Male Reproductive System

Question 1

What are the primary sex organs?

Answer 1

The gonads = the testes

- sperm cells and hormones are made in the testes

Question 2

What do secondary sex organs do?

Answer 2

Maintain and transport the sperm

- survival, storage, and conveyance of sperm

Question 3

What organs are considered a secondary sex organ?

Answer 3

Sperm transporting ducts:
- epididymis
- ductus deferens - carries sperm
- ejaculatory ducts
- urethra
Accessory glands - production of semen
- seminal vesicles - makes 60% of semen volume
-prostate
- bulbourethral (Cowper's gland)
Copulatory organ - penis
Scrotum

Question 4

What is the urogenital triangle?

Answer 4

Where the external genital structures anchor as they are suspended from the perineum

Question 5

Describe the descent of the testes into the scrotum.

Answer 5

The gubernaculum shortens over time while the ductus deferens lengthens

Question 6

What are the three mechanisms used for the scrotum to regulate the temperature of the testicles?

Answer 6

1. Cremaster muscle shortens to pull testes closer to pelvic cavity
2. Dartos muscle pushes testicle up in response to lower temperatures and wrinkles the scrotal skin
3. Paminiform plexus of veins dilate or constrict to release or conserve

Question 7

What are the two types of cells that populate the lining of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules?

Answer 7

1. Sertoli cells - make up the blood testes barrier

2. Spermatogenic cells

Question 8

What are interstitial cells and where are they located?

Answer 8

Between the seminiferous tubules

- produce and secrete testosterone which controls the development of the spermatozoa within the tubule

Question 9

Why must each developing sperm make contact with a Sertoli cell?

Answer 9

Because they secrete growth factors and nutrients, remove waste, and secrete inhibin

Question 10

What are the names of the two layers that cover the testis?

Answer 10

1. Tunica vaginalis

2. Tunica albuginea

Question 11

What is the tunica vaginalis?

Answer 11

The outer layer covering of the testis

• thin and serous
• derived from the peritoneum during the descent of the testes into the scrotum

Question 12

What is the tunica albuginea?

Answer 12

The inner layer covering of the testis

• tough, fibrous CT capsule that surrounds each testis
• inward extensions form the septa that divide the testis into 250-300 lobules

Question 13

Where do the sperm travel once they enter the lumen of the seminiferous tubule?

Answer 13

1. Straight tubule
2. Rete Testis - within mediastinum testis
3. Efferent ductules
4. Epididymis
5. Ductus deferens
6. Urethra

Question 14

What does semen contain?

Answer 14

Sperm cells - (50-150 million/mL) from testes
Accessory gland secretions:
- 60% seminal vesicles
- 30% prostate
- 10% bulbourethral glands

Question 15

How are sperm able to fertilize an egg?

Answer 15

Through the capacitation of the acrosome cap

Question 16

What is the purpose of the acrosome cap?

Answer 16

It contains enzymes that eat away at the egg’s protective membrane
- facilitates fertilization

Question 17

Why is a digital rectal exam performed?

Answer 17

To see if the prostate is still smooth

Question 18

What is the corpora cavernosa?

Answer 18

(Top 2) A cylindrical, spongy tissue that facilitates erection and fills with blood under parasympathetic control (Point)

• has a thick tunica albuginea to ensure that the pressure is contained
• Also has a median septum which divides the two cylinders

Question 19

What is the corpus spongiosum?

Answer 19

(Bottom) An erogenous tissue that houses the urethra

• activated under sympathetic control (Shoot)
• has 2 swellings: gland penis and bulb of the penis
• this cylinder does not become rigid during erection

Question 20

Describe what happens during erection.

Answer 20

Under parasympathetic control

- mature sperm travel to junction of the ductus deferens and prosthetic urethra

Question 21

Describe what happens during ejaculation.

Answer 21

Under sympathetic control

• Seminal vesicles, prostate, and dilated ampella of ductus deferens contract to release semen into the urethra
• peristaltic contractions expel semen from urethra