Biology 120: Medical Terminology... Chapter 10

1. Chapter 10
The Reproductive System

2. Overview
Sexual reproduction is the process by which
organisms produce offspring by making germ
cells called gametes. After the male gamete
(sperm cell) unites with the female gamete
(secondary oocyte) resulting in fertilization.
Males and females have anatomically distinct
reproductive organs that are adapted for
producing gametes, facilitating fertilization,
and in females sustaining the growth of the
embryo and fetus.

3. Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system produces ova
(the female reproductive cell), provides a
place for fertilization and growth of a baby
during pregnancy, and secretes female sex
hormones. In addition, the breast produce
milk to nourish the newborn.
Consists of internal and external genitalia
(reproductive organs)

4. Organs of the Female Reproductive
System
Internal genitalia (within pelvic cavity)
Ovaries (2)
Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes (2)
Uterus
Vagina
External genitalia
Vulva
Breasts

5. Ovaries
Ovaries
2 on either side of the uterus
size and shape of unshelled almond
produce ova
produce sex hormones
progesterone
estrogen

6. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
also known as oviducts
2 tubes that extend laterally from the
uterus
provides a route for sperm to reach an ovum
and transport secondary female germ cells
and fertilized ova from ovaries to uterus

7. Uterus
also known as the womb
hollow, pear-shaped organ that contains a
thick muscular wall, a mucous membrane
lining, and a rich supply of blood
serves as part of the pathway for sperm
deposited in the vagina to reach the fallopian
tubes
site of implantation of fertilized ovum,
development of fetus during pregnancy, and
labor

8. Vagina
muscular tube, lined with mucous membrane
that extends from the cervix to the exterior
of the body
receptacle for the penis during sexual
intercourse
outlet for menstrual flow
passageway for childbirth

9. Vulva
also called the pudendum
comprised of the
labia majora
labia minora
clitoris
perineum

10. Breasts
2 mammary glands that are modified sweat
glands that produce milk; located over that
pectoralis major and serratus anterior
muscles
varies in size greatly from woman to woman

11. Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is responsible
for producing sperm-the male reproductive
cell, secreting the male sex hormone, and
delivering sperm to the female reproductive
tract
Consists of internal and external (major)
organs

12. Organs of the Male Reproductive System
External organs of reproduction
Penis
Testes (2)
Epididymis
Internal organs of reproduction
Seminal Vesicles (2)
Vas Deferens (2)
Prostate Gland
Bulbourethral Gland (2)

13. Penis
passageway for ejaculation of semen and the
excretion of urine
prepuce = foreskin can be removed during a
procedure known as circumcision

14. Testes
paired oval glands responsible for the
production of sperm
spermatogenesis takes place within the
seminiferous tubules that make up the
insides of the testes
must be maintained at a proper temperature
for sperm to survive
produces testosterone

15. Epididymis
coiled tubule that lies on top of the testes
within the scrotum
serves as site for sperm maturation and
storage until ready to be released into the
vas deferens

16. Vas Deferens
also known as ductus deferens
stores sperm
carries sperm from the epididymis up to the
pelvic cavity
form the spermatic cord, along with nerves,
arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels

17. Seminal Vesicles
2 convoluted pouch-like glands located in
the base of the urinary bladder and
anterior to the rectum
connected to the vas deferens before it
empties into the urethra
secretes a glucose-rich fluid the
nourishes the sperm
constitutes about 60% of the volume of
semen

18. Prostate Gland
Single gland located just below the urinary
bladder and surrounds the urethra
difficulty in urination when enlarged
secretes a milky, slightly alkaline fluid that
contains several important substances; assists
in keeping the sperm alive by neutralizing
the pH of the urethra and vagina
secretions make up 25% of the volume of
semen and contribute to sperm motility and
viability

19. Bulbourethral Gland
2 small, pea-sized glands located inferior to
the prostate on either side of the urethra
also known as Cowper’s glands
produce a mucuslike lubricating fluid that
joins with semen to become part of the
ejaculate

20. Related Branches of Medicine
Gynecology is the specialized branch of
medicine associated with the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of the female
reproductive system. As noted in Chapter 9,
urology is the study of the urinary system.
Urologists also diagnose and treat diseases
and disorders of the male reproductive
system.