UNIT 10 - REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM I & II Flashcards
Male reproductive system function
To produce, transfer, and introduce sperm into female reproductive tract where fertilization occurs
Testes
Two oval shaped structures located in scrotum outside body cavity and produces testosterone and sperm
Spermatogenesis
Process by which sperm cell production occurs (65-75 days) and 300 million cells produced daily
Ideal environment for sperm
Lower temperature needed for survival
Male reproductive ducts (4)
- Epididymis
- Vas Deferens
- Ejaculatory duct
- Urethra
Epididymis
Comma shaped organs located posteriorly to testes and site of sperm maturation (gains mobility); sperm stored here for 4 weeks
Vas Deferen
Transports sperm to the ejaculatory duct; can also store sperm
Ejaculatory duct:
Short duct where contents from vas deferens and seminal vesicles merge, and the semen is ejected into urethra
Urethra
Large duct that passes through prostate gland and carries semen out of the penis consisting of 3 regions; also carries urine
3 regions of the urethra:
- Prostatic
- Intermediate (membranous)
- Spongy
Male reproductive accessory organs/gland function
Secretes liquid portion of semen
Male reproductive accessory organs/glands (3)
- Seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral (Cowper’s gland)
Seminal vesicles
Glands located under the bladder and secretes alkaline, viscous fluid that provide about 60% of the total volume of semen and is needed to neutralize acidic female environment (high in fructose = supplies atp for sperm); provide necessary components of semen
Prostate gland
Size of a chestnut and produces a milky acidic substance that contains citric acid (for ATP), enzymes, and prostaglandins that help sperm mobility and viability and makes up 25% of total volume of semen; support sperm function
Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) gland
Located inferior to the prostate and secretes an alkaline mucous (precum) for lubrication/to create a more favourable environment for sperm and makes up 15% of total volume of semen; ideal environment for sperm
Female reproductive system function
To develop ova (eggs), prepare for fertilization, and to carry the fertilized egg through the development stages (egg –> zygote –> fetus)
Ovaries
Small oval shaped glands located on either sides of uterus responsible for the production of ova (eggs) and the production of estrogen and progesterone
Female reproductive ducts (3)
- Fallopian (uterine) tubes
- Uterus
- Vagina
Fallopian tubes
Pair of tubes that are the site of fertilization and the transport of ovum (eggs)/zygote from ovaries to the uterus (occurs approximately once a month)
Ectopic pregnancy
Condition when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb on fallopian tubes (non-viable)
Uterus
Site of menstruation and fetal development (implantation occurs here) and consists of 3 layers
Cervix
Lower uterine opening to the vagina
3 uterine layers
- Perimetrium
- Myometrium
- Endometrium
Perimetrium
Outermost serous layer part of visceral peritoneum
Myometrium
Middle layer of smooth muscle
Endometrium
Innermost layer of mucosal lining of the uterine cavity
Stratum functionalis
Thick superficial layer that is shed off during menstruation and grows new during each cycle
Stratum basalis
Layer that never goes away
Vagina
Responsible for copulation, birth canal and menstrual flow. It also produces organic acids to maintain acid environment to decrease microbial growth
Female reproductive glands (2)
- Bartholin’s glands
- Skene’s glands
Bartholin’s glands
Located on either side of vaginal orifice and produces mucous secretion for lubrication
Skene’s glands
Located on either side of urethral orifice and produce mucous secretion for lubrication
Clitoris
Erectile tissue responsible for female sexual orgasm
LH (Luteinizing hormone)
Stimulates leydig cells to secrete testosterone
FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)
Indirectly stimulates spermatogenesis by ensuring that levels of testosterone stay high around spermatogenic cells
Inhibin
Inhibits the synthesis and release of FSH and LH
Mechanism and anatomical pathway of sperm release (4)
- Sperm is produced from spermatogenic cells
- As cells become sperm, they move towards lumen of seminiferous tubule
- By the time they are sperm, they travel to the epididymus
- Sperm propelled from epididymus along vas deferens to ampulla where sperm is stored for several months
Scrotum
Bag of skin that supports and protects the testes outside the body
Penis
Primary sex organ that introduce sperm when erect into female genital tract via sympathetic reflex
Parasympathetic vs sympathetic process:
- Erection: Parasympathetic process due to relaxation and increased blood flow
- Ejaculation: Sympathetic process associated with fight or flight due to preparation to body of intense physical activity and active process of muscle contraction
Ovarian cycle
Preparation of endocrine tissues and release of eggs from ovary ~ 28 days