Female Structures

  1. Uterus- Supports and protects the embryo & fetus.
  2. Fallopian tube- Connects the ovaries and uterus. Lined with sweeping cilia. Where fertilization takes place.
  3. Infundibulum- the ending, funnel-like part of the fallopian tube that is fringed with fimbriae.
  4. Fimbriae- swell during ovulation. The cilia covering it sway to draw the ovum into the fallopian tube.
  5. Ovary- produces, stores, matures and releases follicles containing female gametes (ova).
  6. Myometrium- middle, muscular layer of the uterus. Functions to produce contractions during labor.
  7. Endometrium- lines the uterus. Thickens with blood to prepare for embryo implantation. Sloughs off during menstruation if no implantation.
  8. Cervix- produces mucus to either block or enhance sperm transport. Dilates 10 cm. during labor.
  9. Vagina- facilitates sexual reproduction, channel for childbirth, and a pathway for the menstrual cycle.
  10. Primordial follicle- oocyte with its surrounding follicular cells.
  11. Primary follicle- epithelial cells become larger and cuboidal in structure.
  12. Secondary follicle- more cell differentiation occurs -> more layers-> more hormones. Theca cells develop around it.
  13. Graafian follicle- fully mature follicle housing the oocyte. It’s ready for ovulation.
  14. Ovum- Haploid female gamete. Large cytoplasm prepares it for the multiple cell divisions that will occur after fertilization.
  15. Corpus luteum- “yellow body”, follicle after ovulation. Releases progesterone and estrogen.
  16. Corpus albicans- degenerated corpus luteum that is broken down via phagocytosis.

Male Structures

  1. Vas Deferens- transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
  2. Corpus cavernosum- spongy, erectile tissue that engorges with blood to inflate and stiffen the penis.
  3. Corpus spongiosum- Prevents the compression of the urethra during an erection.
  4. Penis- external sex organ. Removes urine, facilitates sexual intercourse, and expels sperm via ejaculation.
  5. Urethra- transports semen and urine to the outside of the body through the urethral orifice.
  6. Glans penis- rounded head of the penis covered by foreskin or exposed (if circumcised).
  7. Navicular fossa- enlarged portion of the urethra contained within the glan penis.
  8. Urethral orifice- opening of the head of the penis that allows excretions transported through the urethra.
  9. Testis- produces testosterone and sperm.
  10. Scrotum- sac of skin that holds the testicles. Lower temperature is optimal for sperm development.
  11. Epididymis- long, coiled tube sitting on top of each testicle. Attached to the vas deferens. Stores and matures the sperm (takes 1 week).
  12. Cowper’s gland- creates clear fluid (pre-cum), makes up 5% of the semen. Protects the sperm. It’s alkaline and lubricates the urethra.
  13. Ejaculatory duct- transports semen during ejaculation.
  14. Prostate gland- produces alkaline, milky fluid (30% semen). Helps neutralize the acidity of the vagina, and prolongs the life of the sperm.
  15. Seminal vesicle- supplies 50-70% of the fluid found in the seminal fluid. Alkaline, rich in nutrients for sperm.