Reproductive system

• reproductive cells are haploid, meaning they have only one set of chromosomes (23)
• Reproduction: process by which genetic material is passed from one generation to the next
• Sperm from male and egg from female join (union) to form zygote
• Primary sex organs (gonads) – testes in males, ovaries in females
• Gonads produce sex cells called gametes and secrete sex hormones
• Accessory reproductive organs: ducts, glands, and external genitalia
• Sex hormones: androgens (males), and estrogens and progesterone (females)
• The male gonads (testes) produce sperm and lie within a sac called scrotum
• Cremaster – bands of skeletal muscle that elevate the testes
• Testes

  Two tunics:

  Tunica vaginalis: derived from peritoneum, Tunica albuginea: the fibrous capsule of the testes
• Seminiferous tubules Produces the sperm
• Semen: Mixture of sperm cells and secretions
• Sertoli cells: supply sperm cells with nutrients
• Septa divide the testes into 250-300 lobules, each containing 1-4 seminiferous tubules
• Provides energy to sperm via fructose
• TESTOSTERONE: Controls development, growth, and maintenance of male sex organs
• INTERSTITIAL CELLS: Produces androgens, also known as "leydig cells"
• Spermatic cord: encloses PNS and CNS nerve fibers, blood vessels and lymphatics that supply the testes
• Penis is a copulatory organ that is designed to deliver sperm into female reproductive tract
• Prepuce (foreskin) cuff of skin covering the distal end of the penis (removed during a circumcision)
• Erectile tissue: spongy network of connective tissue and smooth muscle riddled with vascular spaces
• The erectile tissues fill with blood causing the penis to enlarge and become rigid
• Epididymis: Contracts, expelling sperm into the ductus deferens (during ejaculation)
• Vasectomy: cutting and ligating the ductus deferens, which is nearly 100% effective form of birth control
• Vas Deferens: Runs from the epididymis via the spermatic cord through the inguinal canal and arches over the urinary bladder
• Ampulla: end of the ductus deferens, which empties into the ejaculatory duct
• Ejaculatory duct: passes through the prostate to merge with the urethra
• Ejaculation: smooth muscle in the walls of the ductus deferens create peristaltic waves to squeeze sperm forward
• Urethra: Conveys both urine and semen
• Seminal Vesicle: Secrete 60% of the volume of semen
• Prostate Gland: Doughnut-shaped gland that encircles part of the urethra; Plays a role/helps in the activation of sperm
• Bulbourethral glands: Produce thick, clear mucus prior to ejaculation that neutralizes traces of acidic urine in the urethra and lubricates the penis
• Prostate Gland enters the prostatic urethra during ejaculation
• Vesicular (Graafian) follicle: growing follicle with a maturing oocyte
• Ovulation: ejection of the oocyte from the ripening follicle
• Uterine tubes: Receive the ovulated oocyte and provide a site for fertilization
• Infundibulum: Distal, funnel-shaped end
• Uterus: A hollow, thick-walled organ located in the pelvis anterior to the rectum and posterosuperior to the bladder; Receives, retains, nourishes a fertilized egg
• Endometrium: mucosal lining of the uterine cavity; inner layer; Site of implantation of a fertilized egg sloughs off if no pregnancy occurs (menstruation or menses)
• Ovarian cycle begins at puberty