Reproductive systems Flashcards
Gonads
Produce gametes (testes and ovaries)
Ducts
Store and transport gametes
Accessory sex glands
Produce substances that protect the gametes and facilitate their movement
Supporting structures
Such as penis and uterus, assist the delivery of gametes
Male reproductive organs
- gonads: testes. Gametes are spermatozoa produced by the seminiferous tubules
- genital ducts: epididymis, ductus deferents, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra
- accessory glands: seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbo urethras gland
- supporting structures: scrotum and penis
Scrotum
Supporting structure for the testes, loose skin suspended from the root of the penis
- scrotal septum divides the scrotum into 2 sacs (externally seen as median ridge Raphe). Made of subcutaneous layer and muscle tissue (Dartos mm)
- cremaster mm: small skeletal mm that is an extension of the internal oblique mm through the spermatic cord to surround the testes
- moves up and down to maintain optimal temp
Testes
Paired oval glands
- each testicles is divided into internal compartments called Lobules (200-300/testicle)
- seminiferous tubules: each lobule contains 2-3. Where sperm are produced
Testosterone
- negative feedback loops control secretin of testosterone and spoermatogenesis
- secreted by interstitial cells between seminiferous tubules
- effects: prenatal development, male sexual characteristics
1. Enlagrgement of male sex organs
2. Secondary sex characteristics: skeletal growth, wide shoulders, facial and chest hair, increased sebaceous oí, enlargement of the larynx
3. Development of sexual function
Epididymus
Site of sperm maturation
- sperm acquire motility and ability to fertilize an ovum
- single, tightly coiled tube enclosed in fibrous casing
- lies along posterior border of each testable
- very small diameter by 20 ft long
- serves as duct through which sperm travel from testis to exterior
- peristaltic contraction of smooth mm propels stern into ductus deferens
Vas deferens / ductus deferens
An extension of the epididymis
- thick, muscular walls
- extends through inguinal canal into abdominal cavity
- ;pp[s over the ureter and passes over side and down posterior surface of bladder
- enlarged terminal portion (ampulla) joins the duct of the seminal visible to form the ejactulatory duct
- ductus deferens Connery’s spree during sexual arousal from the epididymes toward the urethra by peristaltic contractions
Vas deferens
Connects the epeiddiymis with the ejaculatory duct
- one of the excretory ducts fro seminal fluid
- severing or clamping off the vas deferens is known as a vasectomy
Ejactulatory duct
- formed by union of vas deferens with duct from seminal vesicles just superior to the prostate
- passes through the prostate gland, terminating in the urethra
Urethra (males)
Dual function that involves both reproductive system and urinary system
Seminal vesicles
Convoluted pouches on the posterior surface of the bladder
- connects the cas deferens to the ejaculatory duct
- secretes the viscous, nutrient rich part of seminal fluid (60% of semen)
Prostate gland
Lies just below the bladder and is shaped like a donut
- encircles the urethra
- added watery, milky looking secretions to seminal fluid (30%)