Chapter 11 Flashcards
Genital organs
Male internal and external genitalia
Genitourinary system
The structures of the genitourinary system include the external genitalia and the internal genitalia. The genitourinary system shares some structures with the urinary system and is also known as the urogenital system.
Corpora cavernosa
Two columns of erectile tissue along the upper surface of the penis. They fill with blood during sexual arousal.
Corpus Spongiosum
Column of erectile tissue along the underside of the penis. It fills with blood during sexual arousal.
Epididymis
Long, coiled structure of the outer wall of each testis. It receives spermatozoa fro the seminiferous tubules, adds a cap-like layer of enzymes to them, and destroys defective spermatozoa.
Glans penis
Enlarged tip at the end of the penis
Gonads
The male sex glands
Inguinal canal
Opening in the abdominal wall muscle of a fetus. Each testis and its spermatic cord pass through the inguinal canal on their way to the scrotum.
The opening of the inguinal canal usually closes before age 2.
Interstitial cells
Cells between the seminiferous tubules of the testes. They secrete testosterone when stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH).
Lumen
Central open area throughout the length of a tube or duct (such as the seminiferous tubule, vas deferents, ejaculatory duct, or urethra)
Penis
Organ that contains three columns of erectile tissue that fill with blood during sexual arousal to make an erection. At other times, the penis helps urine to be removed from the body via the penile urethra.
Penile urethra
Part of the urethra that is within the penis. It is the passageway for semen and for urine. The urethral meatus is at the tip of the glans penis.
Perineum
Area on the outside of the body between the posterior scrotum and the anus.
Prepuce
In uncircumcised males, the prepuce is a fold of skin that covers the glans penis.
Also known as the foreskin.
Scrotum
Pouch of skin behind the penis that holds each testis, epididymis, and part of each vas deferns. Muscles in the wall of the scrotum move it closer to or farther away from the body to control the temperature of the scrotum for sperm production.
Seminiferous tubules
Small, tightly coiled tubes within each testis that produce spermatozoa.
Spermatic cord
A tube that, before birth, contains the vas deferents as well as arteries, veins and nerves for each testis.
In the fetus, each testis and its spermatic cord pass through the inguinal canal and into the scrotum.
There the spermatic cord separates into the vas deferens and the other structures.
Spermatozoon
An individual mature sperm. Each spermatozoon has a head and a tail (flagellum) that propels it forward.
A spermatozoon is a gamete because it is a cell whose nucleus of 23 chromosomes can unite with another cell nucleus of 23 chromosomes (the egg of the female) to form a new cell of 46 chromosomes.
Testis
Egg-shaped gland in each side of the scrotum. Also known as a testicle.
It contains interstitial cells that secrete testosterone and seminiferous tubules that produce spermatozoa.
The testis is an endocrine gland because it secretes testosterone; it also secretes a small amount of the female hormone estradiol.
Testosterone
Most abundant and most biologically active of the male sex hormones.
It is secreted by the interstitial cells of the testes. It stimulates spermatozoa to mature. It stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in the male.
Vas deferens
Long duct that receives spermatozoa from the epididymis and stores them.
As each vas deferens travels superiorly, it becomes part of the internal genitalia in the pelvic cavity.
Bulbourethral gland
Small, bulb-like gland on the side of the urethra after the urethra leaves the prostate gland.
Each gland produces thick mucus that makes up part of the semen.
The duct of the gland empties into the urethra.
Ejaculatory duct
Collecting duct that holds spermatozoa from each vas deferens and fluid from each seminal vesicles. The ejaculatory duct enters the prostate gland and joins with the prostatic urethra.
Prostate gland
Doughnut-shaped gland at the base of the bladder. The prostatic urethra goes through its center.
The prostate gland produces prostatic fluid, a milky fluid that becomes part of the semen.
Prostatic urethra
Part of the urethra that goes through the center of the prostate gland.
Semen
Fluid expelled from the penis during ejaculation. Semen contains spermatozoa, seminal fluid, prostatic fluid, and mucus from the bulbourethral glands.
Seminal vesicles
Elongated gland that forms a V-shaped pair along the posterior wall of the bladder and merges into the ejaculatory duct.
Each seminal vesicle produces seminal fluid, which makes up most of the volume of semen and contains fructose (sugar) as a source of energy for spermatozoa.
Vas deferens
Long duct that continues from the external genitalia into the pelvic cavity.
Each vas deferens goes behind the urinary bladder and ends as it merges with the seminal vesicle.
