seminiferous tubules
Describe the contents of the scrotum and explain why the scrotum is outside of the ab-
dominal cavity. - ANSWER The scrotum contains two testes with the epididymis. The scro-
tum hangs outside of the body to control the temperature within the scrotum. Sperm are
not viable at body temperature and need to be at a lower temperature.
Describe the three columns of the penis. Which column contains the urethra? What is an-
other name for the head of the penis? - ANSWER The penis contains two columns, called
corpora cavernosa penis, and the third column, called the corpus spongiosum. The corpus
spongiosum contains the urethra. The head of the penis is also called the glans penis
List the path of sperm from where it is formed to outside the body, including the three sec-
tions of the urethra. - ANSWER Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and
then the urethra. The three sections of the urethra are the prostatic urethra, the membra-
nous urethra, and the penile urethra
Describe the various structures that add to the seminal fluid prior to ejaculation. - AN-
SWER The seminal vesicles secrete fluid that becomes part of the seminal fluid. The bulb-
ourethral gland and the prostate gland secrete mucus and fluid that also become part of the
seminal fluid
Fill in the blank: The _(A)_ is the skin folds that cover the glans penis. It may be removed by
a procedure called _(B)_. - ANSWER A) foreskin
B) circumcision
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, Fill in the blank: The _(A)_ are the primary female sex organs. They produce both _(B)_, the
female sex cell, and _(C)_ and _(D)_, the female sex hormones. - ANSWER A) ovaries
B) the ova
C) estrogen
D) progesterone
Describe the sections of the uterus, the layers of the uterus, and the function of the uterus. -
ANSWER The sections of the uterus are the fundus, the body, and the cervix. The layers
of the uterus are the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium. The function of the
uterus is to house the developing fetus during pregnancy. It also functions to contract during
childbirth to push the newborn out of the uterus.
Describe the structure and purpose of the fallopian tubes. Describe the function of the
vagina. - ANSWER The fallopian tubes have three sections: the infundibulum, the am-
pulla, and the isthmus. The function of the fallopian tubes is to collect an ovum after it has
been released from the ovary and propel it towards the uterus. Fertilization frequently oc-
curs in the fallopian tubes. The function of the vagina is to provide a way for menstrual fluid
to leave the uterus, as well as serve as the birth canal for the fetus during childbirth. The
vagina also receives the penis during sexual intercourse.
Identify and describe the three phases of the menstrual cycle. - ANSWER The follicular
phase is first and this is when the endometrium is shed through the vagina. The ovulatory
phase is next. The levels of estrogen, FSH, and LH rise, which causes the endometrium to
thicken again and a follicle within the ovary to develop and then release a mature egg. The
final phase is the luteal phase. The corpus luteum within the ovary secretes progesterone,
and estrogen continues to develop the endometrium. If the egg is not fertilized, these hor-
mone levels will decrease, and a new menstrual cycle will begin again.
Fill in the blank: The external female genitalia is called the _(A)_. B) What are the sections of
the female genitalia? - ANSWER A) the vulva
B) The sections of the vulva are the mons pubis, the labia majora and minora, the vestibule,
and the clitoris. The vestibule contains the external urinary meatus and the ducts of the Bar-
tholin glands
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