Anatomy and Physiology II - Chapter 22

Flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, and hormonal control of the male and female reproductive systems, based on lecture notes.

Male and female reproductive systems

Connected by a series of organs and glands that produce and nurture sex cells and transport them to sites of fertilization

Male sex cells

Sperm

Female sex cells

Eggs or oocytes

Meiosis

A special type of division that produces sex cells

Meiosis includes two successive divisions called

First (meiosis I) and second (meiosis II) meiotic divisions

Male internal accessory organs

Epididymides, Ductus deferentia, Seminal vesicles, Prostate gland, Bulbourethral glands

Epididymides

Tightly coiled tubes connected to ducts within the testis that promote maturation of sperm cells

Ductus Deferentia

Muscular tubes that extend from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct

Seminal Vesicles

Attached to the vas deferens near the base of the urinary bladder, secrete alkaline fluid, fructose, and prostaglandins, and contents empty into the ejaculatory duct

Prostate Gland

Surrounds the proximal portion of the urethra, secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid, enhances fluid mobility, and is composed of tubular glands in connective tissue and smooth muscle

Bulbourethral Glands

Inferior to the prostate gland; secrete mucus-like fluid released in response to sexual stimulation

Semen consists of

Sperm cells and secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands

Male External Reproductive Organs

Scrotum and Penis

Scrotum

Pouch of skin and subcutaneous tissue that houses the testes and epididymis

Penis

Conveys urine and semen; becomes erect for insertion into the vagina

Emission

Movement of semen into the urethra

Ejaculation

Movement of semen out of the urethra

Hormonal control of male reproductive functions

Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the testes.

Female Internal Accessory Organs

Uterine tubes, Uterus, Vagina

Ovarian Attachments

Several ligaments hold each ovary in position

Ovarian Descent

Develop from masses of tissue posterior to the parietal peritoneum, near the developing kidney

Ovary Structure

Inner medulla and an outer cortex

Oogenesis

Process of egg cell formation

Follicle Maturation

At puberty, the anterior pituitary gland secretes increased amounts of FSH, and the ovaries enlarge in response

Ovulation

Releases secondary oocyte and a first polar body from the follicle

Uterine tube function

Conveys secondary oocyte toward uterus; site of fertilization; conveys developing embryo to uterus

Uterus function

Protects and sustains embryo during pregnancy

Vagina function

Conveys uterine secretions to outside of body; receives erect penis during sexual intercourse; provides open channel for offspring during birth process

Labia majora function

Enclose and protect other external reproductive organs

Labia minora function

Form margins of vestibule; protect openings of vagina and urethra

Clitoris function

Produces feelings of pleasure during sexual stimulation due to abundant sensory nerve endings in glans

Vestibule

Space between labia minora that contains vaginal and urethral openings.

Vestibular glands function

Secrete fluid that moistens and lubricates the vestibule

Hormonal Control of Female Reproductive Functions

Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the ovaries