Reproductive System

Where does sperm production occur, and why is the scrotum located outside the abdominal cavity?

• Site of production: Within tightly coiled seminiferous tubules inside the lobules of the testes via spermatogenesis.

• Scrotum function: Keeps the testes at a slightly cooler temperature than internal body core temperature, providing optimal conditions for sperm development.

What is the sequential pathway sperm travels from creation to expulsion during ejaculation?

1. Seminiferous tubules (sperm creation)

2. Rete testis

3. Epididymis

4. Vas deferens (ductus deferens)

5. Ejaculatory duct

6. Urethra

7. Penis (exit from the body)

What are the three male accessory glands and their distinct contributions to ejaculation?

• Seminal vesicle (gland): Secrete a nutrient-rich fluid that makes up the bulk of semen volume; nourishes sperm, enhances motility/fertilizing capacity, suppresses the female immune response, destroys bacteria, and helps sperm adhere to vaginal walls. (Note: Semen does not originate with sperm inside the gland; they mix during ejaculation in the ejaculatory duct)

• Prostate gland: Surrounds the urethra near the bladder; contracts during ejaculation to release secretions that activate sperm and enhance fertility.

• Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands: Located near the prostate; secrete lubricating mucus to lubricate the glans penis during arousal for smoother penetration.

What are the primary functions of the ovaries, and what is oogenesis?

• Functions: Act as the female gonads to produce female gametes (ova/egg cells) and secretes sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

• Oogenesis: The process of developing and mutating an immature egg cell (oocyte) within an ovarian follicle (from a primordial follicle into a mature vesicular follicle containing a fluid-filled antrum).

Where does fertilization typically take place, and where does implantation occur?

• Fertilization: Typically occurs within the Fallopian tubes (oviducts) after the oocyte is released during ovulation.

• Implantation: The fertilized egg (zygote/embryo) travels down into the uterus (womb) and embeds into the uterine wall for development throughout pregnancy.

What are the primary functions of the vagina?

It serves as the female copulatory organ (receives the penis during intercourse), the exit canal for menstrual flow, and the birth canal during labor.

What are the anatomical components of the vulva?

• Mons pubis: Fatty area over the pubic bone providing cushion/protection; covered with pubic hair after puberty.

• Labia majora: Outer, larger hair-covered skin folds containing sweat and oil-secreting glands.

• Labia minora: Inner, thinner, hairless skin folds protecting delicate vestibule structures.

• Vestibule: Recessed area enclosed by labia minora housing both the urethral orifice (anteior/superior) and vaginal orifice (posterior/inferior)

What reproductive hormone is secreted by the Posterior Pituitary, and what is its role?

Oxytocin: Produced in the hypothalamus, stored/secreted by the posterior pituitary; stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

What are three primary reproductive hormones produced by the Anterior Pituitary?

1. Prolactin (PRL): Stimulates milk production in mammary glands.

2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates gamete formation (development of ova in females and sperm in males).

3. Luteinizing Hormones (LH): Triggers ovulation in females and stimulates androgen (testosterone) production in males.

What are the physiological roles in Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone?

• Estrogen: Promotes growth of the uterine lining and develops female secondary sex characteristics.

• Progesterone: Supports and maintains the uterine lining for embryo implantation and fetal development during pregnancy.

• Testosterone (Androgens): Essential for sperm production (spermatogenesis) and development of male secondary sex characteristics.