Reproductive System Lab Overview

Introduction

• Last lab of the semester
• Lab exam on the following Monday
• Covers both urinary and reproductive structures

Male Reproductive System

General Information

• Starting with the male reproductive system, as it's already been covered in previous labs

Male Urinary System

• Urinary Bladder:
  • Serosa on the top, adventitia on the sides
  • Serosa covers the top as it continues from the peritoneum

Male Reproductive Structures

• Testes:

  • Covered by tunica albuginea (visceral layer)
  • Sperm production and testosterone production occur here
  • Sperm stored in the epididymis after production

• Epididymis:

  • Three parts: head, body, tail
  • Function: sperm storage, maturation, and transport
  • Approximately 6 meters of coiled tube

• Vas Deferens (Ductus deferens):

  • Transports sperm from the epididymis through the inguinal canal

• Spermatic Cord:

  • Contains vas deferens, nerves, blood vessels
  • Travels through the inguinal canal

• Urethra:

  • Divided into prostatic, membranous, and spongy (penile) urethra
  • Prostatic urethra is part of the urinary and reproductive system
  • Spongy (penile) urethra is surrounded by erectile tissue

Accessory Glands

• Seminal Vesicles:

  • Produce seminal fluid containing fructose for sperm nourishment

• Prostate Gland:

  • Produces prostatic fluid

• Bulbourethral Gland (Cowper's Gland):

  • Located in the urogenital diaphragm
  • Produces an alkaline mucus for lubrication

Additional Male Structures

• Glans Penis:

  • Covered by prepuce (foreskin)
  • Contains sensitive nerve endings

• Inguinal Canal:

  • Pathway for testes to descend during fetal development
  • Common site for hernias in males

Musculature

• Cremaster Muscle:

  • Elevates testes, important for temperature regulation

• Dartos Muscle:

  • Causes wrinkling of the scrotal skin

Physiology Notes

• Spermatogenesis:

  • Occurs in seminiferous tubules
  • Involves meiotic division, resulting in 23 chromosomes per sperm

• Temperature Regulation:

  • Optimal for sperm production at 94°F (34°C)
  • Temperature is regulated by cremaster muscle and dartos muscle

Conclusion

• Covered key anatomical features and functions of the male reproductive system
• Next session will focus on the female reproductive system

Reminder: Thoroughly understand the structure and function of each component as it will be essential for the upcoming lab exam.