The cremaster is a thin layer of muscles by which the testicles are suspended. The muscles originate from the lower border of internal oblique and transversalis muscles. It loops around the spermatic cord and insert in the crest of the ospubis and the front of the rectus muscle. The cremaster is innervated by the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve. Research Cremaster
The female reproductive system is responsible for generating the ovum, or egg, for storing the fertilized ovum, and nourishing the gestating embryo and fetus. The chief organs include the ovaries, the uterus, vagina, and the fallopian tubes. External (vulvar) organs include the labia majora, the labia minora, the mons pubis, the clitoris, the vestibule, and the greater vestibular cleft. The ovum, or egg, contains the female's contribution to the genetic make-up of the new child, and is generated in the ovaries. The newly generated ovum is passed through the fimbriated extremity of a fallopian tube, into the fallopian tube and there is fertilized by a spermatozoon (a sperm cell). During sexual arousal, a fluid created by the male's seminal vesicles and the prostate gland combines with the sperm cells to create semen, which is carried through the urethra and out of the opening, or meatus, in the end of the erect penis.
When the semen is deposited in the female vagina, the spermatozoa swims through the uterus to the fallopian tube, where it fertilizes the ovum, or egg. The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube within the next three days and becomes attached to the wall of the uterus (womb). There, during pregnancy, the fertilized egg will be nourished and will develop into the embryo and, later, the fetus. Once fully developed (after about 9 months), muscular contractions (labor) will push the fetus out of the womb. Research Female Reproductive System
The iliac fossa is the broad, slightly concave inner surface of each ala, or win, or the ilium. The fossa, along with the pubis and ischium, create a basin in which the lower abdominal organs rest. Research Iliac Fossa
The iliohypogastric nerve branches off of the spinal cord at the first lumbar vertebra. It extends to the skin which covers the pubis and the side of the gluteal region, at the waist. Research Iliohypogastric Nerve
The ischium is one of the three sections of bone which are fused in the adult to form the pelvis. The ischium bears the weight when sitting, and is attached to the pubis in front and to the ala, or wings, of the ilium laterally and to the back. The large openings in the ischium on either side of the pelvis, just below the pubis, are called the obturator foramina. Research Ischium
The labia majora are two folds of the skin that extend from the mons pubis, a soft mound of flesh covered with pubic hair, to the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus. They normally conceal the other genital structures. Research Labia Majora
The levator ani-coccygeus originates from the back of the pubis and inserts in the sides of the lower part of the sacrum and coccyx. This muscle draws the anus upward in defecation. It is innervated by the fourth sacral nerve. Research Levator Ani-coccygeus
The levator ani-iliococcygeus is the posterior part of the levator ani muscle. It originates from the back of the pubis and inserts in the sides of the lower part of the sacrum and coccyx. This muscle supports pelvic organs. It is innervated by the fourth sacral nerve. Research Levator Ani-iliococcygeus
The levator ani-puborectalis originates from the back of the pubis, passes around the anus and inserts in the sides of the lower part of the sacrum and coccyx. This muscle relaxes during defecation. It is innervated by the fourth sacral nerve. Research Levator Ani-puborectalis
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Cremaster
