2.16

What is the reproductive system?

The reproductive system enables the production of offspring and continuation of the species.

How are male and female reproductive systems different?

They each contain unique organs that work together to achieve fertilization.

What does intersex mean?

Intersex means there is a variation in sex development where internal and external genital structures differ from typical male or female anatomy.

What are the testes?

The testes are oval organs housed in the scrotum.

What do the testes produce?

They produce sperm and testosterone.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone.

What does testosterone do?

It develops secondary sex characteristics and supports sperm production.

What is the scrotum?

The scrotum is a pouch of skin located below the pelvic cavity.

What does the scrotum do?

It protects and regulates the temperature of the testes.

What is the epididymis?

The epididymis is a coiled tube located on top of each testis.

What happens in the epididymis?

Sperm mature and are stored there.

Where do sperm mature?

In the epididymis.

What is the vas deferens?

The vas deferens is the tube that connects the epididymis to the urethra.

What does the vas deferens do?

It transports mature sperm during ejaculation.

What are seminal vesicles?

Seminal vesicles are a pair of sac-like glands near the bladder.

What do seminal vesicles secrete?

They secrete seminal fluid.

What does seminal fluid do?

It nourishes sperm and aids movement.

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra below the bladder.

What does the prostate gland do?

It secretes fluid that enhances sperm motility and protects sperm in the female reproductive tract.

Where are the bulbourethral glands located?

Below the prostate.

What are bulbourethral glands also called?

Cowper’s glands.

What do bulbourethral glands do?

They produce lubricating fluid for the urethra prior to ejaculation.

What is the penis?

The penis is an external cylindrical organ.

What does the penis do?

It serves as the passageway for urine and semen.

What are androgens?

Androgens are a group of male sex hormones responsible for male traits and reproductive activity.

What are the ovaries?

The ovaries are a pair of oval glands located in the pelvic cavity.

What do ovaries produce?

They produce ova, or eggs, and secrete estrogen and progesterone.

What are ova?

Ova are eggs.

What is estrogen?

Estrogen is a female hormone that stimulates female secondary sex characteristics and regulates the menstrual cycle.

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a female hormone that prepares and maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy.

What is estradiol?

Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and is crucial for reproductive health.

What are fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes are muscular tubes extending from the uterus to the ovaries.

What do fallopian tubes do?

They transport eggs from the ovary.

Where does fertilization typically occur?

Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube.

What is the uterus?

The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ in the pelvic cavity.

What does the uterus do?

It houses and nourishes a fertilized egg.

What happens to the uterine lining if no fertilization occurs?

The lining sheds during menstruation.

What is the cervix?

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus.

What does the cervix do?

It opens into the vagina and dilates during childbirth.

Which reproductive structure dilates during childbirth?

The cervix.

What is the vagina?

The vagina is a muscular canal extending to the body’s exterior.

What does the vagina do?

It serves as the passageway for menstrual flow, intercourse, and childbirth.

What are the labia majora and labia minora?

They are folds of skin that protect the external genital organs.

What do the labia protect?

They protect the vaginal opening and clitoris.

What is the clitoris?

The clitoris is a small, highly sensitive structure located anterior to the urethra.

What does the clitoris do?

It provides sexual stimulation.

What is the perineum?

The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus.

What does the perineum do?

It supports pelvic floor structures.

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a monthly hormonal cycle that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

What happens if fertilization occurs?

The fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining.

What happens if fertilization does not occur?

Hormone levels drop and menstruation begins, marking the start of a new cycle.

How long can sperm survive inside the female reproductive tract?

Up to 5 days.

How many eggs is a female born with?

About 1 to 2 million eggs.

How many eggs are released during a female’s lifetime?

About 400 to 500 eggs.

How long is the average menstrual cycle?

About 28 days, though it can vary from person to person.

What is the main idea of the reproductive system?

It produces sex cells and hormones and allows fertilization, pregnancy, and reproduction.