Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1041-1069
Sexual reproduction is the process by which organisms produce offspring by making germ cells
called gametes
After the male gamete (sperm cell) unites with the female gamete (secondary oocyte)—an
event called fertilization
1.The testes produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.
2. The ducts transport, store, and assist in maturation of sperm.
3. The accessory sex glands secrete most of the liquid portion of semen.
4. The penis contains the urethra, a passageway for ejaculation of semen and excretion of urine.
Spermatogenesis-The process by which the seminiferous tubules of the testes produce sperm
Spermatogonia- most peripheral germ cells that divide through mitosis
Primary Spermatocytes- other daughter cells that divide by meiosis and become sperm cell
Secondary Spermatocytes- product of meiotic division
Spermatids- product of secondary meiotic division
Sperm cell/ spermatozoon- developed spermatid with a head, midpiece, and flagellum
Sperm
• Head-contains a nucleus with 23 highly condensed chromosomes.
Covering the anterior two-thirds of the nucleus is the Acrosome, a caplike vesicle filled with
enzymes that help a sperm to penetrate a secondary oocyte to bring about fertilization
• Tail- subdivided into 4 parts:
Neck- the constricted region just behind the head that contains centriole
Middle Piece- contains mitochondria
Principal Piece- longest portion of the tail
End Piece-is the terminal, tapering portion of the tail.
• Ductus Deferens- emerges from the epididymis and ascends along the posterior side of the
testis
• Ampulla- dilated terminal portion of ductus deferens
Functionally, the ductus deferens conveys sperm during sexual arousal from the epididymis
toward the urethra by peristaltic contractions of its muscular coat. Like the epididymis, the
ductus deferens also can store sperm for several months. Any stored sperm that are not
ejaculated by that time are eventually reabsorbed.
• Spermatic Cord-is a supporting structure of the reproductive system that ascends out of the
scrotum. It consists of vas deferens, testicular artery and vein, autonomic nerves, lymphatic
vessel, and cremaster muscle
-Inguinal Canal-an oblique passageway in the anterior abdominal wall just superior and
parallel to the medial half of the inguinal ligament.
-Deep Inguinal Ring-a slitlike opening in the aponeurosis of the transversus abdominis
muscle
- Superficial Inguinal Ring- a somewhat triangular opening in the aponeurosis of the
external oblique muscle
The term varicocele refers to a swelling in the scrotum due to a dilation of the veins that
drain the testes.
Ejaculatory Duct
formed by the union of the duct from the seminal vesicle and the ampulla of the ductus
(vas) deferens
They terminate in the prostatic urethra, where they eject sperm and seminal vesicle
secretions just before the release of semen from the urethra to the exterior
Penis
Corpora Cavernosa- two dorsolateral masses
Corpus Spongiosum-midventral mass
Glans Penis- acorn shaped region
Corona- margin in the glans penis
The root of the penis is the attached portion. It consists of the bulb of the penis, the
expanded posterior continuation of the base of the corpus spongiosum penis, and the
crura of the penis, the two separated and tapered portions of the corpora cavernosa
penis
External Urethra Orifice- Spongy urethra that opens to the exterior
Prepuce/foreskin- lose fold skin that covers the glans penis
-Circumcision (to cut around) is a surgical procedure in which part of or the entire
prepuce is removed.
-The weight of the penis is supported by two ligaments that are continuous with the
fascia of the penis. (1) The fundiform ligament arises from the inferior part of the linea
alba. (2) The suspensory ligament of the penis arises from the pubic symphysis
-Upon sexual stimulation, parasympathetic fibers from the sacral portion of the spinal
cord initiate and maintain an erection, the enlargement and stiffening of the penis.
The term priapism refers to a persistent and usually painful erection of the penis that
does not involve sexual desire or excitement.
Uterus (womb) -serves as part of the pathway for sperm deposited in the vagina to reach the
uterine tubes. It is also the site of implantation of a fertilized ovum, development of the fetus
during pregnancy, and labor.
-Anatomical subdivision of Uterus:
Fundus-a dome shaped portion superior to the uterine tubes
Body-a tapering central portion
Cervix- inferior narrow portion
Uterine Cavity & Cervical Canal-interior of the body of the uterus and the interior of the
cervix
The cervical canal opens into the uterine cavity at the internal os and into the vagina at
the external os
Cervical Mucus-The secretory cells of the mucosa of the cervix produce a secretion called
cervical mucus
Capacitation- a series of functional changes that sperm undergo in the female reproductive
tract before they are able to fertilize a secondary oocyte.
Vagina- it is the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse, the outlet for menstrual
flow, and the passageway for childbirth.
Fornix- A recess called the fornix ( arch or vault) surrounds the vaginal attachment to
the cervix.
Hymen- A thin fold of vascularized mucous membrane, forms a border around and
partially closes the inferior end of the vaginal opening to the exterior
Vulva
Clitoris- is a small cylindrical mass composed of two small erectile bodies
Vestibule- region between the labia minora
Vaginal Orifice- the opening of the vagina to the exterior, occupies the greater portion
of the vestibule and is bordered by the hymen
External urethral orifice- the opening of the urethra to the exterior
Paraurethral gland- These mucus-secreting glands are embedded in the wall of the
urethra
Greater vestibular glands-which open by ducts into a groove between the hymen and
labia minora
Bulb of vestibule-consists of two elongated masses of erectile tissue just deep to the
labia on either side of the vaginal orifice
Mammary Glands
Breast-is a hemispheric projection of variable size anterior to the pectoralis major and
serratus anterior muscles
Nipple- a pigmented projection
Lactiferous Ducts- series of closely spaced openings of ducts
Areola-The circular pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple
Suspensory ligament of breast- Strands of connective tissue and run between the skin
and fascia and support the breast