Coitus
Action in which the male deposits semen in the female’s vagina.
Also known as Sexual intercourse.
Ejaculation
Sudden spelling of semen from the penis during sexual arousal of the male.
Erection
The corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum become distended with blood during sexual arousal. Begins constrict to keep the blood in the penis and maintain the erection.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FHS)
Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland during puberty. It causes the seminiferous tubules of the testes to enlarge during puberty and stimulates spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules to begin dividing.
Gamete
A cell (male spermatozoon or female egg) that has 23 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 chromosomes like other body cells.
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland during puberty. It stimulates the interstitial cells of the testes to begin secreting testosterone.
Meiosis
Process by which an spermatocyte reduces the number of chromosomes in its nucleus to 23, or half the normal number, to create gametes.
Mitosis
Process by which most body cells divide. The 46 chromosomes in the cell nucleus duplicate and then divide to create two identical cells, each with 46 chromosomes.
Puberty
Beginning of sexual maturity when FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary gland begin to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone.
Testosterone stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, and there is a growth spurt.
Also known as Adolescence. The period of time between 11 and 19 years of age when sexual maturity occurs.
Semen
A combination of spermatozoa and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands. It is expelled through the urethral meatus during ejaculation.
Spermatocyte
Immature, round cell in the seminiferous tubules that obtains 46 chromosomes.
Spermatogenesis
Process of producing mature sperm or spermatozoa
Testosterone
Causes the development of the male secondary sexual characteristics.
Enlargement of the external genitalia; development of large body muscles; deepening of the voice; growth of body hair on the face, chest, axillae, and genital area; and development of the sexual drive.
FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone
LH
Luteinizing hormone
GU
Genitourinary
Gynecomastia
Enlargement of the male breast. It is caused by an imbalance of testosterone and estradiol.
This occurs during puberty or aging or it can occur because of surgical removal of the testes or from a female hormone drug used to treat prostate cancer.
Treatment: Androgen (male hormone) drug; plastic surgery to decrease the breast size.
Cryptorchidism
Failure of one or both testes to move through the inguinal canal and descend into the scrotum.
This causes a low sperm count and male infertility because spermatozoa need the lower temperature of the scrotum to develop properly.
Also known as cryptorchism
Epididymitis
Infection or inflammation of the epididymis. It is caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract or by a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Treatment: antibiotic drug
Infertility
Inability of a male to impregnate a female after 1 year of regular sexual intercourse.
This can be caused by a hormone imbalance of FSH or LH, undescended testes, a varicocele, damage to the testes from a childhood infection of the mumps, infection in the testes, too few spermatozoa, or abnormal spermatozoa.
Treatment: Correct the underlying cause.
Oligospermia
Fewer than the normal number of spermatozoa are produced by the testes.
This is the most common reason fro male infertility. It is caused by a hormone imbalance or undescended testes.
Treatment: Correct the underlying cause.
Orchitis
Infection or inflammation of the testes.
Caused by a bacterial or viral infection, a childhood infection of the mumps, or trauma to the testes.
Testicular cancer
Cancerous tumor of one or both testes. It is the most common cancer in men age 15-35. It arises from immature spermatocytes that are abnormal.
Symptoms include a painless lump in a testis.
Also known as seminoma
Treatment: Surgery to remove the testis; radiation therapy or a chemotherapy drug.
Varicocele
Varicose vein in the veins of the testis.
The valves in the vein do not close tightly, allowing blood to accumulate. The testis and the scrotum become distended with blood and are painful.
A varicocele can cause a low sperm count and infertility.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign (not cancerous), gradual enlargement of the prostate gland. This normally occurs as a man ages.
The enlarged prostate gland compresses the urethra and causes the bladder to retain urine. There is hesitancy and dribbling of urine on urination and a narrowed urine stream.
Cancer of the prostate gland
Cancerous tumor of the prostate gland. It is categorized as an adenocarcinoma because it begins in a gland.
Most common cancer in men.
There are few early symptoms or signs because the cancer grows slowly. Later, the cancer makes the prostate gland feel hard or nodular on digital rectal examination.
Prostatitis
Acute or chronic bacterial infection and inflammation of the prostate gland. It is caused by a urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted disease.
Balanitis
Infection and inflammation of the glans penis. It is oftentimes associated with phimosis or with inadequate hygiene of the prepuce.
Chorded
Downward curvature of the penis during an erection. It is caused by a constricting, cord-like band of tissue along the underside of the penis.
