The Reproductive System Flashcards
Function of gonads
produce gametes and hormones
Testes produce
sperm and androgens
Ovaries produce
immature ovum/ oocytes
Structures of male system
spermatic cords, penis, scrotum, testes, epididymus, ductus deferens, urethra
Glands of male system
Prostate, seminal, bulbourethral
What is spermatogenesis
production of sperm in testes
how long does spermatogenesis take?
64 days
3 steps of s.gen
- mitosis
- meiosis 1
- spermogenesis
Where does mitosis take place?
outer layer tubules
S.gen Step 1
spermatogonia in seminiferous tubules undergo cell div. some differentiate into primary spermatocytes
what are spermatogonia
stem cells
s.gen step 2
primary spermatocytes undergo meiotic div producing secondary spermatocytes, then second div into 4 spermatids
Spermatid
undifferentiated male gamete
s.gen step 3 takes place
lumen
s.gen step 3
spermatids differentiate into physically mature spermatozoa
spermatids remain connected by what structure and why
cytoplasm bridges, cytokinesis not completed in m1 or m2. broken in last stage of maturation.
spermiation
sperm loses attachment to nurse cell and enters lumen of seminiferous tubule
Nurse cell functions
maintain blood-testis barrier Regulate transport in and out of tubules Support meiosis and mitosis support spermiogenesis secrete inhibin secrete androgen-binding protein
epididymus sperm is mature but
immobile
first capacitation of sperm
mix with seminal secretions, flagella moving
second capacitation of sperm
within conditions of female reproductive tract
epididymus secretion function
prevents premature capacitation
sperm anatomy
head- cont chromosomes
neck- cont mitochondria
Tail- flagellum
what characterises sperm as a mobile carrier for chromosomes
lack of organelles besides nucleus and mito
sperm absorb nutrients from surrounding fluid
lack glycogen
