BIO- Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Essential organs of the Male reproductive system
Gonads (testes)
Accessory organs of the Male reproductive system
Genital ducts: (2) epidydimides, (2)vasa deferentia, (2) ejaculatory ducts, urethra
Accessory glands of the Male reproductive system
(2) seminal vesicles, prostate, (2) bulbourethral glands
Interstitial (Leydig) cells
secrete testosterone
Spermatogenic Cells
Produce sperm
Sustentacular Cells (Nurse or Sertoli Cells)
Support & regulate sperm-producing fxn of testis
Help increase testosterone
Testes Fxn (2)
1) spermatogenesis: formation of mature male gametes (spermatozoa)
- stimulated by FSH (from anterior pituitary)
2) Hormone secretion:
Androgen Binding Protein (ABP)
- masculinizing, primary/second sex charact
- stimulates spermatogenesis
Inhibin- inhibits FSH
Spermatozoa Structure (3-parts)
Head: contains genetic chromatin
Acrosome: contains enzymes to assist sperm longevity
Midpiece: contains mitochondria
Epididymis Duct
sperm passes and matures (1-3wks)
secretions become part of seminal fluid
Vas Deferens (ductus deferens)
thick walled (propel sperm) excretory duct of seminal fluid terminal end (ampulla) connects epididymis with ejaculatory duct
Ejaculatory Duct
passes through the prostate gland
ends at urethra
Urethra
serves both the reproductive/urinary system
Seminal Vesicles
posterior to bladder
secretes the nutrient-rich part of seminal fluid
- provides energy to sperm & adjust vagina pH
60% of semen volume
Prostate Gland
Adds slightly acidic, watery, milky-looking secretions
- provides nutrients & enzymes for the sperm
30% of semen volume
Bulbourethral Glands
secrets alkaline fluid part of semen
- adjust vagina pH
5% of semen volume
