The Reproductive System Flashcards
Gametes
Male and female reproductive cells
Reproductive system
Gonads that produce gametes and hormones
Ducts that transport gametes
Accessory glands and organs that secrete fluids
External genitalia
Male gonads
Testes which secrete androgen and sperm
Male gamete
Sperm
Female gonads
Ovaries which secrete an immature oocyte each month and estrogen
Female gamete
Oocyte
Sperm
Testis > epididymis > ductus deferens > urethra
Male external genitalia
Scrotum which encloses the testes, urethra, and the penis
Accessory structures
Seminal glands, prostate and bulbo-urethral gland secrete fluids into ejaculatory ducts and the urethra
Raphe
Thickening that separates the scrotum into two chambers
Tunica vaginalis
Serous membrane lining the scrotal cavity, reducing friction between parietal and visceral layer
Layers of the scrotum
- Superficial scrotal fascia
- Dartos muscle
- Scrotal skin
Cremaster
Later of skeletal muscle
Contracts during sexual arousal or decreased temperature > testes move closer to body
Tunica albuginea
Dense layer of connective tissue that support blood vessels and lymphatic vessels
Septa testis
Divides testis into lobules
Seminiferous tubules
Sperm production takes place within the tubules
Straight tubules
Several semniferous tubules merge into straight tubules
Rete testis
Maze of passageways formed by interconnected straight tubules
Efferent ductules
Connect rete testis to the epididymis
Interstitial endocrine cells
Within spaces between tubules
Produce androgens
Epididymis
Start of the male reproductive tract
Head: receives sperm from efferent ductules
Body
Tale: connects to the ductus deferens
Where is the sperm primarily stored?
In the tale of the ductus deferens
Function of epididymis
- It monitors and adjusts the composition of the fluid produced by the seminiferous tubules
- It acts as a recycling centre for damaged sperm
- It stores and protects sperm and facilitates their functional maturation
Ampulla of ductus deferens
Expanded portion of the ductus deferens
Urethra
Passageway that extends from the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis
Functions of the glands
- Activating sperm
- Providing the nutrients sperm need for motility
- Propelling sperm and fluids along the reproductive tract, mainly by peristaltic contractions
- Producing buffers that counteract the acidity of the urethral and vaginal environments
Seminal glands
Produce the majority of the volume of semen
Ejaculatory duct
Secretions of the seminal glands are discharged into the ejaculatory duct
Prostate
Produces prostatic fluid
Prostatic fluid
Slightly acidic fluid is rich in enzymes that prevent sperm coagulation in the vagina
Ejected into the prostatic urethra by peristaltic contractions of the prostate
Prostatitis
Prostatic inflammation
Bulbo-urethral glands
Secrete thick, alkaline mucus which helps neutralise urinary acids that may remain in the urethra and it lubricates the tip of the penis
Semen
Sperm
Seminal fluid
Enzymes