Chapter 13: The Male Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the function of the male reproductive system?
Produce, maintain, and transport sperm to fertilize the female egg, and develop/maintain male secondary sex characteristics.
Define gamete:
Reproductive cell (ovum or sperm) that contains 1/2 the chromosomes required to produce an offspring in a species.
Define libido:
Psychological and physical drive for sexual activity.
Define semen:
Fluid containing sperm and secretions from the prostate and other structures of the reproductive system; also called seminal fluid.
Define sphincter:
Ring-like muscle that opens and closes a body opening to allow or resist passage through the structure.
Define testosterone:
Androgenic hormone responsible for the development of the male sex organs, including the penis, testicles, scrotum, and prostate. Also responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics (musculature, hair pattern, thickened vocal cords, etc.)
What is the primary male sex organ?
Testes
Tell me about the scrotum:
External sac lying behind and below the penis that contains the testes.
What are the seminiferous tubules?
Numerous small tubes that twist and coil inside the testes; these produce sperm.
What is the epididymis?
Slightly coiled tube that sits superiorly on each teste. These store sperm after they leave the seminiferous tubules. During ejaculation, these contract to propel the sperm into the vas deferens.
What is the vas deferens?
Also known as the seminal duct or the ductus deferens; this is a narrow tube that extends in to the inguinal area and the abdominal cavity. It extends over the top and down the posterior surface of the bladder.
What is the seminal vesicle?
Contains nutrients that support sperm viability and produces ~60% of semen that’s ejaculated during coitus; joins the vas deferens at its end.
What is the ejaculatory duct?
The union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle; joins the urethra as it passes at an angle through the prostate gland.
What is the prostate gland?
Triple-lobed organ fused to the base of the bladder in males. Secretes a thin, alkaline substance that accounts for ~30% of seminal fluid to protect sperm.
What are the bulbourethral (Cowper) glands?
2 pea-shaped structures located below the prostate and are connected by a small duct to the urethra. These provide additional alkaline fluid to protect sperm viability.
What is the penis?
The penis is the male organ of copulation and is composed of erectile tissue that becomes rigid upon sexual arousal; also encloses the urethra.
What is the glans penis?
Enlarged tip of the penis; covers a number of highly sensitive nerve endings.
What is the urethral orifice (meatus)?
Hole at the tip of the glans penis through which urine and semen exit the body.
What is the prepuce (foreskin)?
Moveable hood of the skin that covers the glans penis; may be removed at birth due to religious or cosmetic reasons.
andr/o
male
balan/o
glans penis
crypt/o
hidden
epididym/o
epididymis
genit/o
genitalia
gonad/o
gonads; sex glands
gon/o
seed (ovum or spermatozoon)
olig/o
scanty
orch/o
orchi/o
orchid/o
test/o
testis (plural testes)
perine/o
perineum
prostat/o
prostate gland
spermat/o
sperm/o
spermatozoa (sperm cells)
varic/o
dilated vein
vas/o
vessel; vas deferens; duct
vesicul/o
seminal vesicle
-cide
killing
-genesis
forming, producing, origin
-ism
condition
-spadias
slit, fissure
brachy-
short
epi-
above, upon
What is urology?
The branch of medicine concerned with the male reproductive system and urinary disorders of males and females.
What is a urologist?
Physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary disorders.
What is the term for any contagious disease acquired during sexual activity with an infected partner that may lead to reproductive problems?
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI); also called a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Tell me about gonorrhea:
Bacterial infection that involves the mucosal surface of the genitourinary tract; may also involve the rectum and pharynx. Sx include dysuria and leukorrhea. If left untreated, it may cause cystitis and arthritis, and may lead to infertility. Tx includes antibiotics. May cause blindness in newborns, so physicians instill silver nitrate in the eyes of all newborns prophylactically.
Tell me about chlamydia:
Bacterial infection that is one of the most prevalent and damaging STDs in the U.S. Called the “silent disease”, because those who have it are commonly asymptomatic. Sx include pruritis and a white or mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. Tx includes antibiotics. May cause junctivitis or pneumonia in newborns.
