Chapter 45: Male Reproductive System (by Liz)

Question 1

The reproductive ducts include:

Answer 1

The reproductive ducts Include a pair of epididymides, paired vasa deferentia, a pair of ejaculatory ducts, and the urethra.

Question 2

What organs make up the accessory glands?

Answer 2

The accessory glands include a pair of seminal vesicles, one prostate, and a pair of bulbourethral glands.

Question 3

Supporting structures include:

Answer 3

•Supporting structures include the scrotum, the penis, and a pair of spermatic cords.

Question 4

•Tunica albuginea encases each testis, it also:

Answer 4

➢Sends out septa that divide the testis into 200 lobules
•Each lobule contains interstitial cells and seminiferous tubules
•Efferent ductules drain the rete testis

Question 5

Interstitial cells

Answer 5

Are the hormone-producing cells

Question 6

The left testis generally is about:

Answer 6

1 cm lower in the scrotal sac than the right

Question 7

Testosterone

Answer 7

➢Major androgen ( masculinization hormone) in humans

➢Steroid hormone produced by interstitial cells

Question 8

Functions of Testosterone

Answer 8

•Promotes development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics, accessory organs, and adult male behavior
•Helps regulate metabolism
➢Stimulates protein anabolism
•Stimulates bone growth and promotes closure of the epiphyses
•Plays a role in fluid and electrolyte balance
•By stimulating protein anabolism, testosterone promotes the growth of skeletal muscles (it is responsible for males’ greater muscular development and strength).
•Early sexual maturation leads to early epiphyseal closure. The converse also holds true: late sexual maturation, delayed epiphyseal closure, and tallness tend to go together.
•Testosterone has a mild stimulating effect on kidney tubule reabsorption of sodium and water; it also promotes kidney tubule excretion of potassium.

Question 9

Luteinizing hormone

Answer 9

Stimulates interstitial cells to increase testosterone secretion

➢High blood concentration of testosterone inhibits hypothalamic secretion of GnRH

Question 10

Capacitation

Answer 10

occurs in sperm only after they have been introduced into the vagina

Question 11

Structure and location of the epididymis

Answer 11

➢Single, tightly coiled tube enclosed in a fibrous casing
➢Lies along the top of and behind each testis
➢Anatomical divisions: Head, body, and tail

-The epididymis has a very small diameter (just barely macroscopic), but it measures approximately 6 meters (20 feet) in length.

Question 12

The epididymis is continuous:

Answer 12

-With the vas deferens.

Question 13

What are the functions of the Seminal Vesicles?

Answer 13

•Functions
➢Secrete an alkaline, viscous, creamy-yellow liquid (60% of semen volume)
➢Fructose serves as energy source for sperm motility

Question 14

What is the function of the Prostate Gland?

Answer 14

•Function
➢Adds slightly acidic, watery, milky-looking secretion to seminal fluid (30% of semen volume)
➢Citrate: Nutrient for sperm

Question 15

Composition and Course of Seminal Fluid

Answer 15

• Consists of secretions from testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, prostate glands, and bulbourethral glands
• Each milliliter contains millions of sperm
• Passes from testes through epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra

Question 16

Infertility

Answer 16

Temporary