Chapter 13: Male Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?
Produces, maintains, and transports sperm; develops and maintains male secondary sex characteristics.
What are the primary male reproductive organs?
Two testes.
Where are the testes located?
In the scrotum.
What is the role of the scrotum?
Controls the temperature of the testes.
What hormone do the testes produce?
Testosterone.
What are the secondary sex characteristics developed by testosterone?
- Growth of facial and body hair
- Deepening of the voice
- Increased muscle mass
- Libido
What are seminiferous tubules?
Small tubes within the testes that produce sperm.
What is the function of the epididymis?
Stores sperm after it leaves the seminiferous tubules.
What happens during ejaculation?
The epididymis contracts, expelling sperm into the vas deferens.
What is the vas deferens?
A narrow tube that transports sperm from the epididymis.
What does the seminal vesicle do?
Produces approximately 60% of the semen.
What forms the ejaculatory duct?
The union of the vas deferens and the duct from the seminal vesicle.
What is the role of the prostate gland?
Secretes a thin, alkaline substance that accounts for about 30% of seminal fluid.
Why is the substance secreted by the prostate gland important?
It helps protect sperm from acidic environments.
What are bulbourethral glands?
Pea-shaped structures that provide additional alkaline fluid.
What is the function of the bulbourethral glands?
Neutralizes residual acidity in the male urethra.
What is the penis?
The male organ of copulation composed of erectile tissue.
What does the penis enclose?
The urethra.
What is the glans penis?
The enlarged tip of the penis.
What is the urethral orifice?
The exit point for urine and semen from the body.
What covers the glans penis?
The prepuce (foreskin).
True or False: The prostate gland is located above the bladder.
False.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for expelling both semen and urine from the body.
urethra
What does the term libido mean?
Psychological and physical drive for sexual activity