AP Biology › Understanding Internal Anatomy
What is the site of sperm maturation and storage in males?
Epididymis
Seminiferous tubules
Vas deferens
Prostate
Sperm is created in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. It is then transported to the epididymis, where it will mature and be stored prior to ejaculation.
Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for sperm storage and maturation?
Epididymis
Testes
Vas deferens
Seminal vesicles
Sperm cells are stored and mature in the epididymis until they are transported to the urethra through the vas deferens. The testes are the site of sperm production, while the seminal vesicles produce fluids that are later incorporated into semen.
Which of the following glands contribute to the production of semen?
All of the other choices are correct
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands
The seminal vesicles secrete seminal fluid to promote and nourish sperm as they are released. The bulbourethral glands secrete a component of seminal fluid, while the prostate gland secretes alkaline fluid.
Where does fertilization typically take place in the female?
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Ovary
In the majority of cases, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes of the female. The egg is released from the ovary and travels into the fallopian tube during ovulation. Sperm travel to the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg, creating a zygote. The zygote begins to divide, forming a blastocyst before it reaches the uterus where it becomes embedded in the endometrium via the process of implantation. Certain pregnancy complications can arise if the blastocyst implants while still in the fallopian tube, resulting in ectopic pregnancy.
The epididymis, vas deferens, and urethra are a series of ducts found in which body system?
Male reproductive
Endocrine
Integumentary
Digestive
Lymphatic
The male reproductive system consists of a series of ducts, which includes the epididymis, vas deferens, and urethra. The epididymis is a coiled tube attached to the testis, which receives sperm from the seminiferous tubules. The vas deferens connects the epididymis with the urethra, which in turn conducts sperm to the tip of the penis.
Which of the following is responsible for the production of germ cells?
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Endometrium
"Germ cells" is simply another term for gametes, and thus refers to either sperm or ovum.
Ovum are produced in the ovaries. After production, the fallopian tubes propel ovum to the uterus using the movement of cilia. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, and allows for implantation of a fertilized ovum.
What term refers to the finger-like folds that line the fallopian tubes?
Fimbriae
Flagella
Villi
Microtubules
Endoderm
In female mammals, the fimbriae are finger-like projections that sweep the ovulated egg from the ovary into the oviduct.
Villi are found in the digestive tract and work to increase surface area for more efficient absorption of nutrients. Flagella are threadlike structures that provide motility for sperm. Microtubules are composed of the protein tubulin, and are used in the construction of cilia and flagella. The endoderm is the innermost embryonic tissue layer, which develops to form the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts.