FINAL: Male Reproductive System Flashcards
What structures does the gross anatomy include
Testes
Epididymis
Ductus (vas) deferens
Penis
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral gland
What layer of the scrotum is this
Skin
What layer of the scrotum is this
Dartos muscle
- thin smooth muscle
What layer of the scrotum is this
The fascia ( connective tissue )
What layer of the scrotum is this
Cremasteric smooth muscle
- extends to spermatic cord
What layer of the scrotum is this
The parietal tunica vaginalis
What layer of the scrotum is this
Visceral tunica vaginalis
What layer of the scrotum is this
Tunica albuginea
Where does spermatogenisis occur
In the seminiferus tubules located in the testes
- these tubules are divided into lobes
What are the functions of the testes
Spermatogenisis and production of testosterone
What are the two protective layers of the testes
Tunica albugenia (dense connective tissue)
Tunica vaginalis (serous membrane)
What cells make up the tubules in the testes
Interstitial (leydig) cells -> between the tubules
- produce testosterone and regulate spermatogenisis
Spermatagonia cells -> divide to become sperm
Substentactular (sertoli) cells -> support the spermatagonia
What is the process of spermatogenisis
Starts with immature sperm cells (spermatagonia)
- found on the edge of tubules, farthest from lumen
Substentacular cells surround developing sperm
- provide nutrients and waste removal
As the spermatagonium travels towards the lumen in undergoes meiosis
Mature sperm develops a flagellum (tail) and loses most of its cytoplasm
- fast and lightweight for travel in the female
A single spermatagonia produces 4 sperm cells
Regulated by hormones!
When do the testes descend
Prior (or shortly after) birth, into the scrotum
Why are hernias more common for males
There is a weakness in the skin in the scrotum
What is the function of the epididymis
Functions in sperm maturation and storage until ejaculation
Sperm is constantly being made, stored and reabsorbed (if not used)
Where is the epididymis located
It is connected to the testes
The rete testis connects the main seminiferous tubules with the epididymis
The tail of the epididymis is connected to the ductus (vas) deferens
What is the ductus deferens
A muscular tube which functions to carry sperm to ejaculatory duct
During orgasm, peristalsis move sperm from epididymis to vas deferens
It is a part of the spermatic cord
What is the spermatic cord
It contains the ductus deferens, main testicular arteries/veins, nerves and lymphatics
Cord of fascia and smooth muscle that leaves the scrotum
What is the ejaculatory duct
Short passageway between ductus and urethra
Merges with duct of seminal vesicle to enter the prostate
Carries spermatozoa and semen to the urethra
What is the male urethra
Common passage for urine and semen
Runs from urinary bladder and glans penis
What are the accessory glands that contribute to semen
Seminal vesicle, prostate gland and bulbourethral gland
What does the seminal vesicle produce
Sticky, yellow, alkaline fluid that florence’s under UV light
Fructose, citrate, coagulating enzyme
65% of semen
What does the prostate gland produce
Thin, milky fluid that activates sperm
Lysozyme (anti-bacterial protein)
30% of semen
