Male anatomy, physiology, and health Flashcards

1
Q

Penis - parts

A

external:
-root
-shaft
-glans
-foreskin
-urethral orifice

internal:
-cavernous bodies
-spongy body
-penile urethra

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2
Q

root

A

base of penis, attaching it to pelvic bones

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3
Q

glans

A

head of penis, filled with nerve endings

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4
Q

foreskin

A

loose hood of skin over glans

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5
Q

What is circumcision, and what are the arguments for and against it?

A

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the penile foreskin.

Arguments for it include custom and health benefits such as cleanliness and reduced rates of STIs.
(HIV, UTI, penile cancer for men who have sex with women)

Arguments against it include the risks of infection and hemorrhage.

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6
Q

Cavernous Bodies

A

two cylinders of erectile tissue that run along the upper portion of the penis

engorge with blood during erection

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7
Q

Spongy Body

A

underside of penis

also engorges with blood during erection

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8
Q

What are the average sizes of a normal penis, and what factors influence sexual satisfaction?

A

average 3-4” flaccid
5-6 when erect

larger not associated with greater sexual satisfaction

size can be changed only by surgery, but results tend to be dissatisfactory (erections point down, lumps)

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9
Q

Explain the process of penile erection.

A

-arteries triggered to expand by autonomic nervous system, increasing blood flow in cavernous and spongy bodies

-outflow is reduced, causing excess blood to be retained.

-ends when arteries constrict, causing excess blood to drain

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10
Q

What is the function of the scrotum, and how does its temperature regulation work?

A
  • lies outside the body because sperm production requires lower temperatures
  • may hang loosely or move closer depending on temperature and sexual stimulation
  • inner layer, tunica dartos, along with muscles of the spermatic cord, moves the scrotum up and down
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11
Q

Describe the testes and their components

A

2” wide, 1” long; egg-shaped. Parts include…

Seminiferous tubules: coiled responsible for sperm production

Interstitial (Leydig’s) cells: produce testosterone; between seminiferous tubules

Epididymis: comma-shaped structures lying over testes; store sperm

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12
Q

What is cryptorchidism?

A

a condition in which the testes fail to descend from the abdominal cavity to the scrotal sac

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13
Q

Explain the process of spermatogenesis.

A

process by which sperm are formed

Generally, begins around age 10

Takes 72 days total

300 million mature per day

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14
Q

Spermatogonium:

A

Immature sperm cells

Develop in outer lining of seminiferous tubules then move towards center

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15
Q

Describe the spermatic cord and its parts

A

attaches to testes, which are suspended on it

Cremasteric muscle fibers: move testes up and down as needed

Vas deferens:

Tubes that carry sperm from testes to seminal vesicles

About 18” long

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16
Q

What is the function of prostaglandins in male reproductive physiology?

A

cause contractions in the female reproductive tract to help move sperm

17
Q

What are the seminal vesicles, and what do they contribute to semen?

A
  • add secretions to sperm, making up to 60-70% of the volume of semen.
  • secretions include fructose, alkaline substances to counteract vaginal acidity, and prostaglandins.
  • They merge with the vas deferens to form ejaculatory ducts, moving sperm into the prostate gland.
18
Q

Prostate gland:

A

adds alkaline secretions as seminal fluid passes through to the urethra

19
Q

Cowper’s (or bulbourethral gland):

A

Adds mucus and more alkaline secretions to seminal fluid

Fluid may appear prior to ejaculation and contains some sperm

20
Q

What is smegma, and what complications can it cause?

A

substance appearing under foreskin & clitoral hood, comprised of secretions & dead skin cells

-can cause infections

21
Q

What are some causes of penile injuries?

A

can be caused by sexual devices (cock rings), vacuum cleaners, or excess weight placed on penis during intercourse

22
Q

Describe priapism and its causes

A

painful and enduring erection

  • can be caused by drugs (ED meds, cocaine, marijuana)

-w/o treatment can cause tissue damage

23
Q

What are the characteristics and treatment options for testicular cancer?

A

-most common form of cancer in males 15-44
- often few symptoms until is advanced

-one of the most curable forms of cancer

24
Q

Explain testicular torsion and its symptoms

A

twisting of testes on spermatic chord

-causes severe pain

25
Q

What is an inguinal hernia, and what complications can it lead to?

A

occurs when intestines protrude into pathway taken by descending testes

  • damages intestines
26
Q

Describe the characteristics and treatment options for prostate cancer

A

One of most common cancers in males

60% of cases in men over age 65

Twice as common African Americans- recommended to consider screening at age 45 (50 for ethnicities with no family history

Treatment

Include “watchful waiting” (doing nothing), surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy

May cause ED and urinary retention difficulties

27
Q

Benign prostatic hypertrophy:

A

age-related enlargement of prostate

May cause difficulty urinating and/ or increased urinary frequency (e.g., at night)

Can help reduce fluids (especially at night), avoid caffeine and alcohol, increase activity, and don’t “hold it” too long

May be treated with medication or surgery if causes frequent UTIs or damage to bladder or kidneys

28
Q

How many sperm are typically present in one ejaculation, and what percentage of seminal fluid volume do they comprise?

A

one ejaculation contains about 200-500 million sperm, comprising 1% of its volume

29
Q

What are the potential consequences of anabolic steroid use?

A
  • involves consumption of synthetic androgens (sex hormones).
  • excess testosterone is converted to estrogen
    -can cause liver damage, increased cholesterol, testicular shrinkage, gynecomastia, behavioral changes (e.g., aggression, increased risk of suicide)
30
Q

Define andropause and discuss potential treatment options

A
  • reduction in testosterone in males over 70
  • can cause decreased sex drive and muscle strength, fatigue, and moodiness
    -testosterone replacement therapy can be helpful for men with demonstrated testosterone deficits and associated symptoms, but may accelerate growth of prostate cancer
31
Q

What is gynecomastia, and what are some potential causes?

A

male breast enlargement

can be due to marijuana use or hormonal imbalance

32
Q

Explain genital retraction syndrome and its associated beliefs.

A

a psychiatric disorder characterized by anxiety and a deep fear of the shrinking of the penis and/or retraction of the genitals into the abdominal until they disappear

  • it is believed when the genitals do disappear you will die
33
Q

Difference between regulation of dietary supplements and medications

A
  • dietary supplements: generally provide nutrition compared to food
  • protein: can contribute to dehydration
  • whey protein: only supplement that seems to add muscle mass, but some benefit can be derived from milk
  • dietary supplements do not need to be approved by or registered with the FDA, thus regulation is much weaker than for medications
34
Q

What is muscle dysmorphia, and how is it typically treated?

A

subtype of body dysmorphic disorder (similar to OCD)
- unrealistic concern that one’s body is undersized/lacks muscle
- preoccupation causes distress and/or dysfunction (excess amount of time/money spent on exercising)
- associated with increased risk of steroid use and suicide
- rates are increasing
- treated with SSRIs and cognitive-behavioral therapy

35
Q

What are the benefits of Kegel exercises?

A
  • involve practicing tightening and relaxing pelvic floor muscles
  • identified by stopping stream of urine
  • can improve ejaculatory control, strength of orgasms, overall genital sensation