Male anatomy, physiology, and health Flashcards
Penis - parts
external:
-root
-shaft
-glans
-foreskin
-urethral orifice
internal:
-cavernous bodies
-spongy body
-penile urethra
root
base of penis, attaching it to pelvic bones
glans
head of penis, filled with nerve endings
foreskin
loose hood of skin over glans
What is circumcision, and what are the arguments for and against it?
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.
Cavernous Bodies
two cylinders of erectile tissue that run along the upper portion of the penis
engorge with blood during erection
Spongy Body
underside of penis
also engorges with blood during erection
What are the average sizes of a normal penis, and what factors influence sexual satisfaction?
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)
Explain the process of penile erection.
-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
What is the function of the scrotum, and how does its temperature regulation work?
- 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
Describe the testes and their components
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
What is cryptorchidism?
a condition in which the testes fail to descend from the abdominal cavity to the scrotal sac
Explain the process of spermatogenesis.
process by which sperm are formed
Generally, begins around age 10
Takes 72 days total
300 million mature per day
Spermatogonium:
Immature sperm cells
Develop in outer lining of seminiferous tubules then move towards center
Describe the spermatic cord and its parts
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