Male reproductive Flashcards
(25 cards)
Describe the location of the scrotum
outside the pelvic cavity,
at the base of the penis.
Describe the function of the scrotum
Regulate the temperature of testis by contracting or relaxing muscle.
State the two muscle involved in constriction & relaxation of the scrotum
Cremaster &
Dartos.
Define spermatogenesis
The production of sperm cells
What cells are essential for spermatogenesis
Spermatogenic cells (germ cells)
Sustentacular (sertoli cells)
State the three functions of sustenticular cells
Nurture the developing sperm cells,
Produce testicular fluid to transport sperm,
Control release of sperm into lumen of seminiferous tubule
Describe the function of the acrosome, mitochondria & tail of sperm cells
Allow movement: tail, mitochondria
Penetration of oocyte: acrosome
Name the hormones involved in spermatogenesis, beginning from the hypothalamus
GnRH released from hypothalamus,
stimulates anterior pituitary to increase secretion of LH & FSH.
What does LH do?
stimulates interstitial (leydig) cells in the testes to produce/secrete testosterone
What does FSH do?
Stimulates (with tesosterone) spermatogenesis
State three functions of testosterone
-Controls the growth, development, functioning and maintainence of male sex organs,
-Stimulates sperm maturation, bone growth & protein synthesis,
-Stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty:
Body hair, oily skin/hair, behavioural changes.
Describe the location of the Epididymis
Curves around the posterior surface of the testes.
Describe three functions of the Epididymis
-site for sperm maturation & mobility gain
-sperm storage
-propels sperm into ductus (vas) deferens by peristalsis during sexual arousal.
State the function of the Ductus (vas) deferens
Transport sperm from the epididymis to the urethra by peristalsis.
-can store sperm
Name the structures located in the spermatic cords
testicular vessels
autonomic nerves
lymphatic vessels
ductus (vas) deferens
cremaster muscle
Describe the location and function of the seminal vesicles
A pair of pouch-like structures located posterior to the bladder that add alkaline, viscous fluid to sperm - contains fructose for ATP
Describe the location and function of the ejaculatory duct
a continuation of the ductus (vas) deferens - runs through the superior aspect of the prostate gland.
Ejects sperm & seminal vesicle secretions into the urethra just before ejaculation
Describe the location and function of the prostate gland
A golf ball sized gland which encircles the urethra, just inferior to the urinary bladder.
-During ejaculation, smooth muscle contracts and squeezes glandular secretions into the urethra.
-Secretes alkaline fluid that neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina - fluid activates sperm
Describe the location and function of the bulbourethral gland
pea sized glands, located inferior to prostate.
-Produces a thick, clear, alkaline mucus which drains into the urethra & lubricates during sexual arousal.
-neutralises acidic urine
describe the function of the urethra
carries urine out of the bladder and propels sperm along the penis for discharge.
Explain why a male does not urinate during ejaculation
smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the urinary bladder closes (involuntary)
Describe the pathway which sperm takes from the site of production to exit the body
Seminiferous Tubules (Testes),
Epididymis,
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens),
Ejaculatory Ducts,
Urethra – The sperm enters the urethra, which runs through the penis. Along the way, fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands mix with sperm to form semen.
Exit through the Penis
Describe two age related changes that occur in older men
Benign prostatic hyperplasia:
Prostate increases in size, can have effect on urination and ejaculation.
Decrease in sperm count: fertility remains relatively consistent, however the number of viable sperm decrease.
Describe the chnages to the reproductive system that occur with the onset of puberty
GnRH from the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary to secrete LH & FSH which initiates growth and development of sex organs and secondary characteristics.
