reproductive

• Functions of the reproductive system


  • Production of gametes
  • Fertilization
  • Development and nourishment of a new individual
  • Production of reproductive hormones
• Meiosis


  The process of formation of gametes
• Anatomy of the male reproductive system


  • Scrotum
  • Perineum
  • Testes
  • Ducts
  • Epididymis
  • Ductus deferens/Vas deferens
  • Ejaculatory duct
  • Urethra
  • Penis
  • Accessory glands
• Scrotum


  A two-chambered sac that contains the testes
• Perineum


  The diamond-shaped area between the thighs, consisting of a urogenital triangle and an anal triangle
• Testes


  Small oval-shaped organs, each about 4-5 cm long, within the scrotum. They function as both endocrine and exocrine glands.
• Spermatogenesis


  The process of formation of mature sperm cells
• Sperm


  The male reproductive cell
• Ducts

  • Epididymis
  • Ductus deferens/Vas deferens
  • Ejaculatory duct
  • Urethra
• Epididymis


  A comma-shaped structure on the testes where final maturation of sperm occurs. It contains head, body, and tail.
• Ductus deferens/Vas deferens


  This emerges from the epididymis and transports sperm via peristaltic contractions. It is also part of the spermatic cord.
• Ejaculatory duct


  Formed by the union of ductus deferens and seminal vesicle duct. It opens into the urethra through the prostate gland.
• Urethra


  This extends from the bladder to the penis and is the passage for urine and reproductive fluids. It is divided into three parts: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy (penile) urethra.
• Components of the penis


  • Corpora cavernosa
  • Corpus spongiosum
  • Glans penis
  • Bulb of penis
  • Crura
  • Root of penis
• Corpora cavernosa


  The dorsum and sides of the penis
• Corpus spongiosum


  The ventral portion of the penis, forming the glans penis
• Glans penis


  The distal end cap of the penis
• Bulb of penis


  The expanded base of the corpus spongiosum
• Crura


  The expanded base of the corpora cavernosa
• Root of penis


  Formed by the bulb and crura
• Accessory glands


  • Seminal vesicle
  • Prostate gland
  • Bulbourethral glands/Cowper's glands
• Seminal vesicle


  A sac-shaped gland near the ductus deferentia that is 5 cm long, tapering into excretory ducts
• Prostate gland


  A walnut-shaped, 4 cm long and 2 cm wide gland located at the base of the bladder, surrounding the prostatic urethra. It secretes prostatic fluid into the urethra via 15-30 ducts.
• Bulbourethral glands/Cowper's glands


  Small, pea-sized glands near the membranous urethra that decrease in size with age
• Semen


  The fluid composed of sperm cells and secretions from the accessory glands. It is 60% from seminal vesicles, 30% from prostate gland, 5% from testes, and 5% from bulbourethral glands.
• Functions of semen components

  • Sperm cells carrying genetic material
  • Fructose and nutrients from seminal vesicles to nourish sperm
  • Prostaglandins from seminal vesicles to induce uterine contractions
  • Alkaline mucus from prostate gland to neutralize acidic environments
  • Coagulation and liquefaction to facilitate sperm mobility
• Processes involving semen


  1. Emission - discharge of secretions into urethra

  2. Ejaculation - forceful expulsion of semen due to muscular contractions

  3. Sperm activation - motility increases with mixing of glandular secretions
• Sperm count and volume


  Sperm count is 75-400 million sperm cells per mL, typically 2-5mL volume per ejaculation
• Puberty in males


  The age (12-14 years) at which male individuals become capable of sexual reproduction
• Effects of testosterone


  • Genital development
  • Sperm formation
  • Hair growth
  • Skin changes
  • Voice changes
  • Stimulates metabolism
  • Increases red blood cell count
  • Increases volume of body fluids
  • Promotes protein synthesis
  • Causes rapid bone growth
• Male sexual behavior and sexual act

  1. Erection - engorgement of erectile tissue, initiated by sensory stimuli

  2. Emission - Accumulation of sperm and glandular secretions in the urethra

  3. Ejaculation - Rhythmic contractions expelling semen, followed by resolution phase
• Anatomy of the female reproductive system

  • Ovaries
  • Uterine tubes
  • Uterus
  • Vagina
  • External genitalia
  • Perineum
  • Mammary glands
• Ovaries


  Small organs about 2-3.5 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. Females have 2 ovaries that contain the eggs.
• Uterine tubes


  Also called fallopian tubes or ovarian ducts, they connect each ovary to the uterus.
• Uterus


  The size and shape of a medium-sized pear, about 7.5 cm long and 5 cm wide.
• Vagina


  The female organ of copulation, receiving the penis during intercourse. It is a tube about 10 cm long that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body, allowing menstrual flow and childbirth.
• Perineum


  The diamond-shaped area between the thighs, consisting of a urogenital triangle and an anal triangle.
• Mammary glands


  The organs of milk production located within the breasts.
• Puberty in females


  Occurs between ages 11 and 16, when menarche (the first episode of menstrual bleeding) occurs.
• Menstrual cycle


  The cyclic changes in sexually mature, nonpregnant females that begin with menses. Typically about 28 days long, can range from 18-40 days.