Unit 6 Terms

The testes are the primary reproductive organs in males, responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Located in the scrotum, a skin sac that hangs outside the body cavity Surrounded by a fibrous connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea Divided into lobules, each containing one to four seminiferous tubules, the actual sperm-forming factories

A highly coiled tube that caps the superior part of the testis Responsible for the temporary storage and maturation of sperm Takes about 20 days for sperm to mature and gain the ability to swim

A muscular tube that propels sperm from the epididymis to the urethra Located in the scrotum and pelvic cavity Has thick layers of smooth muscle that create peristaltic waves to rapidly squeeze sperm forward

The terminal part of the male duct system Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis Has three named regions: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra

Seminal vesicles: produce about 60% of the fluid volume of semen. A fructose rich fluid that provides energy for the sperm. Prostate gland: produces a thick, yellowish secretion that makes up a significant portion of semen. Helps to activate sperm. Bulbourethral glands: produce a thick, clear mucus that drains into the penile urethra to help lubricate.

The gonads are the primary reproductive organs, responsible for producing gametes (sperm or eggs) and sex hormones.

Semen is a milky white, sticky mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions. It has the following functions: Transport medium: carries sperm through the female reproductive tract Nutrient supply: provides sperm with nutrients and energy pH buffer: helps to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina

Ejaculation is the process by which semen is released from the body.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the prepuce (foreskin) from the penis.

Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes Sperm travel through the rete testis to the epididymis Sperm mature and gain the ability to swim in the epididymis Sperm are propelled from the epididymis to the urethra through the ductus deferens Sperm are released from the body through ejaculation

The male reproductive system is designed to produce sperm and deliver them into the female reproductive tract. The system consists of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis.

Sperm production, or spermatogenesis, begins during puberty and continues throughout life. The process involves the following stages: Spermatogonia: primitive stem cells that divide to form spermatocytes Meiosis: a special type of nuclear division that occurs in the gonads (testes and ovaries) Spermiogenesis: the final stage of sperm development, where excess cytoplasm is stripped away and a tail is formed

Head- contains the nucleus with 23 chromosomes. Midpiece- contains mitochondria which provides energy for movement. Tail- a long whip-like structure that propels the sperm through the female reproductive tract.

The penis is designed to deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract. It consists of the shaft, glans penis, and prepuce (foreskin). Erectile tissue: fills with blood during sexual arousal, causing the penis to become erect and rigid.

Spermatogenesis is the process by which sperm are produced in the testes. This process involves the division of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes, which then undergo meiosis to produce spermatids. The spermatids then mature into sperm.

The female reproductive system is a complex process that involves the production of eggs and the nurturing of a developing fetus.

The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs, responsible for producing eggs and hormones. Each ovary contains many tiny follicles, which mature and release an egg during ovulation.

The uterine tubes are the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They provide a pathway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.

The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ that nurtures and supports a developing fetus during pregnancy. It is composed of three layers: the endometrium, the myometrium, and the perimetrium.

The innermost layer of the uterus, which lines the uterine cavity and supports the growth of a fetus

The middle layer of the uterus, which is composed of smooth muscle and contracts during childbirth

The outermost layer of the uterus, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the uterus

Fertilization is the process by which a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to form a zygote, which develops into a fetus.

The external genitalia, also known as the vulva, include the: Mons pubis: a fatty, rounded area overlying the pubic symphysis Labia majora: two elongated hair-covered skin folds that enclose the labia minora Labia minora: two delicate, hair-free folds that enclose the vestibule Clitoris: a small, protruding structure that corresponds to the male penis Vestibule: a region that contains the external openings of the urethra and vagina Greater vestibular glands: a pair of mucus-producing glands that flank the vagina