The Reproductive System

What do the (male primary organ) ‘Testes’ do?

Produce/ make sperm cells and male sex hormones such as testosterone

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone supports sperm production, assists with development of the male reproductive organs and the development of secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair, deeper voice and increased muscle mass.

What is the ‘Epididymis’ and what does it do?

A coiled tube on the back of each testicle that stores and matures sperm

What does the ‘Vas Defernes’ do?

Transports sperm cells

What does the ‘Ejaculatory Duct’ do?

Delivers sperm into the urethra

What is the Urethra?

Transports semen and urine out of the body

What do the ‘Seminal Vesicles’ do?

Produce seminal fluid that nourishes sperm

What does the ‘Prostate Gland’ do?

Secretes a alkaline fluid that helps activate sperm and support sperm survival

What does the ‘Bulbourethral Gland’ (Cowper’s gland) do?

Secretes fluid that lubrucates the urethra

What is the role of the Scrotum?

To protect the testes and helps regulate temperature for sperm production

What is the role of the Penis?

To deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse

What is the role of the Ovaries/ Ovary? (primary female organ)

To produce and sore eggs, releasing them during ovulation

What does the Ova/Ovum do?

During each menstrual cycle, usually one mature egg is released

What hormones do the Ovaries produce?

Oestrogen and Progesterone

Explain Oestrogen

It help develop female secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts/ wider hips, it stimulates growth of the endometrium and is involved in the menstrual cycle

Explain progesterone

It is produced mainly after ovulation by the corpus luteum, its maintains the endometrium in preparation for pregnacy and it helps regulate the menstrual cycle

What happens during ovulation?

The follicle holds an oocyte - follicle cells enlarge - follicle ruptures (mature egg is released) this is ovulation - the corpus luteum remains

What are Fimbriae?

Finger-like extensions at the end of the fallopian tube that draw the released egg INTO the tube

Where does fertilisation occur?

In the Fallopian tube

What happens during fertilisation?

A single sperm joins an egg to form a zygote

What do the Fallopian tubes do?

Facilitates transport of the egg. Moving the ova towards the uterus

What is the Uterus?

A hollow, muscular organ between the bladder and rectum

What does the Uterus do?

Grows and supports a developing foetus during pregnancy, it’s lined by the endometrium

What is the Endometrium?

The inner layer/ lining of the uterus

What does the Endometrium do?

Builds up each menstrual cycle and is shed during menstration if pregnacy doesn’t occur. It’s the site of implantation of a fertilised egg

What is the Myometrium? (mucle)

A thick, smooth muscle layer which contratcs during menstruation and labour. It allow the uterus to expand during pregnancy

What is the Cervix?

A narrow lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It dilates up to 10cm during childbirth. It produces cervical muscus

What is the Vagina?

A thin-walled, muscular tube about 8-10cm long.

What are the functions of the Vagina?

Birth canal, passageway for menstrual flow to leave the body, and receives sperm during sexual intercourse

oophor/o

Ovary

salping/o

Fallopian tube

hyster/o - metr/o

Uterus

colp/o

Vagina

mamm/o - mast/o

Breast

orchi/o - orchid/o

Testis

test/o

Testis

prostat/o

Prostate

vas/o

Vas deferens

-ectomy

Removal

-pexy

Surgical fixation

-stomy

Surgical opening

-scopy

Viewing

FSH and LH (Pituitary gland)

Stimulate the gonads ti produce sex hormones, FSH stimulates maturation of eggs and sperm, LH triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production

Prolaction (Pituitary gland)

Stimulates milk production(lactation), maintains milk production during breastfeeding