Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive System Structures: Lab Exam 2 Study Guide

Digestive System Organs

Major Digestive Organs and Their Parts

The digestive system is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Each organ plays a specific role in the process of digestion.

• Salivary Glands: Produce saliva to begin carbohydrate digestion and lubricate food.

• Heart: Note: The heart is not a digestive organ; may be listed for anatomical orientation.

• Stomach: Muscular organ that mixes food with gastric juices for protein digestion.

• Liver: Produces bile for fat emulsification and processes nutrients.

• Pancreas: Secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum.

• Gallbladder: Stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.

• Duodenum: First section of the small intestine; receives chyme from the stomach and digestive secretions.

• Colon: Also known as the large intestine; absorbs water and forms feces.

Example: The pancreas releases amylase, lipase, and proteases into the duodenum to aid in digestion.

Urinary System Structures

Kidney Anatomy and Nephron Model

The urinary system removes waste products from the blood and regulates water and electrolyte balance. The kidneys are the primary organs, containing millions of nephrons.

• Kidney: Bean-shaped organ; filters blood to produce urine.

• Renal Cortex: Outer region of the kidney containing glomeruli.

• Renal Medulla: Inner region containing renal pyramids.

• Nephron: Functional unit of the kidney; consists of the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct.

Example: The nephron filters blood plasma, reabsorbs needed substances, and secretes wastes into urine.

Additional info: The main processes in the nephron include filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion.

Reproductive System Structures

Male Reproductive Structures

The male reproductive system produces sperm and delivers it to the female reproductive tract.

• Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.

• Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm.

• Vas Deferens: Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

• Seminal Vesicles, Prostate Gland, Bulbourethral Glands: Produce seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm.

• Penis: Organ for copulation and sperm delivery.

Example: Sperm mature in the epididymis before traveling through the vas deferens during ejaculation.

Female Reproductive Structures

The female reproductive system produces ova and supports fertilization and fetal development.

• Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).

• Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes): Transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus; site of fertilization.

• Uterus: Houses and nourishes the developing fetus.

• Cervix: Lower part of the uterus; opens into the vagina.

• Vagina: Receives sperm and serves as the birth canal.

Example: Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla region of the fallopian tube.

Additional info: The menstrual cycle prepares the uterus for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.