This is a congenital abnormality that is often associated with hypospadias.
Dyspareunia
Painful or difficult sexual intercourse or postcoital pain.
Caused by infection of the penis or prostate gland, chorded of the penis, or phimosis
Epispadias
Congenital condition in which the opening of the urethral meatus is positioned on the top of the glans penis instead of at its tip.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Inability to achieve or sustain an erection of the penis.
It can be caused by hypertension, arteriosclerosis that blocks blood flow into the penis, a neurologic disease that impairs sensory stimuli and nerve transmission, diabetes mellitus, a low level or testosterone, smoking, alcoholism, the side effects of certain drugs, or psychological factors.
Hypospadias
Congenital condition (present at birth) in which the opening of the urethral meatus is positioned on the bottom of the glans penis instead of at its tip.
Phimosis
Congenital condition in which the opening of the foreskin is too small to slow it to be pulled back from the glans penis.
This traps smegma under the foreskin, which can cause infection.
Smegma
A white, cheesy discharge of skin cells and oil
Premature ejaculation
Ejaculation of semen that occurs with minimal stimulation and before the penis becomes fully erect.
This lessens the enjoyment of sexual intercourse and decreases the chance of conception.
It can be caused by a hormone imbalance but is more often caused by stress or a psychological reason.
Priapism
Abnormal, continuing erection of the penis with pain and tenderness.
Caused by a spinal cord injury or the side effect of a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Sexually transmitted Disease (STD)
Infectious disease that is contracted during sexual intercourse with an infected individual.
The presence of a sexually transmitted disease means that the patient and all sexual partners need to be treated.
STDs can also be transmitted to a fetus, causing serous illness, blindness, and even death.
Also known as STI or sexually transmitted infection.
Acid phosphatase
Semen test that detects the presence of acid phosphatase in the vagina and indicates sexual intercourse has occurred because semen contains acid phosphatase. Test is used in rape investigations.
DNA analysis
Semen test that uses DNA analysis of semen from a crime scene or rape victim that can be compared to samples of known DNA in a criminal database.
DNA analysis can also be used to prove paternity
Herpes simplex virus testing
Test that detects the presence of the DNA of herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes). This test can be performed on blood or on fluid from a skin lesion.
Hormone testing
Blood test that determines the levels of the hormones FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary gland and testosterone from the testes.
It is used to diagnose infertility problems.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing
HIV tests can be performed on blood, urine, or saliva.
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is the first screening test; it can be done on blood, urine, or saliva. However, this test can also be positive when the patient has antibodies against some other diseases.
- CD4 is a blood test that measures the number of helper T cell lymphocytes, the cells that are infected by the HIV retrovirus.
- OraSure is a quick screening test that can be done in the doctor’s office or clinic; it detects antibodies to HIV in the saliva.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Blood test that detects a glycoproteins in cells of the prostate gland. PSA is increased in men with prostate cancer.
The higher the level, the more advanced the cancer. The PSA level falls after successful treatment of the cancer.
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)
Blood test for an enzyme found in the prostate gland.
This test measures only acid phosphatase from the prostate gland as opposed to the total acid phosphatase.
An increased level indicates cancer of the prostate gland that has metastasized to the body.
Semen analysis
Semen test that is a microscopic examination of the spermatozoa. This test is done as part of a work up for infertility. After not ejaculationg for 36 hours, the man gives a semen specimen
A normal sperm count is greater than 50 million/mL.
The motility and morphology of the spermatozoa are evaluated. A semen analysis is also done after a vasectomy to verify aspermia and a successful sterilization.
Syphilis testing
Blood tests for syphilis include RPR (rapid plasma reagin), VDRL (Veneral disease eraser heart laboratory), and FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponema antibody absorption).
RPR and VDRL detect an antibody that is present with syphilis
FTA-ABS detects the body’s specific antibodies against the bacterium that causes syphilis.
Brachytherapy
Type of radiation therapy used to treat prostate cancer.
It uses radioactive pellets (seeds) implanted in the prostate gland.
ProstaScint scan
Radiologic procedure that uses ProstaScint to detect areas of metastasis that have spread from the primary site of prostate gland cancer.
ProstaScint is a combination of a radioactive tracer and a monoclonal antibody that binds to receptors on cancer cells in the prostate gland and elsewhere in the body.
The radioactive tracer emits gamma rays that are detected by a gamma scintillation camera and made into an image.
Ultrasonography
Radiologic procedure that uses ultra high-frequency sound waves emitted by a transducer or probe to produce an image. Ultrasonography of the testis is used to detect a varicocele or undescended testes.
Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)
Uses an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum to obtain an image of the prostate gland or to help guide a needle biopsy of the prostate gland.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
Procedure to palpate the prostate gland. A gloved finger inserted into the rectum is used to feel the prostate gland for signs of tenderness, nodules, hardness, or enlargement. This examination should be done yearly in men over age 50.
Newborn genital examination
Procedure in which the newborn’s external male genitalia are examined for any sign of abnormal positions of the urethral meatus, ambiguous genitalia, or undescended testes.
Testicular self-examination (TSE)
Procedure performed by the patient to palpate the testes and scrotum to detect lumps, masses, or enlarged lymph node. This should be done monthly to detect early signs of testicular cancer.
Androgen drug
Treats a decreased level of testosterone caused by cryptorchidism, orchiectomy, or decreased LH from the anterior pituitary gland,
Also used to treat prostate cancer as a chemotherapy drug.
Also used to treat delayed puberty in boys.
Antibiotic drug
Treats bacterial infections that cause chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Antiviral drug
Treats viral infections that cause genital herpes and condylomata acuminata. This drug is applied topically to the affected areas.
Antiretroviral drug
Treats HIV and AIDS and is given orally
Benign prostatic hyperplasia drug
Inhibits the male hormone dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that normally causes the prostate gland to enlarge.
Other Durga relax the smooth muscle in the prostate gland and urethra to allow urine to flow more freely.
Erectile dysfunction drug
Promotes the release of nitric oxide gas in the penis and inhibits an enzyme; both actions increase blood flow into the penis to create an erection.
Biopsy (Bx)
Procedure to remove tissue from the prostate gland to test for prostatic cancer.
A needle is inserted through the rectum or urethra to take a sample of prostatic tissue.
Circumcision
Procedure to remove the prepuce. This can be done to correct a tight prepuce and allow better hygiene of the glans penis.
The foreskin in newborn babies is often removed because of social customs or religious requirements.
Circumcision has been found to reduce the risk of penile cancer.
Cryotherapy
Procedure to treat prostate cancer. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the prostate gland. Then a cold gas is injected to freeze cancerous tissues in the prostate gland.
Orchiectomy
Procedure to remove a testis because of testicular cancer.
Orchiopexy
Procedure done in an infant to reposition an undescended testis and fix it within the scrotum. Orchiopexy is also used to treat male infertility in an adult.
Penile implant
Procedure to implant an inflatable penile prosthesis for patients with erectile dysfunction.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE)
Procedure in which a catheter is inserted in a large artery in the groin and threaded to the prostatic artery.
Microscopic beads are injected to decrease blood flow to the prostate gland and decrease the size of the prostate gland.
Prostate urethral lift (PUL)
Procedure that uses an endoscope inserted through the urethral meatus of the penis. A stainless steel implant is placed within the urethra to keep enlarged prostatic tissue from narrowing the lumen of the prostatic urethra.
This is a minimally invasive procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia that some patients prefer over treatment with drugs or surgery.
Prostatectomy
Procedure to remove the entire prostate gland, along with the lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens because of prostate cancer.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
Procedure to reduce the size of the prostate gland in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
A special cystoscope is inserted through the urethra. It has built-in cutting instruments and cautery to resect pieces of the prostate gland and cauterize bleeding blood vessels.
Vasectomy
Procedure in the male to prevent pregnancy in the female. Through a small incision in the scrotum, each vas deferens is identified.
A length of each tube is removed and the cut ends are sutured or destroyed with electrocautery.
Vasovasostomy
Is a reversal of a vasectomy. The cut ends of the vas deferens are rejoined so the spermatozoa are again present in the semen and the male can cause a female to become pregnant.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Bx
Biopsy
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
DRE
Digital rectal examination
ED
Erectile dysfunction
FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone
GC
Gonococcus
GU
Genitourinary; Gonococcal urethritis.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
HoLEP
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
HPV
Human papillomavirus
HSV
Herpes simplex virus
LH
Luteinizing hormone
PAE
Prostate artery embolization
PAP
Prostatic acid phosphatase
PSA
Prostate-specific antigen
PUL
Prostate urethral lift
PVP
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate
RPR
Rapid plasma reagin
STD
Sexually transmitted disease
TRUS
Transrectal ultrasound
TSE
Testicular self-examination
TUMT
Transurethral microwave therapy
TUNA
Transurethral needle ablation
TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate
VDRL
Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
