Reproductive system
Testes
Seminiferous Tubules: Tightly coiled structures where spermatogenesis (sperm
production) occurs.
Sperm
Head with Acrosome: Contains DNA and enzymes to penetrate the egg.
Mid-Piece (Body): Packed with mitochondria to provide energy for motility.
Tail (Flagellum): Propels the sperm forward.
Uterus
Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus; supports implantation of the embryo.
o Stratum Functionalis: Functional layer shed during menstruation.
o Stratum Basalis: Deep layer that regenerates the stratum functionalis.
Myometrium: Muscular middle layer responsible for uterine contractions.
Perimetrium: Outer serosal layer covering the uterus.
Ovary
Graafian (Mature) Follicle: A fluid-filled follicle that releases a secondary oocyte
during ovulation.
Secondary Oocyte: The haploid female gamete ready for fertilization.
Male Reproductive Structures
Scrotum: External pouch that holds the testes and regulates their temperature.
Testes: Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone.
o Seminiferous Tubules: Site of sperm production.
o Rete Testis: Network that transports sperm from seminiferous tubules to the
epididymis.
o Leydig Cells: Produce testosterone.
o Sertoli Cells: Support and nourish developing sperm cells.
Epididymides: Store and mature sperm.
Vas Deferentia (Vas Deferens): Transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory
ducts.
Ejaculatory Duct: Passage that merges vas deferens with the urethra.
Seminal Vesicles (Glands): Produce fluid rich in fructose that nourishes sperm.
Bulbourethral Glands: Secrete pre-ejaculatory fluid that lubricates and neutralizes the
urethra.
Prostate Gland: Produces alkaline fluid that activates sperm.
Penis: Organ for copulation and urine excretion.
o Corpus Cavernosum: Erectile tissue that fills with blood during arousal.
o Corpus Spongiosum: Surrounds urethra and prevents its compression.
o Shaft: Elongated portion of the penis.
o Glans Penis: Sensitive tip of the penis.
o Prepuce (Foreskin): Skin covering the glans (if not circumcised).
Urethra: Conducts urine and semen out of the body.
Dartos Muscle: Smooth muscle in the scrotum that wrinkles the skin to help with
temperature regulation.
Female Reproductive Structures
Ovaries: Female gonads that produce oocytes and secrete estrogen and progesterone.
Fimbriae: Finger-like projections that sweep the oocyte into the fallopian tube.
Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes): Tubes where fertilization usually occurs; transport the
oocyte to the uterus.
Uterus: Hollow muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops.
Cervix: Lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Vagina: Muscular canal for intercourse, menstrual flow, and childbirth.
Vulva: External genitalia.
o Vestibule: Space between the labia minora where openings of the urethra and
vagina are located.
Greater Vestibular Glands (Bartholin’s Glands): Secrete mucus to lubricate the
vagina.
Clitoris: Erectile structure homologous to the penis, involved in sexual arousal.
Labia Majora: Outer folds of skin that protect the vulva.
Labia Minora: Inner folds that surround the vestibule.
Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue covering the pubic bone.
Breasts: Contain mammary glands that produce milk.
o Nipples: Project through which milk is delivered.
o Areola: Pigmented area surrounding the nipple.
o Mammary Glands: Glands that produce milk.
o Lactiferous Ducts: Ducts that carry milk from the glands to the nipple.