external reproductive structures lecture 04/27

what is the scrotum?

the location of the testes, its covered with pubic hair

what is the function of the scrotum?

to keep the testes in a cooler external environment (2-3 degrees C cooler) to allow for healthy sperm production

what is the spermatic cord?

the structure that runs from each testis into the abdomen, it contains blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens

what are the functions of the penis?

to excrete urine and deliver sperm in the form of semen into the vagina for entrance to the uterus via the cervix

what are the three parts of the penis?

the root, body, and glands

what is the root of the penis?

the ‘fixed’ end of the penis

what is the body of the penis?

the moveable end with 3 columns of erectile tissue, has the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum

what is the corpora cavernosa?

erectile tissue on the top (dorsum) of the penis

what is the corpus spongiosum?

the erectile tissue underneath the copora cavernosa, it contains the spongy urethra

what is the glans?

the enlarged tip of the penis, its covered with prepuce (foreskin)

what is circumcision?

a surgical procedure where prepuce is removed

what are health benefits of getting a circumcision?

easier to keep penis clean, less likely to get UTI’s and penile cancer, they reduce the risk of acquiring/transmitting STI’s (including HIV)

what are the drawbacks of getting a circumcision?

possible pain during procedure, surgical complications, and possible reduced sensations during sexual intercourse

what is an erection?

when the penis is “rigid”, the erectile tissue becomes engorged with blood, and its stimulated by the parasympathetic division of ANS

what is ejaculation?

the expulsion of semen from the penis and its stimulated by the sympathetic division of ANS

what does the vulva contain?

the mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora

what is the mons pubis?

a fatty rounded area anterior to the pubic symphysis thats covered with pubic hair

what is the labia majora?

two elongated skin folds between the legs, covered with pubic hair

what is the labia majora homologous to?

the scrotum

what is the labia minora?

thin, hairless folds

what is the labia minora homologous to?

to a portion of the penis body

what is between the labia minora?

the clitoris, urethral orifice (opening), vaginal orifice (opening), and openings for the greater vestibular glands

what are the opening for the greater vestibular glands homologous to?

the bulbourethral glands

what is the function of the greater vestibular glands?

to secrete mucous as a lubricant

what is the clitoris homologous to?

the penis

where is the glans of the clitoris?

anterior to the urethral orifice

what does the clitoris contain?

two columns of erectile tissue and its third (bulb of vestibule) surrounds the opening of the vagine

what are the breast composed of?

mammary glands, adipose connective tissue, and ligaments to connect it to the thoracic wall

what are mammary galnds?

apocrine glands

what are apocrine glands?

the top part of a cell that pinches off and becomes the secretion, the cell repairs itself and remains functional

what is the function of the breast?

to produce and release (secrete) breast milk after pregnancy for an infant

what is lactation?

breast milk release/secretion

what are the hormones involved in breast milk production and lactation?

prolactin and oxytocin

what is the function of prolactin?

to stimulate milk production

what is the function of oxytocin?

to release breast milk- expels milk in response to a stimulus (e.g. baby suckling or crying)

does lactation use positive or negative feedback?

positive