Unit 3 Flashcards
What’s the function of the testes?
Organs that produce sperm cells
What’s the function of epididymis?
Location where sperm travel after they are produced and where the site of sperm development & maturity is
What’s the function of the vas deferens?
Site of vasectomy in which tubes lined with smooth muscle carry sperm out of the testes during ejaculation
What’s the function of the urethra?
A duct that carries semen or urine out of the body
What’s the function of the penis?
Male reproductive organ that deposits semen into the female vagina
What’s the function of the seminal vesicle?
This structure adds fructose & prostaglandins to semen. Fructose serves as an energy source for sperm cells and prostaglandins induce contractions within the female uterus to propel sperm up to the Fallopian tubes
What’s the function of the bulbourethral gland?
This structure secretes mucus to lubricate the urethra meaning the mucus cleans/clears out the urethra, producing an alkaline fluid so no leftover urine that’s acidic is there anymore. It also produces “pre-ejaculatory” fluid.
What’s the function of the prostate gland?
The structure adds an alkaline fluid to semen to protect sperm cells from the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract
What’s the function of the scrotum?
A sac of skin and muscle that holds the testes external to the body where the temperature is cooler for increased sperm survival
What’s the function of the bladder?
Stores urine
What’s the function of the ejaculatory duct?
A tube that is formed when the vas deferens and seminal vesicle meet. Its function is to combine sperm from the testes, alkaline fluid from the prostate, and other fluids from the seminal vesicle before semen is ejaculated
How does a vasectomy prevent pregnancy?
It prevents pregnancy by separating the vas deferens to prevent sperm from traveling through both vas deferent, stopping sperm release
What’s the function of the ovary?
Organs that produce and store eggs (oocytes). Females have two ovaries that alternate releasing a single egg once a month for one chance at fertilization.
What’s the function of the fimbriae?
Finger-like structure on the ends of the fallopian tube which move close to the ovary to catch the eggs that are released
What’s the function of the fallopian tube?
The structure that the egg is released into during ovulation. It is also the site of fertilization and tubal ligation.
What’s the function of the uterus?
Known as the womb, this is the site of pregnancy
What’s the function of the endometrium?
The blood-rich tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. When a female becomes pregnant, the embryo implants into the endometrium, which will thicken to increase blood supply to the embryo. When a female is not pregnant, the endometrium thins and is shed during her menstrual cycle.
What’s the function of the cervix?
Known as the neck of the uterus (connects vagina to uterus), this is the site that dilates during pregnancy
What’s the function of the vagina?
Known as the birth canal, this is the site of sperm deposit
What’s the function of the follicle?
A layer consisting of small cells; they surround, nourish, and protect a single egg.
What’s the function of the corpus luteum?
Structure that remains when the egg leaves the follicle during ovulation (empty follicle)
How does the tubal ligation prevent pregnancy?
Permanent form of birth control for women who do not want to have children. This procedure requires cutting and tying off the Fallopian tube. The Fallopian tube is the site of fertilization, so when it is disconnected, the egg and sperm cannot unite, and no pregnancy occurs.
Why might birth control be prescribed?
1) Prevent pregnancies
2) Regulate menstrual cycles (over-bleeding)
3) Reduce symptoms of medical condition
What event in the reproductive cycle is triggered when estrogen levels peak?
Ovulation
What event in the reproductive cycle is triggered when estrogen levels peak?
Ovulation