ReproSystem

Gametes

The testes in males and the ovaries in females produce.

Meiosis

The formation of gametes in males and females occurs by a type of cell division.

Synapsis

Chromosomes align as pairs in a process called.

Crossing over

Allows the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes.

Scrotum

• A saclike structure containing the testes.

• It is divided into right and left internal compartments by an incomplete connective tissue septum.

Dartos muscle

A layer of loose connective tissue and a layer of smooth muscle.

Cremaster muscles

Extensions of abdominal muscles into the scrotum.

Testis (Male Gonads)

• Are oval organs, each about 4-5 cm long, within the scrotum.

• Produce sperm, maintain sperm, and store the sperm.

Interstitial cells

Secrete testosterone.

Sustentacular cells

• Are large and extend from the periphery to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.

• They nourish the germ cells and produce a number of hormones.

Cryptorchidism

• Failure of the testes to descend into the scrotal sac.

• It results in sterility because of the inhibiting effect of normal body temperature on sperm cell development.

Inguinal hernia

• An inguinal canal that enlarges or ruptures.

• This herniation can be quite painful and even very dangerous, especially if the inguinal canal compresses the intestine and cuts off its blood supply.

Spermatogenesis

Formation of sperm cells.

Acrosome

A vesicle, which contains enzymes that are released during the process of fertilization and are necessary for the sperm cell to penetrate the oocyte, or egg cell.

Efferent ductules

Carry sperm cells from the testis to the epididymis.

Epididymis

a tightly coiled series of threadlike tubules that form a comma-shaped structure on the posterior side of the testis.

Rete testis

The seminiferous tubules of each testis empty into a tubular network.

Capacitation

Final changes in sperm cells, occur after ejaculation of semen into the vagina and prior to fertilization.

Ductus deferens (Vas deferens)

Emerges from the epididymis and ascends along the posterior side of the testis to become associated with the blood vessels and nerves that supply the testis.

Peristaltic waves

Propel the sperm cells from the epididymis through the ductus deferens.

Seminal vesicle

• A sac-shaped gland, near the ampulla of each ductus deferens.

Ejaculatory duct

Extends into the prostate gland and ends by joining the urethra within the prostate gland.

Urethra

• A passageway for both urine and male reproductive fluids.

• Extends from the urinary bladder to the distal end of the penis.

Prostatic urethra

Passes through the prostate gland.

Membranous urethra

Passes through the floor of the pelvis and is surrounded by the external urinary sphincter.

Spongy urethra

Extends the length of the penis and opens at its end.

Sympathetic reflex

causes the internal urinary sphincter to contract, which keeps semen from passing into the urinary bladder and prevents urine from entering the urethra.

Penis

Male organ of copulation and functions in the transfer of sperm cells from the male to the female.

Erection

Engorgement of this erectile tissue with blood causes the penis to enlarge and become firm.

Corpora cavernosa

Two columns of erectile tissue form the dorsal portion and the sides of the penis.

Corpus spongiosum

Smaller erectile column occupies the ventral portion of the penis

Prepuce

Loose fold of skin that covers the glans penis.

Circumcision

The surgical removal of the prepuce, usually shortly after birth.

Semen

A mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the male reproductive glands.

Proteolytic enzymes

Breaks down the coagulated proteins of the seminal vesicles and make the semen more liquid.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Released from neurons in the hypothalamus and passes to the anterior pituitary gland.

Puberty

The sequence of events by which a child is transformed into a young adult.

Testosterone

The major male hormone secreted by the testes.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Are those structural and behavioral changes, other than in the reproductive organs, that develop at puberty and distinguish males from females.

Androgens

Hormones that have testosterone-like effects, such as stimulating the development of male sexual characteristics.

Synthetic androgens (Steroids)

Are used in an attempt to increase muscle.

Emission

The movement of sperm cells, mucus, prostatic secretions, and seminal vesicle secretions into the prostatic, membranous, and spongy urethra.

Ejaculation

The forceful expulsion of the secretions that have accumulated in the urethra to the exterior.

Orgasm

Intense sensation.

Resolution

• Occurs after ejaculation.

• Penis becomes flaccid, an overall feeling of satisfaction exists, and the male is unable to achieve erection and a second ejaculation.

Erection

• The first major component of the male sex act.

• Causes the arteries that supply blood to the erectile tissues to dilate.

Erectile dysfunction (Impotence)

The inability to achieve erections can be due to reduced testosterone secretion resulting from hypothalamic, pituitary, or testic complications.

Infertility

Reduced or diminished fertility.

Artificial insemination

A process in collecting several ejaculations, concentrating the sperm cells, and inserting them into the female's reproductive tract.

Broad ligament

Spreads out on both sides of the uterus and attaches to the ovaries and uterine tubes.

Ovaries

Small organs suspended in the pelvic cavity by ligaments.

Suspensory ligament

Extends from each ovary to the lateral body wall.

Ovarian ligament

Attaches the ovary to the superior margin of the uterus.

Mesovarium

Posterior surface of the broad ligament by folds of peritoneum.

Ovulation

The release of an oocyte from an ovary.

Fertilization

Begins when a sperm cell penetrates the cytoplasm of a secondary oocyte.

Primordial follicle

Primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flat cells.

Vesicles

Fluid-filled spaces.

Theca

A capsule that forms around the follicle.

Fallopian tube (Uterine tube)

• Extend from the area of the ovaries to the uterus. •

• They open directly into the peritoneal cavity near each ovary and receive the secondary oocyte.

Fimbriae

The opening of each uterine tube is surrounded by long, thin processes called.

Ampulla

Fertilization usually occurs in the part of the uterine tube near the ovary called.

Implantation

A process, where the fertilized oocyte embeds in the uterine wall.

Uterus

• As big as a medium-sized pear.

• It is oriented in the pelvic cavity with the larger, rounded part directed superiorly.

Fundus

The part of the uterus superior to the entrance of the uterine tubes.

Body

The main part of the uterus.

Cervix

The narrower part of the uterus.

Perimetrium

The outer layer of the uterus is formed from visceral peritoneum.

Myometrium

The middle layer, consists of smooth muscle, is quite thick, and accounts for the bulk of the uterine wall.

Endometrium

The innermost layer of the uterus, which consists of simple columnar epithelial cells with an underlying connective tissue layer.

Simple tubular glands (Spiral glands)

Are formed by folds of the endometrium.

Prolapsed uterus

A condition that occurs due to childbirth, the uterus can extend inferiorly into the vagina.

Vagina

• The female organ of copulation; it receives the penis during intercourse.

• It also allows menstrual flow and childbirth.

Mucous membrane

A moist stratified squamous epithelium that forms a protective surface layer.