Physiology Chapter 27: Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

• The scrotum contains the testes, which produce sperm cells.
• Seminiferous tubules are the site of sperm production, and interstitial cells produce testosterone.
• Epididymis stores and transports sperm cells.
• Ductus deferens (vas deferens) is a muscular tube that transports sperm cells during ejaculation.
• Cremaster muscle regulates the position of the testes.
• Spermatic cord is a bundle of nerves, blood vessels, and ductus deferens.
• Inguinal canal is a passageway for the spermatic cord.
• Seminal vesicles/seminal glands produce seminal fluid.
• Ejaculatory duct is a short muscular tube that empties into the urethra.
• Prostate gland produces a protein-rich fluid that makes up semen.
• Bulbo-urethral glands produce a mucous secretion that helps lubricate the urethra.
• Urethra is the tube that carries semen and urine out of the body.
• Penis consists of the glans, corpora cavernosa, and corpus spongiosum.
• Descent of the testes occurs during fetal development, guided by the gubernaculum testis.

Female Reproductive System

• Ovary is the female reproductive organ that produces eggs.
• Germinal epithelium is the layer of cells that gives rise to egg cells.
• Cortex is the outer layer of the ovary where follicles develop.
• Estrogen is produced by the ovary and regulates the female reproductive cycle.
• Primordial and secondary follicles are stages in the development of a mature ovarian follicle (Graafian follicle).
• Antrum is the fluid-filled cavity of a mature follicle.
• Corpus luteum produces progesterone, which regulates the uterine cycle.
• Corpus albicans is the scar tissue that forms after a follicle has ruptured.
• Uterine (Fallopian) tube is the tube that connects the ovary to the uterus.
• Fimbriae are finger-like projections that catch the egg after ovulation.
• Infundibulum is the funnel-shaped part of the uterine tube that captures the egg.
• Ampulla is the widest part of the uterine tube where fertilization often occurs.
• Isthmus is the narrow part of the uterine tube that connects the ampulla to the uterus.
• Uterus is the muscular organ that supports fetal development during pregnancy.
• Uterine cavity is the space within the uterus where a fetus develops.
• Endometrium is the layer of tissue that lines the uterine cavity.
• Myometrium is the layer of smooth muscle that makes up the uterine wall.
• Perimetrium is the outermost layer of the uterus.
• Cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Round ligament, ovarian ligament, and broad ligament are supportive ligaments of the uterus.
• Vagina is the muscular tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Vaginal rugae are folds in the vagina that allow it to stretch during intercourse.
• Clitoris is the small organ that responds to sexual stimulation.
• Mons pubis is the fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone.
• Labia majora and labia minora are the folds of skin that surround the vagina.
• Breast tissue consists of mammary glands, lactiferous ducts, nipples, and areolae.

Uterine and Ovarian Cycles

• Uterine cycle is the series of changes that occur in the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg.
• Ovarian cycle is the series of changes that occur in the ovary to produce an egg.

Clinical Information

• Cryptorchidism is a condition in which the testes fail to descend into the scrotum.
• Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.
• Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts the ductus deferens to prevent fertilization.
• Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks the uterine tubes to prevent fertilization.