Male Reproduction

Question 1

Define the function of the male reproductive system.

Answer 1

Production of androgens
Production, storage and nourishment of male gametes
Deliver male gametes -> female reproductive tract

Question 2

Draw a labelled diagram of he male reproductive system.

Answer 2

.

Question 3

Describe the role of each major component.

Answer 3

PENIS
TESTIS & SCROTUM - enclosed in the scrotum. Scrotal septum separates scrotum into two sections. Each testis has a spermatic chord. Cremaster muscle can contract/relax maintaining heat. Each testis is divided into lobules by the tunica albuginea. Made seminiferous tubules - sertoli cells which produce the sperm and nutrients for them.
VAS DEFERENS - tube from epididymus -> urethra
URETHRA - Tube for both semen and urine
EPIDIDYMUS - Attahced to posterior surface of testis and formed by highly coiled 5cm duct. Spermatoza mature here.

Question 4

Trace the path of sperm from the site of production to the outside.

Answer 4

Testis -> Epididymus -> Vas deferens -> Seminal vesicle -> Ejaculatory duct -> Prostate gland -> Bulbourethral glans -> Joins with urethra -> Penis

Question 5

Define the location of the prostate gland and describe its function.

Answer 5

Inferior to the urinary bladder. Surround the prostatic urethra. Often enlarged in older males. Secretion increases sperm motility. Made of smooth muscle and a fibrous capsule.

Question 6

Outline the process of spermatogenesis.

Answer 6

Undifferentiated germ cell -> Primary spermaceti (synapsis and tetrad formation) -> secondary spermocytes -> spermatids (spermatogenesis) -> spermatozoa

Question 7

Explain the role of hormones in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the male reproductive system.

Answer 7

Between 12-15 boys produce FSH and LH at the pituitary glands which stimulate the secretion of sex hormones (e.g testosterone). Testosterone begins the development of secondary sex characteristics

Question 8

Explain the role of negative feedback in the control of hormone secretion.

Answer 8

Negative feedback occurs that there is always the right level of hormone in the system.

Question 9

Describe the basic principles behind IVF treatment.

Answer 9

An egg is injected with sperm in a petri dish and left to fertilise, the fertilised eggs can then be implanted into the woman.