Male Reproduction Flashcards
(11 cards)
Describe the scrotum and what is the function?
sac-like structure that contains the testes
Describe the spermatic cords and what is the function?
- bundle of multiple structures that support the testes and provide a pathway for sperm
- vas deferens, testicular artery, pampiniform plexus, testicular nerves, lymph vessels
Describe the raphe and what is the function?
seam along the ventral side of the penis
Describe the dartos muscle and what is the function?
- smooth muscle
-contracts or relaxes to regulate the temperature of the scrotum
Describe the cremaster muscle and what is the function?
- extension of the abdominal muscle
- help pull testes near the body to keep them warm
Describe the organization of the testes by using the terms: lobules, seminiferous tubules, rete testis
- testes contain lobules
- each lobule contains 1-3 seminiferous tubules
- the seminiferous tubules connect to the rete testis
Describe the 3 main cell types in testes and their function
interstitial cells: located in the interstitial space; produce and secrete testosterone
sustentacular (nurse) cells: nourish and protect developing sperm cells; secrete ABP and inhibin
spermatozoa: mature sperm cells; fertilize the female egg and pass genetic information
What are the structures sperm travels through after leaving the testes?
- efferent ductules: clusters of ciliated cells help move sperm along
- epididymis: site of sperm maturation
- vas deferens
- ejaculatory duct
- urethra
Function of seminal glands
produces secretions that make up 65-75% of semen
Function of the prostate
produces secretions that make up 25-30% of semen
Function of the bulbo-urethral glands
produces a preejaculate fluid that helps lubricate the penis and neutralizes the acidity of the urethra to protect the sperm
