Male+and+Female+Reproductive+Anatomy+MV

Molly Vaughn 29 October 2008 Human Biology

Male Reproductive Anatomy (p.321) Scrotum: Pouch of skin that encloses the testes

Testes: Male gonads that produce sperm and the male sex hormones

Seminal vesicles: Convoluted structure attached to the vas deferens near the base of the urinary bladder in males; adds secretions to semen.

Epididymis: Coiled tubule next to the testes where sperm mature and may be stored for a short time.

Vas deferens (also called ductus deferens): Tube that leads from the epdidymis to the urethra in males.

Urethra: Tubular structure that receives urine from the bladder and carries it to the outside of the body.

Bulbourethral gland: Either of two small structures located below the prostate gland in males; each adds secretions to semen.

Prostate gland: Gland located around the male urethra below the urinary bladder; adds secretions to semen.

Penis: External organ in males through which the urethra passes; also serves as the organ of sexual intercourse.

Sperm production anatomy Seminiferous tubule: Long, coiled structure contained within chambers of the testis; where sperm are produced

Sertoli cell: associated with developing germ cells in seminferous tubule; secretes fluid into seminferous tubule and mediates hormonal effects on tubule

Sperm (head, middle, tail): Male gamete having a haploid number of chromosomes and the ability to fertilize an egg, the female gamete.

Acrosome: Cap at the anterior end of a sperm that partially covers the nucleus and contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg.

Female Reproductive System Ovary: Female gonad that produces eggs and the female sex hormones.

Fimbria: Small bristlelike fiber on the surface of a bacterial cell, which attaches bacteria to a surface.

Oviducts (also called fallopian tubes, uterine tubes): Tube that transports eggs to the uterus; also called uterine tube

Uterus: Organ located in the female pelvis where the fetus develops; also called the womb

Endometrium: Mucous membrane lining the interior surface of the uterus

Vagina: Organ that leads from the uterus to the vestibule and serves as the birth canal and organ of sexual intercourse in females

Cervix: Narrow end of the uterus, which projects into the vagina.

Vulva: External genitals of the female that surround the opening of the vagina