Tell me about syphilis:
More serious that gonorrhea/chlamydia, but is less common. Bacterial infection that can become chronic, infectious, and multi-systemic. Early tx is effective and may only take a single steroid shot; if left untreated, the disease may be life-threatening.
Describe the 3 stages of syphilis:
Primary syphilis: painless sore called a chancre appears 3-90 days after infection.
Secondary syphilis: Body rash that commonly appears on the soles/palms appears 4-10 weeks after exposure.
Tertiary syphilis: Develops 3-15 years after exposure when the disease becomes systemic, especially in the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Tell me about genital herpes:
Otherwise known as HSV-2; this causes red, blister-like, painful lesions on the genitals that closely resemble cold sores. Fluid in the blisters is highly contagious and contains the active virus. Individuals who contract this may only have 1 outbreak or may have many outbreaks over the years that lessen in severity with time. No cure, but antiviral medications may relieve sx during outbreaks.
Tell me about genital warts:
Also called condylomata or condylomas; are caused by 1 or more HPV strains. The warts may be small and barely visible or may appear in clusters. May spread through skin-to-skin contact and doesn’t require sexual activity. HPV vaccines are available to protect against high-risk strains, but this must be done before sexual activity begins.
Tell me about trichomoniasis:
Protozoan infection that affects males and females. Sx in males includes irritation of the penis, dysuria, mild discharge, and pain with ejaculation. Both sexual partners require treatment because reinfection is possible.
Tell me about prostate cancer:
One of the most common forms of cancer in men. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for long-term survival is excellent. Diagnosis includes a prostate-specific antigen (lab test) and periodic digital rectal examination (DRE). Sx are dysuria, frequency, loss of bladder control, and hematuria.
What is a radical prostatectomy?
Used for malignancy confined only to the prostate; surgery that removes the entire prostate, seminal vesicles, and surrounding lymph nodes.
What is androgen deprivation therapy?
Hormone therapy that’s important in the tx of prostate cancer. Important because testosterone fuels the growth of prostate cancer.
What is a bilateral orchiectomy?
Also known as castration; removal of both testes. Blocks testosterone, but is permanent and irreversible.
Enlargement of the prostate, usually as part of the aging process that constricts the urethra, causing urinary symptoms including frequency, hesitancy, nocturia, and urinary retention.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Inflammation of the skin covering the glans penis, caused by bacteria, fungi, or virus. Uncircumcised men with poor hygiene are prone to this.
Balanitis
Repeated inability to initiate or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Decrease or lack of hormones normally produced by the gonads. Involves a lack of testosterone, which plays a key role in the development of masculine characteristics during puberty.
Hypogonadism
Congenital abnormality in which the urethral meatus is on the undersurface of the penis instead of the tip.
Hypospadias
Stenosis or narrowing of the foreskin so it cannot be retracted over the glans penis.
Phimosis
Prolonged, commonly painful erection of the penis, which occurs without sexual stimulation. Associated with sickle cell disease, leukemia, spinal cord injury, and adverse reaction to ED medication. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid permanent damage.
Priapism
Acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate. Commonly caused by UTI or STD.
Prostatitis
Inability to produce offspring.
Sterility
Any of the various disorders that affect the testes.
Testicular abnormalities
Absence of 1 or both testicles.
Anorchism; anorchia; anorchidism
Inflammation of the epididymis. Most common in males 14-35 and is usually associated with STIs.
Epididymitis
Swelling of the sac surrounding the testes that’s completely harmless. Hydrocele of a neonate usually resolves without tx within a year. Commonly caused by inflammation or injury to the scrotum.
Hydrocele
Painful swelling of 1 or both testes commonly associated with mumps that develop after puberty. Other causes include infection of the epididymis or STIs.
Orchitis
Abnormal fluid-filled sac that develops in the epididymis and may or may not contain sperm; also called spermatic cyst.
Spermatocele
New tissue growth that appears on 1 or both testes; may be malignant or benign.
