Anatomy - Reproductive Systems

Gonads

Primary sex organs; testes in males, ovaries in females

Gametes

Sex cells produced by gonads; sperm in males, ova (eggs) in females

Sex hormones

Steroid hormones that drive development/function of reproductive organs, sexual behavior/drives, and influence growth of other body tissues

Homologous structures

Structures in males and females that share a common origin during development

Scrotum

Sac of skin and superficial fascia outside the abdominopelvic cavity, at the root of the penis, that contains the testes

Testes

Male gonads; produce sperm and testosterone; homologous to ovaries

Epididymis

Comma-shaped organ arching over the testis; site of sperm maturation

Ductus deferens (vas deferens)

Duct that transports sperm during ejaculation

Ejaculatory duct

Short duct that empties into the urethra

Urethra

Terminal portion of the male duct system; transports both urine and semen

Penis

Copulatory organ that delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract

Glans penis

Enlarged tip of the penis

Prepuce (foreskin)

Loose skin covering the penis that extends over the glans

Seminal glands

Accessory glands on the posterior bladder surface; contribute ~70% of semen volume

Prostate

Doughnut-shaped gland encircling the urethra below the bladder; secretion activates sperm, contributes ~1/3 of semen volume

Bulbo-urethral glands

Glands inferior to the prostate that produce mucus to lubricate the glans penis during arousal

Semen

Milky, sticky, alkaline mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions that transports and nourishes sperm

Ovaries Female gonads

produce ova and sex hormones; homologous to testes

Ovarian follicles

Tiny saclike structures in the ovary cortex, each containing an immature oocyte

Ovulation

Monthly release of an oocyte from an ovarian follicle

Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes/oviducts)

First part of the female duct system; site of fertilization

Uterus (womb)

Hollow, muscular organ in the pelvic cavity that receives, retains, and nourishes a fertilized ovum

Fundus

Rounded region of the uterus superior to the entrance of the uterine tubes

Cervix

Narrow outlet of the uterus that projects into the vagina

Perimetrium

Outermost serous layer of the uterine wall

Myometrium

Middle, smooth-muscle layer of the uterine wall; contracts during childbirth

Endometrium

Inner mucosal lining of the uterus; site of embryo implantation

Vagina

Thin-walled tube from the cervix to the exterior; passageway for childbirth and menstrual flow, and organ of copulation

Vulva

Collective term for the female external genitalia

Mons pubis

Fatty, rounded area over the pubic symphysis, covered in pubic hair after puberty

Labia majora

Two hair-covered fatty skin folds posterior to the mons pubis; homologous to the male scrotum

Labia minora

Two thin, hair-free skin folds enclosed by the labia majora

Vestibule

Region containing the external openings of the urethra and vagina

Greater vestibular glands

Glands flanking the vaginal opening that release lubricating mucus; homologous to bulbo-urethral glands

Clitoris

Small erectile structure anterior to the vestibule; homologous to the penis

Mammary glands

Modified sweat glands present in both sexes; produce milk only in lactating females

Where does fertilization occur?

In the uterine tube (fallopian tube)

Where does implantation occur?

In the endometrium of the uterus

What activates sperm?

Prostate gland secretion

Why is semen alkaline?

To neutralize the acidic environment of the male urethra and female vagina, protecting sperm and enhancing mobility

What is the male homolog of the ovaries?

The testes

What is the male homolog of the labia majora?

The scrotum

What is the male homolog of the clitoris?

The penis

What is the male homolog of the greater vestibular glands?

The bulbo-urethral glands