Reproductive System Anatomy Flashcards

Study Notes

Male Reproductive System

Testes: Produce testosterone and sperm, essential for male reproductive functions.
Tunica Albuginea: Covers the testes and divides them into 250-300 compartments, each containing 1-4 seminiferous tubules.
Scrotum: Maintains a slightly lower temperature for testes, crucial for sperm production.
Epididymis: Stores sperm and facilitates its secretion into the duct during ejaculation.
Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens): Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
Spermatic Cord: Located in the inguinal canal and scrotum; contains ductus deferens, testicular vessels, and nerves.
Inguinal Canal: Pathway through the abdominal wall for spermatic cord.
Ejaculatory Duct: Site where sperm mixes with seminal fluid before entering the prostatic urethra.
Seminal Vesicles: Secretes fluid that forms a significant part of semen.
Prostate Gland: Produces a milky fluid contributing to 20-30% of semen volume.
Urethra (Prostatic, Membranous, Spongy): Common passage for urine and semen in males.
External Urethral Orifice: Exit point for semen and urine from the body.
Bulbourethral Glands: Secrete mucus that neutralizes urine acidity and lubricates the urethra during sexual arousal.
Penis: Serves to deliver sperm to the vagina and functions as a urinary conduit.
Corpus Spongiosum: Prevents urethra constriction, maintaining an open channel for ejaculation.
Corpora Cavernosum: Facilitate penile erection during sexual arousal.
Glans Penis: Potentially aids in sperm removal from rivals and increases stimulation for females.
Prepuce (Foreskin): Protects the glans penis and the urinary meatus.

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries: Store and release eggs, also produce hormones.
Oviducts (Uterine/Fallopian Tubes): Transport ova from ovaries to uterus; environment for fertilization.
Infundibulum: Captures released eggs from ovaries and directs them to the oviducts.
Fimbria: Help guide eggs into the infundibulum of the oviduct.
Uterus: Houses and supports a fertilized ovum, accommodating fetal growth.
Fundus of Uterus: The upper portion of the uterus.
Cervix: Serves as the exit for menstrual flow/birth; remains closed during pregnancy.
Body of Uterus: Main section for accommodating the growing fetus.
Endometrium: Lining of the uterus that prevents adhesions and serves as the implantation site.
Myometrium: Muscular layer that contracts during childbirth.
Perimetrium: Provides support to the uterus and routes for vessels and nerves.
Cervical Canal: Secretes mucus to block bacteria from entering the uterus.
Vaginal Rugae: Allow for expansion of the vagina during childbirth.
Mons Pubis: Provides cushioning and protection to the pubic area.
Labia Majora and Minora: Protective structures for internal vaginal components.
Clitoral Prepuce: Protects the glans of the clitoris.
Vestibule: Houses the vaginal opening and external urethral orifice.
External Urethral Orifice: Exit for urine.
Vaginal Orifice: Opening of the vagina.
Perineum: Supports abdominal and pelvic organs; involved in sexual functions and childbirth.
Urogenital Diaphragm: Functions as a sphincter controlling urine flow.