BIOL 2225 Male and Female Reproductive Systems

BIOL 2225 - Human Reproductive System Functions

Male Reproductive System - Lab 27

• Bulbourethral Gland

  • Function: Secretes mucus which lubricates sperm and adds buffers to neutralize acid in the urethra and vagina.

• Corpus Cavernosum and Corpus Spongiosum

  • Function: These tissues engorge with blood during vasodilation, resulting in penile erection.

• Cremaster Muscle

  • Function: Elevates testes towards the warm pelvic cavity when exposed to cold air; relaxes to lower testes when exposed to warm air.

• Dartos Muscle

  • Function: Contracts to wrinkle the scrotum for insulation in cold temperatures; relaxes for a smooth appearance in warmer air.

• Ductus Deferens

  • Function: Transports sperm cells from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

• Ejaculatory Duct

  • Function: Carries sperm from the ductus deferens to the prostatic urethra.

• Epididymis

  • Function: Moves sperm cells from the rete testis to the ductus deferens.

• External Urethral Orifice

  • Function: The opening through which semen and urine exit the male body.

• Interstitial Cells

  • Function: Located between seminiferous tubules, these cells produce testosterone when stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH).

• Membranous Urethra

  • Function: Transports sperm and urine from the prostatic urethra to the spongy urethra.

• Nurse Cells

  • Function: Located in the seminiferous tubules, they produce Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) and inhibin, which regulate sperm production.

• Prostate Gland

  • Functions:
  • Secretes nutrients for sperm.
  • Secretes semen clotting factors to facilitate a semen clot post-ejaculation.
  • Produces buffers to neutralize acids in the urethra and vagina.

• Prostatic Urethra

  • Function: Transports sperm from the ejaculatory duct and urine from the urinary bladder to the membranous urethra.

• Rete Testis

  • Function: Channels sperm from seminiferous tubules to the epididymis.

• Semen

  • Definition: A mixture of sperm cells combined with chemicals from accessory glands, expelled through the external urethral orifice.

• Seminal Vesicle/Gland

  • Function: Produces fibrinogen-like clotting protein and nutrients for sperm survival.

• Seminiferous Tubules

  • Function: The site of sperm cell development, sending mature sperm into the rete testis.

• Spongy Urethra

  • Function: Transports sperm and urine from the membranous urethra to the external urethral orifice.

• Testicular Artery

  • Function: Blood vessel delivering oxygen-rich blood to the testes.

• Testicular Vein

  • Function: Blood vessel draining oxygen-poor blood from the testes.

Female Reproductive System - Lab 28

• Objective
  • At the completion of this lab session, students should be able to identify various structures within the female reproductive system on models and figures, and state their primary functions.

Required Readings

• Textbook Chapters:
  • Chapter 28 Introduction
  • Sections 28.1b, 28.1c, 28.3 Introduction

Figures To Study

• Fig. 28.1
• Fig. 28.2
• Fig. 28.3a/c
• Fig. 28.8a
• Fig. 28.9a/b/c

Key Structures and Functions

• Fig. 28.1

  • Uterus*: Main reproductive organ.
  • Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue covering the pubic bone.
  • Clitoris: Sensitive erectile tissue.
  • Labium Minus: Single fold of skin; labia minora as a pair.
  • Labium Majus: Single fold of skin; labia majora as a pair.
  • Uterine Tube*: Fertilization site, transports ovum.
  • Fimbriae: Fringe-like structures helping guide the ovum.
  • Ovary*: Produces ova and hormones.

• Fig. 28.2

  • Primary Follicle: Early stage follicle.
  • Secondary Follicle: Intermediate stage follicle.
  • Tertiary Follicle: Mature follicle containing an ovum.
  • Mature Follicle: Follicle ready to ovulate.
  • Ovum: Egg cell released during ovulation.
  • Suspensory Ligament*: Supports the ovary.
  • Ovulated Ovum*: The egg released into the uterine tube.
  • Corpus Luteum*: Hormone-secreting structure post-ovulation.
  • Corpus Albicans: Degenerated corpus luteum.

• Fig. 28.3

  • Uterine Tube: Consists of fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus.
  • Uterus: Divided into fundus, body, perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium, and cervix (with internal os, cervical canal, external os).
  • Vaginal Fornix: Recess around the cervix in the vagina.
  • Vagina: Birth canal and passage for menstruation.
  • Ovary*: Same as defined previously.
  • Ovarian Ligament*: Connects the ovary to the uterus.
  • Suspensory Ligament*: Connects the ovary to the pelvic wall.
  • Ovarian Artery*: Supplies blood to the ovary.
  • Ovarian Vein*: Drains blood from the ovary.

• Fig. 28.8a

  • Mons Pubis: Fatty pad above the pubic bone.
  • Labium Majus: Larger outer folds.
  • Labium Minus: Smaller inner folds.
  • Vaginal Orifice*: Opening of the vagina.
  • Hymen: Membrane covering vaginal opening.
  • Clitoris: Erectile tissue involved in sexual arousal.
  • Urethral Orifice*: Opening for urine evacuation.

• Fig. 28.9

  • Adipose Tissue: Fatty tissue surrounding reproductive structures.
  • Suspensory Ligaments*: Support breast tissue.
  • Lobe*: Portion of the mammary gland.
  • Areola*: Pigmented area around the nipple.
  • Nipple: Outlet for milk.
  • Lactiferous Sinus*: Storage area for milk prior to ejection.
  • Lactiferous Duct*: Channel through which milk flows to nipple.

Additional Tasks

• Trace the path of sperm from ejaculation at intercourse to the fertilization site of an oocyte using structures referenced in figures 28.1 & 28.3.