Pathway of spermatozoa Epididymis Ductus deferens (Vas deferens) Ejaculatory duct

Accessory organs Seminal vesicles Prostate gland Bulbourethral glands Scrotal sac encloses testes Penis

Seminiferous tubules Contain spermatogonia

Stem cells involved in spermatogenesis Contain sustentacular cells

Sustain and promote development of sperm

Testes produce mature spermatozoa Sperm enter epididymus

Elongated tubule with head, body and tail regions

Monitors and adjusts fluid in seminiferous tubules

Stores and protects spermatozoa Facilitates functional maturation of

spermatozoa

Seminal vesicles Active secretory gland Contributes ~60% total volume of semen Secretions contain fructose, prostaglandins,

fibrinogen

Prostate gland Secretes slightly acidic prostate fluid

Bulbourethral glands Secrete alkaline mucus with lubricating

properties

Typical ejaculate = 2-5 ml fluid Contains between 20 – 100 million

spermatozoa per ml Seminal fluid

A distinct ionic and nutritive glandular secretion

Ovum production Occurs monthly in ovarian follicles Part of ovarian cycle

Follicular phase (preovulatory) Luteal phase (postovulatory)

Muscular organ Mechanical protection Nutritional support Waste removal for the developing embryo and

fetus Supported by the broad ligament and 3

pairs of suspensory ligaments

Myometrium – outer muscular layer Endometrium – a thin, inner, glandular

mucosa Perimetrium – an incomplete serosa

continuous with the peritoneum

Repeating series of changes in the endometrium

Continues from menarche to menopause Menses

Degeneration of the endometrium Menstruation

Proliferative phase Restoration of the endometrium

Secretory phase Endometrial glands enlarge and accelerate their

rates of secretion

Vulva Vestibule Labia minora and majora Paraurethral glands Clitoris Lesser and greater vestibular glands

Control the reproductive cycle Coordinate the ovarian and uterine cycles

Key hormones include: FSH

Stimulates follicular development LH

Maintains structure and secretory function of corpus luteum

Estrogens Have multiple functions

Progesterones Stimulate endometrial growth and secretion

Modified from Pearson Education