Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Primary sex organs

Testes (males) and ovaries (females).

Functions of the primary sex organs

Produce gametes (sperm and ova) and secrete steroid sex hormones.

Hormones secreted by gonads

Androgens in males; estrogens and progesterone in females.

Accessory reproductive organs

Ducts, glands, and external genitalia.

Roles of sex hormones

Development of reproductive organs, sexual behavior, and growth of other organs/tissues.

Path of sperm delivery

Testes → Epididymis → Ductus deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra.

Male accessory sex glands

Seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

Scrotum

A sac of skin and fascia that contains the testes and keeps them 3°C below body temp.

Muscles regulating testicular temperature

Dartos (smooth muscle) and cremaster (skeletal muscle).

Tunics surrounding each testis

Tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea.

Structures inside the testis

250 lobules each with 1-4 seminiferous tubules.

Function of seminiferous tubules

Site of sperm production.

Cells supporting spermatogenesis

Sustentocytes (supporting cells) and myoid cells.

Function of interstitial endocrine cells

Produce testosterone and secrete it into interstitial fluid.

Path of sperm through testicular ducts

Seminiferous tubules → Straight tubule → Rete testis → Efferent ductules → Epididymis.

Regions of the urethra

Prostatic, membranous (intermediate), and spongy.

Erectile tissues of the penis

Corpus spongiosum and paired corpora cavernosa.

Components of the male duct system

Epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra.

Support structures for the ovaries

Ovarian ligament, suspensory ligament, and mesovarium.

Parts of the broad ligament

Mesosalpinx, mesovarium, and mesometrium.

Ovarian cortex

The outer region containing ovarian follicles.

Primordial follicle

A single layer of follicle cells surrounding an oocyte.

Vesicular (antral) follicle

A mature follicle with a fluid-filled antrum.

Ovulation

The ejection of an oocyte from a ripened follicle.

Corpus luteum

A glandular structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation.

Structures of the female duct system

Uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Role of the uterine (fallopian) tubes

Receive ovulated oocyte and provide the site of fertilization.

Regions of the uterine tube

Isthmus, ampulla, infundibulum with fimbriae.

Movement of the oocyte through the uterine tube

By peristalsis and ciliary action.

Support for the uterine tubes

Mesosalpinx (a portion of the broad ligament).

Parts of the uterus

Body, fundus, isthmus, and cervix.

Layers of the uterine wall

Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

Cervix

The narrow outlet of the uterus leading to the vagina.

Secretion of cervical glands

Mucus that blocks sperm except at midcycle.

Arteries supplying the endometrium

Spiral arteries and straight arteries from the uterine artery.

Vagina

An 8-10 cm tube that serves as the birth canal and organ of copulation.

Female external genitalia

Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, clitoris.

Phases of the ovarian cycle

Follicular phase (days 1-14), ovulation (midcycle), luteal phase (days 14-28).

Follicular phase

Primordial follicles develop into primary and then secondary follicles.

Function of granulosa cells

Support oocyte development and secrete estrogen.

Luteal phase

The corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone and estrogen.