The Reproductive System

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The Reproductive System

What are the principle structures of the male reproductive system and

what are they comprised of?

The testes are the principle structure of the male reproductive

system. The testes are comprised of thousands of fine, coiled tubule

in which the sperm are produced.

What other parts of the male reproductive system are they continuous

with?

The tubules in the testis are continuous with the epididymis, where

the sperm matures, and the vas deferens. The vas deferens transports

the sperm from the testis and joins the urethra just below the

bladder.

What part of the system is involved in secreting seminal fluids?

The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland secrete fluids during

ejaculation. These fluids are the sperm make up the semen that is

released via the penis.

What is the purpose of seminal fluid?

The seminal fluids improve the mobility of the sperm, neutralize the

acidity in the female reproductive tract and cause coagulation of the

semen after ejaculation.

What are the ovaries, what are they suspended by and what is their

function?

There are two ovaries which are suspended by ligaments in the upper

pelvic cavity either side of the uterus. Their function is to produce

the hormone oestrogen and progesterone and to produce ova.

What causes follicles to develop and what do they become?

Each immature ovum is encased in a sac and the whole structure is

called a follicle. The follicles develop, usually one at a time, in

response to the various sex hormones until they become primary

follicles.

Describe the fallopian tube and its purpose.

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. Each fallopian

tube resembles a long, thin funnel that is wider at the ovary and

narrower at the uterus. At the ovary end, the fallopian tube has

finger like projections called fimbriae, these encourage the mature

sperm to enter the fallopian tube. If fertilisation occurs, it usually

takes place in the wider part of the fallopian tube.

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