Anatomy of the
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Question 1

• paired golf ball–sized organsapproximately 4 cm (1.5 inches) long and 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide
• have both an exocrine (sperm-producing) function and an endocrine (testosterone-producing) function
• Surrounded by the fibrous connective tissue capsule called tunica albuginea

Answer 1

testes

Question 2

connective tissue sheath that encloses blood vessels, nerves, and the ductus deferens

Answer 2

spermatic cord

Question 3

the actual “sperm-forming factories” found in each lobule

Answer 3

Seminiferous tubules

Question 4

a network of small tubes that help move
sperm cells from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis

Answer 4

rete testis

Question 5

functionally distinct cells that produce androgens (testosterone)

Answer 5

Interstitial cells

Question 6

accessory organs that transport sperm from the body

Answer 6

duct system

Question 7

• hugs the posterior side of the testis
• is the first part of the male duct system and provides a
  temporary storage site for immature sperm until they mature
  and learn the ability to swim (takes about 20 days)
• its walls contract to expel the sperm in to the ductus deferens
  when a man issexually stimulated

Answer 7

epididymis

Question 8

• Runs upward from the epididymis via the spermatic cord through the inguinal canal into the pelvic cavity.
• Arches over the superior aspect of the urinary bladder and descends along the posterior bladder wall.
• Expands as the ampulla and empties into the ejaculatory duct.
• propel live sperm from their storage sites into the urethra by creating peristaltic waves that rapidly squeeze the sperm forward

Answer 8

Ductus (Vas) Deferens

Question 9

Ductus (Vas) Deferens
- holds part of the vas deferens; a skin sac that hangs outside the body cavity and holds the testes

Answer 9

scrotum

Question 10

• Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis.
• Has three regions:
  
  1. Prostatic urethra (surrounded by the prostate gland).
  2. Membranous urethra (spanning from the prostatic urethra to the penis).
  3. Spongy (penile) urethra (within the penis, opening to the body exterior).

Answer 10

urethra

Question 11

surrounded by the prostate gland

Answer 11

Prostatic urethra

Question 12

spanning from the prostatic urethra to the penis

Answer 12

Membranous urethra

Question 13

within the penis, opening to the body exterior

Answer 13

Spongy (penile) urethra

Question 14

• Minor operation where the ductus deferens is cut and tied off.
• Sperm are still produced but cannot reach the body exterior and eventually deteriorate.
• A man is sterile after this procedure, but because testosterone is still produced, he retains his sex drive and secondary sex characteristics

Answer 14

vasectomy

Question 15

• carries both urine and sperm to the body’s exterior
• When ejaculation occurs and sperm enter the prostatic urethra from the ejaculatory ducts, the bladder sphincter (internal urethral sphincter) constricts. This event not only prevents urine from passing into the urethra but also prevents sperm from entering the urinary bladder

Answer 15

urethra

Question 16

• produce about 60% of seminal fluid, the fluid portion of semen, which is rich in sugar (fructose), vitamin C, prostaglandins, and other substances that nourish and activate the sperm passing through the tract.
• sperm and seminal fluid enter the urethra together during ejaculation

Answer 16

seminal vesicles

Question 17

Encircles the prostatic urethra, producing milky fluid that activates sperm.
- encircles the upper (prostatic) part of theurethra just inferior to the urinary bladder prostate fluid is milky and plays a role in activating sperm its size and texture can be palpated (felt) by digital (finger) examination through the anterior rectalwall

Answer 17

prostate

Question 18

Produce thick mucus that cleanses the urethra and serves as lubricant.
- tiny, pea-sized glandsinferior totheprostategland that produce a thick, clear mucus that drains into the penile urethra
- This secretion is the first to pass down the urethra when a man becomes sexually excited. It cleanses the urethra of trace acidic urine prior to ejaculation, and it serves as a lubricant during sexual inter course

Answer 18

Bulbourethral Glands

Question 19

• Milky white, somewhat sticky mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions.
• Acts as a transport medium for nutrients and chemicals.
• Alkaline pH (7.2–7.6) neutralizes the acidic environment of the female vagina.
• The amount of semen propelled out of the male duct system during ejaculation is relatively small, only 2 to5 ml (about a teaspoonful), but there are between 50 and 150 million sperm in each millimeter

Answer 19

sperm

Question 20

Divided skin sac that holds the testes, providing a temperature about 3°C (5.4°F) lower than body temperature.
- when the external temperature is very cold, it becomes wrinkled as it goes. The testes closer to the warm of the body wall.

Answer 20

scrotum

Question 21

Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.
- Shaft contains the urethra.
- Glans penis: enlarged head of the penis.
- Prepuce/Foreskin: covers the penis during erection.

Answer 21

penis