Reproducyive Systems Flashcards
Sexual reproduction involves specialized sex cells known as
Germ cells or gametes
What are spermatozoa
Male gametes (sperm cells)
What are ova
Female gametes (egg cells)
Gametes contain how many chromosomes
23 chromosomes
Somatic cells have how many chromosomes
46 chromosomes (23 pairs)
Gametes are created by
Meiosis
Gametes fuse at fertilization to form a
One celled zygote (the first cell of the offspring)
What are the function of the male reproductive system
Manufacture spermatozoa
Manufacture hormones
What are the primary organs of the male reproductive system
Gonads
Male gonads are aka
Testes
Gonads or testes produce
Germ cells and manufacture hormones
What is the scrotum
Skin covered pouch suspended from groin (divided into 2 sacs which each contain a testis)
Before birth the testes descend down the
Inguinal canal (in the abdominal wall)
Why must testes descend completely
For normal production and survival of sperm (b/c scrotum is several degrees lower)
Sperm develop within the
Seminiferous tubules (which is most tissue found within the lobes of the testes)
What cells are aka “nurse cells” and nourish and protect the developing spermatozoa
Sustentacular cells (sertoli cells)
Sustentacular cells (Sertoli cells) secrete a protein that
Binds testosterone in the seminiferous tubules
What cells are located between the seminiferous tubules and secret the male sex hormone testosterone
Interstitial cells (leydig cells)
Spermatozoa have an oval head which is mostly a nucleus containing chromosomes; the acrosome (cap) contains enzymes that help
Penetrate the ovum
Middle region of the spermatozoa contains many
Mitochondria (energy for movement)
The tail of spermatozoa is known as the flagellum which has a
Whiplike motion
How many spermatozoa are contained in the average ejaculation
200 million
Semen contains
Sperm cells and various secretions from the body
What are the functions of semen (5)
- Neutralize the acidity of the male urethra and female vaginal tract
- Nourish the spermatozoa
- Transport the spermatozoa
- Lubricate the reproductive tract during intercourse
- Prevent infection with antibacterial enzymes and antibodies
Accessory organs in the male reproductive system provide a
Pathway of sperm from their formation in the seminiferous tubules until they exit the body
What accessory organ is a coiled tube located on the surface of the testis and temporarily stores sperm cells, mature and develop capacity for motility
Epididymis
Which male accessory organ produce mucus that is a thick yellow, alkaline secretion rich in sugar for nourishment
Seminal vesicles
What is the location and function of the male accessory organ the prostate gland
It is inferior to bladder
Alkaline secretions which neutralize acidity and assist sperms motility
The bulbourethral glands or Cowper glands a paired pea sized organs they secrete mucus for what
To lubricate the urethra and tip of the penis during sexual stimulation
The penis has 3 columns of erectile tissue which are
2 dorsal columns called corpora cavernosa
1 ventral column surrounding urethra called corpus spongiosum