*Reproductive System P 1

3 facts on Testes

-Each lobe contains several seminiferous tubules in which spermatogenesis occurs

-Between the loops of the seminiferous tubules are interstitial cells which produce testosterone

-Sperm from the seminiferous tubules will enter the epididymis which is the first part of the reproductive ducts

Define Spermatogenesis

the process in which sperm is produced

3 facts on Epididymis

-the tube is about 20 ft. long that is coiled on the posterior surface of each testes

-Within the epididymis the sperm completely matures and their flagella become functional

-Smooth muscle in the wall of the epididymis propels the sperm into the Ductus (vas) deferens

Ductus Deferens is aka ….

Vas deferens

3 Facts on Ductus Deferens

-it extends from the epididymis in the scrotum into the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal

-this canal is an opening in the abdominal wall for the spermatic cord

-the smooth muscle layer of the ductus deferens contracts by peristalsis during times of ejaculation

Define spermatic cord

a connective tissue sheath that contains the ductus deferens, testicular blood vessels, and nerves

Ejaculatory ducts

each of the 2 ducts receive sperm from the ductus in the weird secretion of the seminal vesicle. Both ejeculation ducts empty into the urethra

Define Bulbourethral (Cowper glands)

-they are the size of a pea & located below prostate gland

-the alkaline secretions coats the interior of the urethra just before ejaculation neutralizing any acidic urine present (very helpful for a woman's pH)

Define male Urethra

it’s the last of the ducts through which semen travels & it’s longest portion is within the penis

Define the penis

its an external genital organ just like the scrotum

Define Seminal vesicles

they are paired & posterior to the urinary bladder; they’re secretions = fructose to provide energy for sperm & is alkaline to enhance sperm motility (moving independently)

3 facts on Prostate gland

-a muscular gland below the urinary bladder that is 1.5 -2 inches long & 1.6 inches wide

-the smooth muscle of the p.g. contracts during ejaculation contributing to expulsion of semen from the urethra

-the glandular tissue of the p.g. secretes an acidic fluid that contains an antimicrobial & some citric acid which is needed for energy production in the mitochondria of sperm cells

The female reproductive system contains what?

paired new ovaries & fallopian tubes, a uterus, a vagina, and the external structures

2 facts about ovaries

-a pair of oval shaped structures about 1.5 inches long on either side of the uterus in the pelvic cavity

-within the ovaries are 700,000 follicles present beginning at birth but only 3-400 produce mature ova

3 facts on Uterus

-shaped like an upside down pear

-3 inches long / 2 inches wide / 1 inch deep

-during pregnancy the uterus expands in size & contains the placenta to nourish the fetus & expels the baby at the end of gestation

Location of the uterus

Superior to the urinary bladder and between the two ovaries within the pelvic cavity

Explain the fallopian tubes

-we have 2 tubes that are 4 inches long (10 cm)

-the lateral end encloses an ovary, the medial end opens into the uterus, & the end of the tube has fimbriae → the fimbriae (finger like projections) creates currents in the fluid surrounding the ovary to pull the ovum into the fallopian tube becuz the ovum has no means of self locomotion

-the smooth structure of the fallopian tubes ensures its kept moving towards the uterus in a peristaltic way

-fertilization takes place within the fallopian tubes

Define the testes and its location.

-A sack of skin between the upper thighs

-contains a temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit which is slightly lower than body temperature necessary for the production of viable sperm

- located in the scrotum

Each testes (2) is about ____ long ___ and wide and divided into lobes…. Each lobe contains _______ tubules

1.5 inches long….1 inch wide…. Seminiferous

What is the importance of semi-nurfers tubules?

Spermatogenesis takes place here and between the loops are interstitial cells that produce testosterone

Which hormone has to be stimulated to produce testosterone?

Luteinizing hormone ( originates from pituitary gland)

The vastus deferns extends from the _____ towards the _____.

Once inside the abdominal cavity, it extends up over the ______ and then down the ______.

Epididmysis….urethra…urinary bladder… ejaculatory duct

Each ejaculatory duct empties into the ____.

Urethra

Describe the path our ovum

They are produced in the ovaries, travel through the Fallopian tubes to the uterus, and the uterus is the site for the growth of the embryo and fetus

The vaginal opening is covered by a thin membrane ____.

Hymen

Name the 3 functions of vagina.

Receive sperm from the penis during sexual intercourse, provide the exit for menstrual blood, and become the birth canal during vaginal delivery

Name and describe the 3 parts of the uterus

Fundus - upper portion above fallopian tubes

body - large middle portion

cervix - opens into vagina

Measurements and location of vagina

Long muscular tube about 4 in long that extends from cervix to vaginal orifice