13.1 The Male Reproductive System Part 2 Flashcards
What are the three stages to the male sexual act?
- arousal
- orgasm
- resolution
How are the events of the male sexual act controlled?
by an integrating center in the spinal cord that responds to stimulation and input from the brain
What can activate or inhibit the integrating center that controls the male sexual act?
cerebral cortex
What type of input is arousal dependent on?
parasympathetic nervous input
What are the two stages of arousal?
erection
lubrication
What is erection?
dilation of arteries supplying the erectile tissue causing swelling and obstructs venous outflow pressurizing the erectile tissue with blood
What is lubrication?
bulbourethral glands secrete a viscous mucus which serves as a lubricant
What type of input is orgasm dependent on?
stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system
What are the two stages of orgasm?
emission
ejaculation
What is emission?
propulsion of sperm from the ductus deferens and semen from the accessory glands into the urethra by rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle surrounding the organs
What is ejaculation?
semen is propelled out of the urethra by the rhythmic contraction of muscles surrounding the base of the penis
What causes ejaculation?
reflex reaction caused by the presence of semen in the urethra
What is resolution?
return to a normal, unstimulated state
What input controls resolution?
sympathetic nervous system
What causes resolution?
contractions of the erectile arteries resulting in a decreased blood flow to the erectile tissue allowing veins to carry blood away
