ASCI 141 Lecture Notes - Lecture 28: Seminiferous Tubule, Efferent Ducts, Vas Deferens

• School: University of Vermont
• Department: Animal Science
• Course: ASCI 141
• Professor: Feng Qi Zhao

Document Summary

Describe the primary functions of the reproductive system: Reproduction: to ensure the survival of the species of animal. Rather than to maintain the homeostasis of the body. Not essential to the life of an animal. Completion of the full function requires a second animal of the opposite sex. Gonads (testes and ovaries): produce gametes (spermatozoa and oocyte) and hormones. Accessory glands: secrete the fluid into the ducts. Perineal structures: collectively known as external genitalia. Describe the functions of the testes (male gonads): Spermatogenesis: production of male gametes (spermatozoa or sperm), half billion/day. Male sex hormone production: androgen (principally testosterone) It develops male secondary sex characteristics and male sex drive. The scrotum is divided into two chambers, or scrotal cavities. Each testis lies in a separate scrotal chamber. The scrotum includes: skin, superficial fascia and cremaster muscle. Lobules contain about 800 slender and tightly-coiled seminiferous tubules. 15-20 large efferent ductules connect the rete testis to the epididymis.