11 - Male Reproductive Tract

Question 1

Six male reproductive organs

Answer 1

1. scrotum
2. testis
3. testicular excurrent ducts
4. spermatic cord
5. accessory sex glands
6. penis

Question 2

Structures of the semen manufacturing complex (shipping analogy)

Answer 2

1. Testes (manufacturing center)
2. Excurrent ducts forward section (finishing shop)
3. Excurrent ducts hind section (warehouse shipping)
4. Accessory sex glands (final alteration and shipping)
5. Penis (delivery system)

Question 3

primary functions of the scrotum

Answer 3

• houses, supports and protects the testes
• temperature control of the testes

Question 4

4 components of the scrotum

Answer 4

• scrotal skin (sweat glands, thermosensitive nerves)
• tunica dartos (smooth muscle that responds to temp)
• scrotal lining (scrotal fascia and parietal vaginal tunic)
• gubernaculum (connective tissue attaching tests to the base of the scrotum)

Question 5

The testes produce…

Answer 5

Spermatozoa and androgens (i.e. testosterone)

Question 6

Testes are composed of… (3)

Answer 6

• testicular capsule: visceral vaginal tunica and tunica albuginea
• parenchyma: functional layer of testis (contains seminif tubules)
• mediastinum: inner layer of connective tissue (houses the retetubules)

Question 7

Slides 9-11

Answer 7

Pics** 9 especially

Question 8

What is the testicular parenchyma

Answer 8

Makes up the majority of the testicular tissue and is composed primarily of seminiferous tubules (site of spermatogenesis)

Question 9

Testicular parenchyma also contains…

Answer 9

• sertoli cells (within seminiferous tubules)
• leydig cells (between semin tub)

Question 10

Roles of sertoli and leydig cells

Answer 10

Sertoli cells support spermatogenesis

Leydig cells synthesize testosterone

Question 11

Slides 13, 14

Answer 11

Pics

Question 12

Three excurrent ducts, their roles

Answer 12

• efferent ducts: drains rete tubules
• epididymus: concentrates sperm, matures sperm, stores until ejaculation
• ductus deferens: connects the epididymus with the urethra

Question 13

Slides 16, 17

Answer 13

Excurrent ducts

Question 14

What is the spermatic cord

Answer 14

Tubular cord-like tissue that extends through the inguinal canal (passage between the scrotal sac and abdominal cavity)

Question 15

the spermatic cord contains…

Answer 15

• testicular artery & vein = pampiniform plexus
• lymphatic and nervous tissue
• cremaster muscle
• ductus deferens

Question 16

Functions of the ductus deferens

Answer 16

• supports and maintains the testes
• temperature regulation

Question 17

What are the accessory sex glands? Name them

Answer 17

Glands of the male repro tract that contribute the seminal plasma (fluid) to semen
Ampulla, vesicular gland, prostate and bulbourethral

Question 18

Role of the ampulla

Answer 18

Enlargement of the ductus deferens that connects to urethra
Not actually a gland

Question 19

Role of the vesicular gland

Answer 19

Contributes fluid, energy substrates and buffer to semen

Question 20

Role of the prostate

Answer 20

Contributes fluid and inorganic ions to semen

Question 21

Role of bulbourethral

Answer 21

Flushes urine residues from the urethra (with pre-ejaculation fluid) and/or produces gel-fraction of semen

Question 22

What is semen gel-fraction

Answer 22

Boa has gel that locks the cervix so other males cannot inseminate

Question 23

What is the penis

Answer 23

Organ of copulation on the males - forms around the urethra form the point where the urethra leaves the pelvis

Question 24

The penis is composed of…

Answer 24

Base: attached to the penile muscle

Shaft: main portion of the penis

Glans penis: specialized types, highly enervated

Question 25

Two common types of penis found in livestock, e.g.

Answer 25

1. vascular (stallion, primates)
2. fibroelastic (bull, ram, buck, boar, tom, dog)

Question 26

What is a vascular penis

Answer 26

Penis composed primarily of erectile tissue
Unstimulated penis is flacid and erection is caused by engorgement of erectile tissue with blood

Question 27

What is a fibroelastic penis

Answer 27

Penis is rigid and often possesses a sigmoid flexure that permits it to retract completely into the body
Retractor muscles relax to permit extension of the penis and contact to draw it back into the body

Question 28

What part of the vaginal tunic is part of the scrotum? The testes?

Answer 28

Scrotum = parietal vaginal tunic (parietal = wall)

Testes = visceral vaginal tunic (visceral = organ)