The Reproductive System - Male and Female Structures, Estrus Cycle, and Parturition

Flashcards summarizing key concepts of the male and female reproductive systems, the estrus cycle, and parturition.

What is the function of the scrotum in the male reproductive system?

It encloses and supports the testes, keeping them at a lower temperature than the body for sperm survival and development.

What are testes and what is their primary function?

Male sex glands that produce spermatozoa; they are also known as male gonads.

What structure collects sperm and is responsible for its motility?

Epididymis.

What is the role of the ductus deferens?

It connects to the epididymis and carries sperm into the pelvic region toward the urethra.

What do the seminal vesicles secrete?

A thick, yellow substance that nourishes sperm and adds volume to the ejaculated semen.

Describe the function of the prostate gland.

It secretes a thick fluid that aids in the motility of sperm.

What is the function of the urethra in males?

It serves both the reproductive and urinary systems, passing through the penis to the outside of the body.

What is the role of ovaries in the female reproductive system?

They produce estrogen, progesterone, and ova (eggs) and are responsible for ovulation.

What are uterine tubes and what occurs within them?

Also known as fallopian tubes, they carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus and are the site of fertilization.

What is the cervix and its purpose during estrus?

It marks the cranial extent of the vagina and has sphincters that prevent foreign substances from entering the uterus; it relaxes to allow sperm entry during estrus.

What occurs during the proestrus stage of the estrus cycle?

Secretion of FSH from the anterior pituitary gland causes the follicles to develop and prepares the reproductive tract for pregnancy.

Define estrus in the context of the estrus cycle.

The period when the female is receptive to the male, marked by the release of the egg and termed 'in heat'.

What are the three stages of parturition?

Stage 1: Dilation of the cervix, Stage 2: Uterine contractions and expulsion of the fetus, Stage 3: Separation of the placenta from the uterus.

List the three layers of the uterus and their characteristics.

Perimetrium (outer layer), Myometrium (muscular middle layer), Endometrium (inner layer).