The Reproductive System Flashcards

Flashcards about the reproductive system.

Major Structures of the Female Reproductive System

Mammary glands
Major organs of the reproductive tract:
• Ovary (si.), ovaries (pl.)
• Uterine/Fallopian tube
• Uterus
• Vagina
External genitalia
• Clitoris
• Labia minora
• Labia majora

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

• Responsible for gamete production (oogenesis in the ovary)
• Hormone production: Oestrogen, progesterone, inhibin and relaxin
• Reception and transport of sperm from the male
• Houses fertilised ovum, maintains pregnancy and provides passageway for childbirth
• Lactation: Synthesis, secretion and ejection of milk

Major Structures of the Male Reproductive System

Major organs of the reproductive tract:
• Testis (si.), testes (pl.)
• Epididymis
• Ductus/vas deferens
Accessory glands of the reproductive tract:
• Seminal vesicle
• Prostate
• Bulbourethral gland
External genitalia
• Penis
• Urethra
• Scrotum

Functions of the Male Reproductive System

• Responsible for gamete production (spermatogenesis in the testes)
• Structures specialised for maturation, storage, transport and protection of sperm
• Hormone production: Testosterone

The Mammary Glands

• The mammary glands, or breasts, are branched glands (modified sweat glands)
• Comprised of a series of ducts surrounded by connective tissue and fat
• Arranged into lobes that all culminate at the nipple
• Lobes are composed of milk-producing lobules (milk production and secretion occurs in response to hormones present during
pregnancy)

Ovary

Female gonads; paired organs. Site of production and maturation of female gametes (ova=pl. & ovum=si.) via oogenesis. Site of ovulation. Produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)

Female gonads; paired organs
• Site of production and maturation of female gametes (ova=pl.
& ovum=si.) via oogenesis
• Site of ovulation
• Produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
Female gonads; paired organs
• Site of production and maturation of female gametes (ova=pl.
& ovum=si.) via oogenesis
• Site of ovulation
• Produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)

Uterine/fallopian tube

Connects ovary to uterus. Passageway for sperm and site of fertilisation. Three components: Proximally – isthmus, Middle – Ampulla, Distally – infundibulum with fimbriae

Uterus

Hollow, thick walled organ that is the site of menstruation and houses a developing foetus. Three layers of tissue: Outer perimetrium – serosa, Middle myometrium – smooth muscle, Inner endometrium – mucosa ( topmost layer sheds monthly if not pregnant)

Cervix

Most distal region of the uterus, separating it from vagina. Involved in mucous production and facilitates childbirth

Vagina

Passageway for childbirth and menstrual flow. Acidic environment (repels infection and sperm)

Scrotum

Sac of skin containing the testes (exterior to pelvic cavity for cooler temperature)

Testes

Male gonads; paired organs. Site of production of male gametes (sperm/spermatozoon) via spermatogenesis. Produce the hormone testosterone

Penis

Delivery of sperm into the vagina

Epididymis

Receives physically mature sperm from seminiferous tubules. A coiled duct that serves as the site of functional maturation of sperm, i.e. develop motility (process takes 12-16 days)

Ductus/Vas deferens

Receives mature sperm from epididymis. A long duct that transports ejaculated sperm (peristalsis) up and around the back of the bladder (met by accessory organs)

Urethra

A long duct that acts as a passageway for both urine (bladder) and semen (from previous ductal system structures). Extends from the bladder to the end of the penis

Seminal vesicles

Paired glands that secrete fluid to aid in motility of sperm. Comprises approx. 65% of semen

Prostate

A large gland that surrounds the urethra and secretes fluid to provide energy for sperm. Comprises approx. 30% of semen

Bulbourethral glands

Paired glands that secretes a thick alkaline fluid to aid in protection of sperm. Comprises <1% of semen

Oogenesis

Sequence of events (mitosis and meiosis I & II) leading to mature gametes (ova – also referred to as secondary oocytes)

Spermatogenesis

Sequence of events (mitosis and meiosis I & II) leading to mature gametes (sperm)

Female Reproductive Cycle

A series of cyclic changes to the uterine endometrial lining each month (uterine cycle) in response to change in the ovary (ovarian cycle)

Gonadotropic hormones

Secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to stimulation by Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus

Luteinising hormone (LH)

Surge causes ovulation of ovum from follicle. Surge causes formation of corpus luteum

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates follicle development

Oestrogen

Secreted by follicles

Progesterone

Secreted by the corpus luteum