reproductive system

• Seminal vesicle


  Sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens near the base of the bladder
• Seminal vesicle


  • Responsible for the production of fructose
  • Source of energy
  • Helps in the movement of sperm cells
• Seminal fluid


  Makes up the volume of the ejaculate fluid (semen)
• Composition of seminal fluid

  • Fructose
  • Prostaglandins
  • Alkaline fluid
  • Sperm cells
  • Clotting factors
• Prostaglandins in seminal fluid


  • Helps sperm when they enter the vagina, makes the sperm not look like an invader
• Alkaline fluid in seminal fluid


  • Helps the sperm to be alive when it enters the vagina because the pH of vagina is acidic
• Prostate gland


  Walnut sized structure located below the urinary bladder in front of the rectum, contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate
• Role of prostate gland

  • Secretes alkaline solution that surrounds the sperm
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) neutralizes the area that immediately surrounds the sperm
• Cowper's gland


  Pea-sized structures located on the sides of the urethra, just below the prostate gland, produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra
• Fluid produced by Cowper's gland

  • Lubricates the urethra
  • Balances the acidity of urine
• Pre-ejaculate


  Fluid produced by Cowper's gland when sexually aroused, mucus-like fluid
• Epididymis


  A long, coiled tube that rests on the backside of each testicle
• Epididymis function


  Carries and stores sperm cells that are created in the testes
• Parts of the epididymis

  • Caput (head)
  • Corpus (body)
  • Cauda (tail)
• Caput (head) of epididymis


  • Where sperm enters the epididymis from the testes
  • Where sperm begins to gain motility
• Corpus (body) of epididymis

  • Where sperm matures
• Cauda (tail) of epididymis


  • Where sperm is stored up to 3 days
  • Sperm here are still not fully mature and very dilute
  • Stores enough sperm for 2-3 normal semen samples
• Testicles/Testes


  The primary male sex organs responsible for making testosterone and producing sperm cells through spermatogenesis
• Testicles/Testes


  • Oval organs about the size of very large olives that lie in the scrotum
  • Most men have two testes
• Scrotum


  Loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis and holds the testicles, as well as many nerves and blood vessels
• Scrotum


  • Protects the testes
  • Provides a sort of climate control system
• Testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than body temperature for optimal sperm production and maturation
• Bladder


  Stores urine, allowing urination to be infrequent and controlled
• Bladder


  • Lined by layers of muscle tissue that stretch to hold urine
  • Part of the urinary system
• Vas deferens


  A long, muscular tube that travels from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity just behind the bladder, responsible for transporting sperm in preparation for ejaculation
• Corpus cavernosum


  One of two columns of spongy tissues that runs through the shaft of the penis, directly proportional to the size of the penis, contains blood vessels that help the penis become erect
• Corpus spongiosum


  A column of spongy tissues that runs through the shaft and glans of the penis, surrounds the urethra
• Urethra


  The tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, and also expels semen during orgasm
• Vagina


  The canal that joins the cervix to the outside of the body, also known as the birth canal
• Vagina


  • Flexible
  • Connects the internal and external female reproductive organs
  • Serves as a passage way for blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus during menstruation
  • Receives the penis during sexual intercourse
  • Holds sperm until they pass to the uterus
  • Provides a passage way for childbirth
• Cervix


  The narrow structure at the bottom of the uterus
• Cervix


  • Produces mucus/cervical mucus
  • Prevents sperm from entering the uterus when not fertile or pregnant
  • Protects the female reproductive system against bacteria
  • Keeps the vagina healthy
  • Allows fluids to drain
• LactobacillusAcidophilus


  Bacteria always present in the vagina that maintains the acidic pH
• Myometrium


  The layer of smooth muscle between the endometrium and the serosa/perimetrium of the uterus
• Myometrium


  • Responsible for uterine contractions
• Uterus


  The hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus
• Parts of the uterus

  • Cervix
  • Corpus (main body)
• Uterus


  • Easily expands to hold a developing baby
• Fallopian tubes


  Narrow tubes attached to the upper part of the uterus that serve as pathways for ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus
• Fallopian tubes


  • Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, and the fertilized egg then moves to the uterus to implant