Male Reproductive System

Question 1

Testes

Answer 1

-Divided into lobules which contain seminiferous tubules
-Each tubule forms a highly convoluted loop within lobule
-Tubules end as straight tubule (tubulus erectus) at mediastinum
-Connected to rete testis (anastomosing channel system)

Question 2

Layers around the testis

Answer 2

Tunica vaginalis: extension of the abdominal peritoneum
Tunica albuginea: dense connective tissue capsule

Question 3

Epididymis

Answer 3

-Consists of a head, body and tail
-Surrounded by smooth muscle cells
-Storage and maturation of sperm (acquire ability to move)

Question 4

Vas Deferens

Answer 4

-Penetrates abdominal wall through inguinal canal
-Descends along lateral wall of pelvic cavity, meets duct of seminal vesicle to form ejaculatory duct
-Muscular duct (smooth muscle wall) which transports spermatozoa to ejaculatory duct

Question 5

Seminal Vesicles

Answer 5

-Ducts of seminal vesicles join vas deferens to from ejaculatory duct, which empties into prostate urethra
-Contribute to volume of semen
-Contributes to sperm motility and viability

Question 6

Prostate

Answer 6

-Inferior to bladder, anterior to rectum, superior to pelvic diaphragm, surrounds urethra
Function:
-Secretion of semen, helps movement of sperm (muscles help move seminal fluid into urethra)
-Acts as a valve, ensure right fluid flows at right time (urination or ejaculation)

Question 7

Bulbourethral glands

Answer 7

-In deep perineal pouch, duct opens into spongy urethra
-Mucous type secretion to lubricate urethra + forms pre-ejaculate

Question 8

External genitalia

Answer 8

-Body of penis is pendulous and entirely surrounded by skin
-Scrotum= homologue of labia majora, skin fuses in the midline= raphe
-Skin over the glans penis= prepuce is open anteriorly and attached to glans at the frenulum

Question 9

Penis

Answer 9

Erectile tissues: two corpora cavernosa and a single corpus spongiosum
 Each cylinder contains trabecular network of veins surrounded by collagen, elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells
-Erection is mediated by the PNS, which relaxes arteries in penis, allowing blood to fill erectile tissues

Question 10

Muscles in males

Answer 10

-Ischiocavernosus and bulbspongiosus muscles move blood from root into body of penis and constrict venous drainage