Testicular mass
Spontaneous twisting of a testicle within the scrotum, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the affected testicle. Medical emergency because interrupted blood supply may cause damage to the testicle.
Testicular torsion
Malignancy that develops in 1 or both testes, commonly presenting as a small lump or tenderness on the testicle, swelling in the scrotum, and occasionally enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia). Because this disease responds well to early tx, testicular self-examination (TSE) is encouraged.
Testicular cancer
Swelling and distention of veins of the spermatic cord, somewhat resembling varicose veins of the leg. Some cause low sperm production and result in sterility. These can be treated surgically.
Varicocele
Screening test in males that evaluates the size and consistency of the prostate. In males and females, this helps assess the rectal wall surface for lesions.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
Blood test used to detect prostatic disorders, especially prostate cancer; also called tumor marker test. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate, and found in small quantities in the blood; this becomes elevated in prostatitis, BPH, and in tumors of the prostate.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Test that analyzes a semen sample for volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology to evaluate fertility or verify sterilization after a vasectomy.
Semen analysis
Uses sound waves to assess the contents of the scrotum, including testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens; also called testicular ultrasound.
Scrotal ultrasound
Uses sound waves emitted by a probe inserted through the rectum to serve as a guide for biopsy of the prostate when PSA and DRE are abnormal.
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate
Removal of the foreskin that covers the glans penis. Usually performed on infant males for religious or social reasons.
Circumcision
Fixation of the testes in the scrotum. Performed for undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), usually before age 2, or for correction of testicular torsion.
Orchiopexy
Removal of all or part of the prostate.
Prostatectomy
Excision of prostate tissue by inserting a special endoscope (resectoscope) through the urethra and into the bladder to remove small pieces of tissue from the prostate gland. Rectoscope is fitted with an electrically activated wire loop that removes tissue when dragged over the site and cauterizes to minimize bleeding.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
Reconstruction of the urethra to relieve stricture or narrowing. Relieves dysuria and reduces the risk of contracting orchitis, prostatitis, and UTIs.
Urethroplasty
Removal of all or a segment of the vas deferens for male sterilization. Reversal is called a vasovasostomy.
Vasectomy
Radiation oncology procedure where radioactive “seeds” are placed directly within or near a tumor in the prostate to destroy malignant cells. Reduces radiation exposure to surrounding, healthy tissue.
Brachytherapy of the prostate
Freezing of the prostate, causing cancer cells to die. Used in the early stages of prostate cancer, or when prostate cancer returns after other types of treatment have failed.
Cryotherapy of the prostate
Procedure in which the patient is placed at a distance from the radiation source, which is then directed at the prostate. Also called teletherapy. May be performed before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor and after surgery to prevent recurrence of the tumor.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
Block alpha-I receptors in the prostate and bladder, which relaxes muscles and improves urine flow in patients with BPH.
Alpha-I blockers
Increase testosterone levels. Help correct hormone deficiency in hypogonadism and treat delayed puberty in males.
Androgens
Suppress the production of an androgen. May stop the growth of certain types of cancer cells and may help treat prostate cancer. In combination with alpha-I blockers, these can help treat BPH.
Antiandrogens
Treats ED (impotence) by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. Should not be used by patients with CAD or HTN.
Anti-impotence agents
Treat viral disorders by inhibiting the development of the offending virus. These don’t have the ability to destroy a virus, but help treat symptoms of viral diseases.
Antivirals
ADT
Androgen deprivation therapy
BPH
benign prostatic hyperplasia; benign prostatic hypertrophy
DRE
Digital Rectal Examination
EBRT
external beam radiation therapy
EBT
external beam therapy
ED
erectile dysfunction; emergency department
HIV
human immunodeficiency virus
HPV
human papillomavirus
HSV
herpes simplex virus
PSA
prostate-specific antigen
STD
sexually transmitted disease
STI
sexually transmitted infection
TRUS
transrectal ultrasound
TSE
testicular self-examination
TURP
transurethral resection of the prostate
US
ultrasound; ultrasonography
