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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the seminal vesicle?
What is the primary function of the seminal vesicle?
Which structure encircles the prostatic urethra?
Which structure encircles the prostatic urethra?
Which part of the uterus is described as the upper dome-shaped region?
Which part of the uterus is described as the upper dome-shaped region?
What is the main composition of the fluid produced by the bulbourethral glands?
What is the main composition of the fluid produced by the bulbourethral glands?
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Which layer of the uterus is also known as the muscular wall?
Which layer of the uterus is also known as the muscular wall?
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What is the primary role of the vas deferens?
What is the primary role of the vas deferens?
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How much of the seminal fluid is produced by the prostate gland?
How much of the seminal fluid is produced by the prostate gland?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the female reproductive system's external organs?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the female reproductive system's external organs?
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What is the primary function of the scrotum?
What is the primary function of the scrotum?
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Which gland is responsible for producing a significant amount of the fluid that constitutes semen?
Which gland is responsible for producing a significant amount of the fluid that constitutes semen?
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What is the erectile tissue located in the penis that engorges with blood during an erection?
What is the erectile tissue located in the penis that engorges with blood during an erection?
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How many lobules are contained within each testicle?
How many lobules are contained within each testicle?
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What is the main role of the epididymis?
What is the main role of the epididymis?
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What does ejaculation refer to in male reproductive physiology?
What does ejaculation refer to in male reproductive physiology?
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What is a function of the cremaster muscle in the male reproductive system?
What is a function of the cremaster muscle in the male reproductive system?
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Which component of the penis is primarily responsible for carrying sperm to the vagina during sexual intercourse?
Which component of the penis is primarily responsible for carrying sperm to the vagina during sexual intercourse?
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What is the primary function of the fallopian tube?
What is the primary function of the fallopian tube?
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Which part of the cervix refers to the opening into the vagina?
Which part of the cervix refers to the opening into the vagina?
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What are the two primary functions of the ovaries?
What are the two primary functions of the ovaries?
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Where is the hymen located in the female reproductive system?
Where is the hymen located in the female reproductive system?
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What is the average length of the vagina?
What is the average length of the vagina?
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Which ligament anchors the ovaries in the pelvic cavity?
Which ligament anchors the ovaries in the pelvic cavity?
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What is the purpose of the cervical canal?
What is the purpose of the cervical canal?
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What structure is homologous to the penis in females?
What structure is homologous to the penis in females?
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Study Notes
Reproductive System Overview
- The reproductive system is responsible for producing gametes (sperm and ovum).
- It ensures the continuation of species.
- It comprises specialized reproductive organs producing gametes and sex hormones.
Male Reproductive System
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External Genitals:
- Testes and scrotum: The scrotum maintains a temperature 3°C cooler than body temperature to prevent sperm cell damage.
- Penis: The erectile organ depositing sperm in the vagina.
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Internal Genitals:
- Epididymis: A convoluted duct (6 meters long) crucial for sperm maturation and storage, and propelling sperm into the vas deferens.
- Vas deferens: A fibromuscular duct transporting sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Approximately 45cm (18 inches) in length.
- Seminal vesicle: Paired saccular glands located on the posterior surface of the urinary bladder. Secretes about 60-70% of seminal fluid including fructose for sperm nutrition.
- Prostate gland: Located below the urinary bladder, surrounding the prostatic urethra. Secretes about 25% of seminal fluid and crucial for sperm motility. Prostatic tumors are a high concern in males, 20% in 40 year olds and 90% in 80-year-olds.
- Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's gland): Located inferior to the prostate gland, secreting mucus (about 5% of seminal fluid) to cleanse the urethra before ejaculation.
Male Reproductive System: Individual Organs – Details
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Testis: Located in the scrotum. Produces sperm and testosterone (male sex hormone responsible for secondary sex characteristics). Each testicle has 250-300 lobules containing 1-4 coiled seminiferous tubules. Develops and descends retroperitoneally into the scrotum.
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Penis: An erectile organ, its root, body and glans comprising the organ to deposit sperm in the vagina. Erection occurs due to blood filling vascular erectile tissue (paired corpora cavernosa and midline corpus spongiosum). The glans is covered by prepuce (foreskin). Circumcision removes the foreskin.
Female Reproductive System
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Internal Organs:
- Uterus: A muscular organ receiving the fertilized ovum and providing a suitable environment for fetal development. Divided into the fundus (dome-shaped upper region), body (central region), and isthmus (constricted region between the body and cervix). Consists of three layers: perimetrium (outer), myometrium (muscle), endometrium (internal lining).
- Fallopian tubes: Muscular tubes transporting the ovum from the ovary to the uterine cavity. Four parts: infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and intrauterine part. Site of fertilization.
- Ovary: Almond-shaped female gonads located on either side of the uterus in the pelvic cavity. Anchored by ligaments (ovarian and broad). Produce the ovum and sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Vagina: A musculomembranous tube (7-9 cm long) located beneath the cervix as the lower end of the birth canal, receiving the penis during coitus. Partially closed by the hymen.
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External Organs:
- Vulva: Includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and hymen.
- Clitoris: Homologous to the penis, with erectile tissue and nerve endings.
- Labia: Folded skin structures enveloping the vaginal and urethral openings.
Cervix
The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus, connecting to the vagina. It has three distinct regions: the internal os—which is the opening from the cervical canal into the uterine body; the external os—which connects to the vaginal canal; and the cervical canal—the space between the two openings.
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Description
Explore the essentials of the reproductive system, focusing on its structure and function. This quiz covers both the male and female reproductive systems, including key organs and their roles in gamete production. Understand how these systems contribute to the continuity of species.
