CH. 7: MALE REPRODUCTIVE TERMS

Question 1

testis (pl. testes)

Answer 1

primary male sex organ, paired, oval-shaped, and enclosed in a sac called the scrotum. The testes produce spermatozoa (sperm cells) and the hormone testosterone (also called testicle).

Question 2

seminiferous tubules

Answer 2

approx. 900 coiled tubes within the testes in which spermatogenesis occurs.

Question 3

sperm

Answer 3

the microscopic male germ cell, which, when united with the ovum, produces a zygote (fertilized egg) that with subsequent development becomes an embryo (also called spermatozoon, pl. spermatozoa).

Question 4

testosterone

Answer 4

the principal male sex hormone. Its chief function is to stimulate the development of the male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair.

Question 5

epididymis (pl. epididymides)

Answer 5

coiled tube attached to each testis that provides storage, transit, and maturation of sperm; continuous with each vas deferens.

Question 6

vas deferens

Answer 6

duct (tube) carrying the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. The spermatic cord encloses each vas deferens with nerves, lymphatics, arteries, and veins. The urethra also connects with the urinary bladder and carries urine outside the body. A circular muscle constricts during intercourse to prevent urination (also called ductus deferens).

Question 7

seminal vesicles

Answer 7

two accessory glands located posterior to the base of the bladder that open into the vas deferens. The glands secrete a thick fluid that forms part of the semen.

Question 8

prostate gland

Answer 8

walnut-shaped gland that encircles the proximal section of the urethra. The prostate gland secretes a fluid that aids in the movement of the sperm and ejaculation.

Question 9

semen

Answer 9

composed of sperm, seminal fluids, and other secretions.

Question 10

scrotum

Answer 10

sac containing the testes and their corresponding epididymides, from which each vas deferens begins. The scrotum is suspended on both sides of and posterior to the penis.

Question 11

penis

Answer 11

male organ of urination and coitus (sexual intercourse)

Question 12

glans penis

Answer 12

enlarged tip on the end of the penis

Question 13

prepuce

Answer 13

fold of skin covering the glans penis in uncircumcised males (foreskin of the penis)

Question 14

genitalia

Answer 14

reproductive organs (male or female); includes internal and external reproductive organs (also called genitals)

Question 15

gonads

Answer 15

primary reproductive organs; testes in males, ovaries in females.