Concise Reproductive System Physiology

Dr Sherwan R Shal, Revised 2008-2009

Hawler Medical University

Functions: Urination and Copulation

Penis

Functions: Transport urine & semen

Bladder

Urethra

Function: Maintain temperature of 0 testes approx. 3 C below normal body temp.

Scrotu m

Function: Produce sperm and testosterone

Testis

Function: Produce Sperm

Seminiferous Tubules Testis

Function: Sperm storage and maturation

Epididymis

Function: Transport sperm to urethra

Vas Deferens

Function: Produce 60% of alkaline semen including fructose to provide energy for sperm. Seminal Vesicles

Ejaculatory Duct

Function: Produces up to 1/3 of the semen & includes nutrients & enzymes to activate sperm.

Prostate

Function: Secretes mucous & alkaline buffers to neutralize acidic conditions of urethra.

Cowper’s Gland

Function: Receives penis & semen and serves as birth canal & passage for menstrual flow.

Vagina

Function: Provides passageway for sperm, receives blastocyst, retains & nourishes fetus & expells fetus at term.

Uterus

Function: Cervical mucosa secretes mucous blocking cervical canal entrance to uterus.

Cervix

Function: Uterine lining in which implantation occurs.

Endometrium

Function: Muscular contractions.

Myometrium

Function: Passageway for oocyte and site of fertilization. Uterine Tubes

Function: Produce oocytes & the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovaries

Function: Sweep ovarian surface to draw oocyte into ovarian tube. Fimbriae