Reproductive System Flashcards
(387 cards)
what 6 parts is the human male reproductive tract formed from?
testis epididymis ductus defrens accessory glands urethra penis
what is the male gonad?
testis
what are the testis the source of?
male androgen hormone (testosterone) and gametes
what makes up the external genitalia?
penis and scrotum
what is the epididymis continuous with?
ductus defrens
where do the testis develop?
in the abdomen at the level of the kidneys
what happens to the testes at birth/just prior?
migrate through hole in the abdominal wall (inguinal canal) to the scrotum
what is descent of the testes guided by?
gubernaculum
what does the testis bring with it as it descends?
‘lifeline’ spermatic cord - including blood vessels, nerves and sperm transport duct
also brings fascia from the abdomen which covers it within the scrotal sac
what happens within the epididymis?
sperm maturation, transport and storage
where is the sperm manufactured?
semiphorous tubules within lobules of the testis
what happens during travel through epididymis?
fluid is reabsorbed
what part of the epididymis is sperm stored in?
tail
how many days does it take for sperm to travel through the epididymis?
12-16 days
what does the acrosome of sperm contain?
enzymes to penetrate oocyte
what is found on the midpiece of sperm?
mitochondria to produce the ATP required to power flagella movements
what is the ductus defrens continuous with?
tail of epididymis
what are the walls of the human ductus defrens formed of?
thick smooth muscle
what is the role of smooth muscle in the ductus defrens?
contracts to propel sperm movement
how does the ductus defrens exit the abdomen?
passes through inguinal canal
where is sperm emptied into at ejaculation?
urethra
what is involved in a vasectomy?
cutting or tying off ductus defrens
where is the urethra located?
from base of bladder to external urethral opening
how long is the male urethra?
~20cm