Ch. 27 Male Reproductive Flashcards
What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?
Produce gametes, copulation for mixing of male and female gametes, and provide environment of nurture and development of offspring in females.
What determines the male or female development in offspring?
Sex chromosomes and the presence of the Y chromosome.
What gene does the Y chromosome carry that triggers male development?
SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene.
What does TDF stand for, and what is its role?
Testes Determining Factor; it triggers development into testes.
What hormone do the testes produce that is crucial for male development?
Testosterone.
What happens in females in the absence of a Y chromosome?
Gonads become ovaries and female reproductive structures develop.
What are the male gonads called?
Testes.
What is the role of the epididymis in the male reproductive system?
Where sperm mature and are stored.
What is included in the male duct system?
Urethra, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and epididymis.
What do the accessory glands in the male reproductive system produce?
Semen.
What is the purpose of the scrotum?
Temperature control for sperm production.
What are the two tunics surrounding the testes?
- Tunica Vaginalis * Tunica Albuginea
What is the function of myoid cells in the seminiferous tubules?
They contract to propel sperm and fluid through the tubules.
What do Leydig cells produce?
Androgens, including testosterone.
What do Sustenocytes (Sertoli cells) produce to help maintain testosterone levels?
ABP (androgen binding protein).
What is the function of inhibin in the male reproductive system?
Inhibits spermatogenesis when sperm count is high.
What are the three parts of the penis?
- Root * Body (shaft) * Glans penis
What is the composition of semen?
- Sperm * Seminal vesicle secretions * Prostatic secretions
What is the pH range of semen, and why is it important?
pH 7.2-7.6; it helps neutralize vaginal acidity.
What hormone enhances sperm motility?
Relaxin.
What is the average ejaculate volume?
2-5ml containing approximately 20-150 million sperm per ml.
What is the acrosome, and where is it located?
A structure on the head of the sperm that releases enzymes to help penetrate an egg.
What triggers the release of LH and FSH in males?
GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) from the hypothalamus.
What role does FSH play in the male reproductive system?
Stimulates Sertoli cells to produce ABP, keeping testosterone high.
What condition is characterized by the hypertrophy of the prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What is the most common cancer in males aged 15-35?
Testicular cancer.
True or False: Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate.
True.
What is the role of seminal vesicles in semen production?
Produces thick, yellowish, alkaline secretion that nourishes and activates sperm.
What is the function of the prostate in semen production?
Produces milky, slightly acidic fluid that activates sperm.
What is the function of the bulbourethral glands?
Cleanses the urethra and serves as a lubricant during sexual intercourse.
