Reproductive System - Male and Female Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the structure and function of the testes.
Suspended within scrotum
Surrounded by dense connective tissue
Septa extend from tunica albuginea and divide each testis into lobules
800 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules - sperm are created here
Efferent ductules - leave testis.
Describe the structure and function of the seminiferous tubules.
Site of spermatogenesis - sperm cell production
Lined by Sertoli cells
Surrounded by myoid/ myofibroblasts
Surrounding connective tissue contains Leydig cells
Germ cells, spermatogonia -> spermatozoa.
What are Sertoli cells and what is their function?
Maintenance of blood-testis barrier
Support spermatogenesis - maturation from spermatogonia to spermatocytes
Support spermiogenesis - maturation from spermatids to spermatozoa.
What are spermatozoan?
Contains lots of mitochondria
Incapable of fertilisation
Incapable of coordinated locomotion
Functionally immature.
Describe the structure and function of the epididymis.
Lined with pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
Highly coiled
Smooth muscle around outside - squeezes sperm to aid movement
Stores sperm
Posterior aspect of the testis.
Describe the structure and function of the ductus deferens.
Ascends into abdomino-pelvic cavity via spermatic cord through inguinal canal
Lined with columnar epithelium with stereocilia
Wall composed of thick smooth muscle
Can store sperm for several months.
What are the 3 types of glands found in male system?
Testes - Sperm production occurs within the seminiferous tubules of the testes
Prostate gland - produces a fluid that forms part of semen, providing nutrients and protection for sperm, Prostatic fluid is alkaline, helping to neutralize the acidity of the urethra and vaginal tract, thus enhancing sperm viability and motility
Seminal vesicles - produce a significant portion of the fluid that makes up semen
Describe the structure and function of the ovary.
Outer layer of dense connective tissue - tunica albuginea
Lined with simple cuboidal epithelium
Divided into cortex and medulla
Cortex - oocyte and follicular development
Medulla - loose connective tissue with blood vessels
Cortex surrounds the medulla .
Describe the structure and function of the fallopian tube.
Highly folded mucosa
Lined with a ciliated columnar epithelia
Surrounded by concentric layers of smooth muscle
Role of epithelium is to create a luminal environment that supports fertilisation of the oocyte
Fern-like projections are fimbrae
What are the 2 layers of the uterus?
Myometrium - 3 layers of smooth muscle
Endometrium - glandular mucosa consisting of tubular glands.
Describe primordial and primary follicles.
Primordial follicle - primary oocyte surrounded by a simple squamous layer of follicular cells
Primary follicle = primary oocyte + several layers of follicular cells + zone pellucid
Follicular cells provide hormones to the oocyte .
