Topic 17: Reproductive System - Overview + Male Gonads Flashcards
What are the structures of the reproductive system? (3)
- gonads (testes/ovaries)
- ducts
- accessory glands
What is the function of gonads?
- produce gametes and hormones
What is the function of ducts?
- transport and store gametes
What is the function of accessory glands?
produce secretions that support gametes
The gonads of the male reproductive system are testes. Where are they located?
- scrotum
What is the scrotum made of? (2)
- skin
- CT
What 2 tunics surround the testes?
- tunica vaginalis
- tunica albuginea
What is the tunica vaginalis made of? (2)
- outer serous membrane
- derived from peritoneum
What is the tunica albuginea made of?
- inner fibrous CT capsule
Where does the tunica albuginea extend to?
- extends inward to divided testis into lobules
Each lobule of the testes contains what 2 structures?
- seminiferous tubules
- Leydig cells (interstitial cells)
what is the function of seminiferous tubules?
- produce sperm (spermatogenesis)
What do the seminiferous tubules unite to form?
- testis (rete = network)
What do the wall of seminiferous tubules contain? (2)
-germ cells in various stages of development
- Sertoli cells (sustentocytes)
What is the function of sertoli cells? (2)
- support and nourish germ cells
- produce testicular fluid for transport in lumen
