Unit 4: Reproductive Systems

Ovaries, Uterine Tubes, Uterus

Ova course through the organs of the female reproductive system in what order?

Ovary

The female gonad that contains many follicles that function in the production of the female sex cell (Ovum) and in the production of the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone)

ovulation, LH

During ___, the ovum is expelled from a follicle on the surface of the ovary as a result of the ___ surge on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

medial

Fertilization of an ova by sperm normally occurs within the ___ end of the fallopian tube and the fertilized egg is subsequently conveyed to the uterus where it develops.

Uterine Tube (Fallopian Tube/Oviduct)

Extends from the ovary where the ovarian end of the tube presents numerous finger-like processes called Fimbriae, to the uterus where the tube attaches to its lateral walls.

Ectopic Pregnancy

The fertilized ova implants into the endothelial tissues of the fallopian tube (95%), peritoneum or even the ovary and begins to develop. The developing fetus can rupture the tissues involved leading to a catastrophic event that requires surgery to prevent fatal hemorrhage.

Uterus

An organ with an extremely thick muscular walls that expands during the development of the fetus. It is located in the pelvis lying upon the superior surface of the urinary bladder.

Fundus

The dome shaped portion of the uterus that lies above the opening of the uterine tubes.

Body

The main mass of the uterus that extends posteriorly to a constriction called the isthmus

Isthmus

The constricted part of the uterus located between the body and the cervix.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It exists as the constricted opening from the uterus and can be palpated and its extent of dilation determined during childbirth.

Endometrium

The internal tissue of the uterus which serves as the site for implantation of the ova during pregnancy. Without fertilization, the ova is shed with the endometrial lining during menses.

Myometrium

The musculature of the uterus which contracts during child birth and menses.

Broad Ligament

Attaches the uterus to the internal pelvic walls.

Proper Ovarian Ligament (Ligament of the ovary)

Anchors the ovary to the uterus.

Round Ligament

Courses anteriorly and traverses the inguinal canal.

Vagina

The female organ involved in sexual intercourse. It is a canal that extends from the cervix of the uterus inferiorly to the vestibule of the vagina.

Vaginal Orifice

The inferior opening of the vagina

anterior, posterior

The vagina is ___ to the rectum and ___ to the urinary bladder.

Urethra

In the female does not join the reproductive organs as it does in the male reproductive system. The female external urethral orifice opens anterior to the vaginal orifice between the folds of the labia minora.

Labia Minora

2 small folds of skin located at either side of the vestibule of the vagina. They are usually hidden by the labia majora

Labia Majora

2 elongated folds of skin that extend posteriorly from the pubis. It consists of normal epithelium and are covered with course pubic hair, whereas the inner surface is smooth. Analogous to the male scrotum.

Greater Vestibular Glands

2 small ovoid glands located on the lateral walls of the vagina just inside the vestibule. The ducts draining these glands open into the vestibule of the vagina. The glands are compressed during sexual intercourse and secrete a mucus which serves to lubricate the vagina.

Mons Pubis

Located anterior to the pubic bones and primarily consists of adipose tissue that provides protection to underlying structures.

Clitoris

Hhomologous to the penis and contains erectile tissue which becomes engorged with blood when stimulated, resulting in an erection. It is located where the two labia minora converge anteriorly and is an important stimulatory organ during sexual intercourse.

Testes (scrotum), Epididymis, Ductus (vas) deferens, Seminal vesicle, Ejaculatory duct, Prostate gland, Urethra, Penis

Sperm courses through the organs of the male reproductive system in what order?

Seminiferous Tubules, Epididymis, Vas (ductus) deferens, Ejaculatory duct, Nothing, Urethra, Penis

SEVEN UP

Testis

The male gonad that contains many Seminiferous Tubules that function in the production of the male sex cell (sperm or spermatoza) and the male hormone Testosterone.

Scrotum

There are 2 testes in the male reproductive system which are located external to the abdominal cavity within a skin pouch called what? It is analogous to the female labia majora.

Spermatogenisis

Cannot occur at body temperature hence, the location of the testes external to the abdominal cavity within the scrotum.

Epipdidymis

A C shaped organ located on the posterior-superior surface of each testis. It receives sperm from the testis and stores them until they are released in the process of ejaculation. It is the organ in which sperm are stored until they reach full maturity.

Ductus (Vas) Deferens

Will begin at each epididymis and will have a lengthy course within the Spermatic Cord.

Spermatic Cord

A structure that collectively contains the Ductus Deferens and its associated arteries, veins and nerves.

Inguinal Canal

The spermatic cord will pass through this which is an oblique passageway through the transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles.

spermatic cord, round ligament of uterus

What is the inguinal canal traversed by in males and females?

Inguinal hernia

Involve the protrusion of the intestines through the inguinal canal. Approximately 10% of the population develops a herniation. 50% are these, with a male to female ratio of 7:1.

Ejaculatory Duct

The ductus deferens on each side terminates by joining the duct of the seminal vesicle and thereby forming this

Seminal Vesicles

Exocrine glands that function in producing seminal fluid which is added to sperm and are located on the posterior surface of the urinary bladder.

Accessory glands

Glands that function in the production of seminal fluid.

Ejaculatory Duct

Formed by the union of the ductus deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle on each side. This union occurs posterior to the urinary bladder and just above the prostate. This then passes through the substance of the prostate gland and courses toward the urethra.

Prostate Gland

The second accessory gland of the male reproductive system and secretes seminal fluid that is added to the seminal fluid produced by the seminal vesicles. This is located in the pelvis posterior to the pubis and below the urinary bladder. Within the substance of this, the two ejaculatory ducts join with the duct draining the urinary bladder to form the urethra.

Urethra

A fibromuscular tube that carries urine during urination and sperm during ejaculation.

Prostatic, Membranous, Spongy

What are the 3 parts of the urethra?

External Urethral Orifice

The urethra ends at this which is the opening at the distal end of the penis.

Bulbourethral Glands

2 small exocrine glands located on either side of the urethra within the substance of the urogenital diaphragm. These are the third and final accessory glands of the male reproductive system. The ducts draining this gland will empty the secretion (additional seminal fluid) directly through the spongy urethra.

Penis

An external genital organ through which the urethra passes and is the male organ involved in sexual intercourse.

Venous Sinuses

What are the potential spaces that fill the 3 longitudinal connective tissue structures that fill with blood resulting in an erection?

Corpora Cavernosa

2 of the connective tissue structures which contain venous sinuses only.

Corpus Spongiosum

The 3rd sinus which, in addition to venous sinuses, also contains the spongy urethra.

Glans Penis

Head of the penis and is analogous to the female clitoris.

Peyronie's Disease

"Acute trauma" to the penis can result in fibrin to accumulate within the corpora cavernosa which later hardens to form fibrous scar tissue. Upon erection, the accumulated fibrous plaque results in a curvature of the penis toward the direction of the plaque. Treatments include medications (Potaba) which dissolve the plaque or surgery to replace the damaged corpora cavernosa with a prosthetic implant.