affecting ECF osmolarity. Changes in sodium concentration, therefore, result n changes in osmolarity of the ECF which subsequently influences the fluid shift and plasma volume (therefore blood volume and pressure). To ensure that body fluids are balances (equal osmolarity between compartments) and blood volume and pressure are adequate, sodium concentration must be well regulated.
what is the strucute of the testes
they are suspended within the scrotum by a spermatic cord which consists of;
- testicular artery
- pampiniform venous plexus (cools blood before it reaches the testes)
- nerves and lymphatics
- ductus deferens
what is the cremaster muscle
it surrounds the testes and the spermatic cord and contracts to draw the testes closer when its cold
what’s the function of the testes
produce sperm and testosterone
what is the function of the epididymis
sperm maturation and storage
what is the function of the vas deferens
transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct which transports semen to the urethra
what is the function of the urethra
conducts either urine or semen to the outside of the body
what is the structure of the urethra
it is divided into 3 regions;
- prostatic urethra- portion passing through the prostate gland
- membranous urethra- portion passing through the pelvic floor
- spongy urethra- portion passing through the erectile tissue of the penis
what do accessory glands do
produce semen. there are 3 types of accessory glands
seminal glands (accessory gland)
produce an alkaline fluid (60% of semen) containing substances that nourish and enhance sperm activity
prostate gland (accessory gland)
produces a milky, slightly acidic fluid (30% of semen) containing citrate and various enzymes that help to activate sperm
bulbourethral glands (accessory gland)
produce an alkaline mucus that lubricates the glans penis and neutralises traces of acidic urine in the urethra
the function of the penis
delivers semen into the female reproductive tract
what is the structure of the penis
it is a copulatory organ. The root of the penis anchors it to the perineum, while the shaft (body) hangs freely and ends in the glans- enlarged tip of the penis. The skin of it forms a loose cuff around the glans, known as the prepuce or foreskin.
what are the 2 types of penis erectile tissue
- Corpus spongiosum: a single column of erectile tissue surrounding the urethra and forming the glans.
- Corpora cavernosa: paired columns of erectile tissue making up the majority of the penis.
- The erectile tissue is highly vascularized and engorges with blood when the male is sexually aroused. This engorgement of the erectile tissue with blood causes the penis to swell and stiffen which pulls the penis superiorly until the glans is pointing upwards and is near the umbilicus (belly button) when fully erect. The erection of the penis facilitates insertion of the penis into the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse.
what are some of the substances in sperm and what are their functions
- fructose- provides energy source for sperm
- prostaglandins- thin the cervical mucus and stimulate reverse peristalsis of the uterus
- enzymes and hormones- enhance sperm motility
- immune chemicals- suppress female immune response and destroy bacteria
- coagulating enzymes- cause coagulation of the semen after ejaculation. this allows the semen and sperm to stick to the vagina walls
where are male and female genitalia found
within the urogenital triangle of the perineum
what is the function of ovaries
produce oocytes and the hormones estrogen and progesterone
where are the ovaries found
the pelvic cavity near the opening of the uterine (fallopian) tubes