Reproductive System

testes

MALE reproductive organ; gonads that produce sperm and testosterone

ovaries

FEMALE reproductive organs; site of female gamete development and estrogen production; egg ejection during ovulation

penis

composed of 3 cylinders of erectile tissue, 2 dorsal cylinders, and 1 ventral cylinder; composed of 2 main parts

corpora cavernosa

the 2 dorsal cylinders of the penis

corpus spongiosum

ventral cylinder that surrounds penile urethra and expands to form the glans penis

glans penis

tip of penis; covered by prepuce/foreskin

body

shaft of the penis

scrotum

contains the testes; regulates temperature to optimize sperm production

duct system

accessory structures that form the ducts that carries sperm from testes to external environment

epididymus

located on the superior and posterolateral area of the testes; site where immature sperm cells complete maturation process

ductus deferens/vas deferens (sperm duct)

enclosed in connective tissue along with blood vessels and nerves; connects epididymis to ejaculatory duct at ampulla

spermatic cord

connective tissue sheath that encloses sperm duct

ejaculatory duct

propels sperm through prostate gland to urethra during ejaculation

urethra

runs length of penis; has 3 parts: prostatic, intermediate part, and spongy; common path of the urinary and reproductive system

accessory glands

produces seminal fluid that bathes sperm

prostate gland

inferior to bladder; encircles and secreted milky fluid into urethra to activate sperm

seminal glands/vesicles

posterior to bladder joins ductus deferens to form ejaculatory duct; produces alkaline secretion containing fructose and other nutrients which supplies energy to sperm cells or promotes fertilization; produces 60% of seminal fluid

bulbourethral glands

inferior to prostate; produces thick, clear, alkaline mucus that drains into membranous urethra

tunica albuginae

dense connective tissue that covers the exterior of testes and divides the testis into lobules

seminiferous tubules

site of sperm production

interstitial cells

found between seminiferous tubules; produces testosterone

rete testis

carries sperm from seminiferous tubules to epididymis

vulva

female external genitalia

mons pubis

overlies pubic symphysis

labia majora

homologous to scrotum in males

labia minora

enclose vestibule region

clitoris

homologous to penis in males; covered by prepuce of the clitoris; contains erectile tissue and is sensitive to stimulation

urethral orifice

part of the urinary system; separate from the reproductive system

vaginal orifice

external opening that leads into the internal reproductive structures

hymen

thin fold of mucous membrane, closes vaginal opening

greater vestibular glands

flanks vaginal opening; produces lubricants during coitus

mesomerism

broad ligament that supports uterus

mesoalpinx

broad ligament that secures uterine tubes

mesovarium

broad ligament that anchors ovaries posteriorly

round ligaments

secures uterus to labia majors

uterosacral ligaments

secures inferior uterus to sacrum

ovarian ligament

anchors ovaries to uterus; supported by suspensory ligaments

suspensory ligaments

anchors ovaries laterally

vagina

birth canal connecting vestibule to uterus

uterus

muscular organ located between bladder and rectum; consists of 3 uterine wall layers and 3 major structures

endometrium

interior layer of uterus composed of a functional layer (stratum functionalis) that is formed by basal layer/stratum basalis

stratum functionalis

functional layer; usual site of egg implantation and is discarded during menses

myometrium

muscular layer of uterus

serosa

protective outer layer of the uterus

cervix

inferior part of uterus

body

major portion of uterus

fundus

superior portion of uterus

uterine/fallopian tubes

located at superolateral region of uterus extending towards ovaries; the usual site of egg fertilization by sperm

fimbriae

finger-like projections found at the distal end of the fallopian tubes

ampulla

widest, longest portion of fallopian tube

isthmus

located medially in fallopian tube and is narrow with thick-walls

corpus luteum

formed by follicle; produces progesterone and some estrogen

mammary glands

located anterior to pectoral muscles; growth starts in puberty; caused by estrogen prodcution

areola

pigmented area surrounding nipple

nipple

site of milk release in lactation

lobes

15-20 composed of connective and fatty tissue; contains lobules containing milk producing alveoli

lactiferous ducts

carries milk formed in lob to lactiferous sinus

lactiferous sinus

stores milk