Chapter 28: Reproductive system (Male reproductive system) (Lecture) Flashcards
(50 cards)
Looking at the male reproductive system from an overview perspective what are some features of it?
- Has Testes
- Which contains the gonad to produce male sperm - Has a variety of ducts conducting the sperm
– Epididymis
– Ductus deferens
– Urethra - Has accessory glands
– Seminal vesicle
– Prostate gland
– Bulbourethral gland - Has a penis
__________ is the oval sex organ for males
testis (two, testes -one)
Tesis produce sperm & ____________
Androgens (male hormones) (most common is testosterone)
The testis is located in the ___________
Scrotum
Describe the Scrotum
Its a skin covered sac between thighs ( & the reason for it is because ideal temp for sperm production is 3 degrees celsius lower than body temp)
In the Scrotum what muscle is in the spermatic cord?
Cremasteric muscle
In the Scrotum, what muscle is located in the scrotal wall?
Dartos Muscle
What are the functions of the Cremasteric muscle & Dartos Muscle?
- They relax the testes exposed to elevated temperatures/ can contract and pull testes closer to body wall when cold
-Testis move inferiorly & cool
The testis are divided into __________
Lobules
Each Lobules contains _____________ & what occurs inside them?
Seminiferous tubules (4 in each lobule) & spermatogenesis occurs in them
The walls of the Seminiferous tubules are lined with __________ cells
Sustentacular
(Sertoli) Cells
Sustentacular
(Sertoli) Cells does what?
- Protect & Nourish developing sperms
- Produce the hormone inhibin (which regulates sperm production)
- Acts as a blood test barrier (tight junctions between cells)
___________ cells sit in between the Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells
Interstitial (Leydig)
Cells
Where are Interstitial (Leydig) Cells located?
Outside seminiferous tubules
What is the function of Interstitial (Leydig) Cells?
Secrete Androgen
-Male sex hormones
-E.g. testosterone
-Secondary sex characteristic
Sperm are produce through what process?
Spermatogenesis (process starts at puberty)
What is the structure of sperm?
– Head
* Acrosome cap
* Nucleus
– Midpiece
* Has Mitochondria
– Tail
* Flagellum
–Organized microtubules
Sperm leaves the testis & enters a structure called what?
Epididymis
What is the location of the Epididymis?
Superior & posterior surface of testis
Describe how the Epididymis looks
Comma shaped
(4-5m duct coiled inside)
What is the function of the Epididymis?
stores sperm until it matures
(2-weeks from time of formation in seminiferous tubules)
The Epididymis attaches to the _______________
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
Describe the Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
Thicked wall (30-45cm long)
What is the function of the Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)?
Conducts sperm
- 3 layers of smooth muscle
- Move sperm (not swimming yet)
