Male Reproductive Flashcards
Endocrine functions
- Interstitial cells of the seminiferous tubules: Secrete testosterone (androgen sex hormone)
- Luteinizing hormone stimulates testosterone production
Exocrine functions
- seminiferous tubule of testes: Produce and secrete sperm- spermatogenesis
- Follicle stimulating hormone- stimulates sperm production (maturation)
Primary reproductive sex organs
- Testis (male)
- Ovaries (female)
- Called GONADS – secrete hormones AND produce SEX CELLS (gametes)
- MALE – gametes called SPERM
- FEMALE – gametes called OVA or EGGS
Accessory reproductive organs (male)
- Duct system to transport sperm
- Epididymis
- Ductus (vas) Deferens
- Urethra
- Seminal Vesicles, Bulbourethral glands
- Prostate
- semen
- scrotum penis
Meiosis
- Generally only occurs in gonads
- Consists of two successive divisions (meiosis 1 & meiosis 2)
- Results in four daughter cells; (haploid- 23(N) chromosomes gamete/sex cell)
Mitosis
- Occurs in majority of cells in body
- Mitosis is just one division (PMAT)
- Only results in 2 daughter cells (diploid cells- 46 (2n) chromosomes
Ductus (Vas) deferens
During ejaculation, smooth muscle in the wall of this duct create peristaltic waves to squeeze sperm forward from the epididymis into this tubule towards the ejaculatory duct that leads into prostatic urethra.
This gland encircles the upper (Prostatic) part of the urethra and secretes milky fluid that becomes part of the semen. it helps to activate sperm. This fluid enters the urethra through several small ducts
Prostate
Includes two accessory glands that produce 60% of seminal fluid. Thick yellow secretion is rich in fructose, vitamin C, prostaglandins, and other substances that nourish and activates the sperm passing through the tract. Fluid joins sperm passing through the tract. fluid joins sperm in the vas deferens and enters the urethra together during ejaculation.
Seminal vesicles
Urethra
This duct extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis and carries both urine and sperm. Sperm enters the ejaculatory duct.
Highly convoluted tube 6m long; duct system serves as temporary (20 day) storage site for immature sperm; Sperm mature and develop the ability to swim as they journey through this structure.
Epididymis
Scrotum
Divided sac of skin outside the abdomen that houses the testes. This structure maintains testes at 3 degrees lower than normal body temperature.
Pea-sized glads inferior to the prostate that produce thick, clear mucus. mucus cleanses the spongy (penile) urethra of acidic urine prior to ejaculation and serves as a lubricant during sexual arousal.
Bulbourethral gland
Milky white mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions.
- Sperm are streamlined cellular “tadpoles”
- Liquid portion acts as a transport medium to dilute sperm.
- fructose provides energy for sperm cells
- Alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidic environment of vagina. sperm cant survive in low ph
- semen contains antibiotics to destroy bacteria, and enzymes to enhance sperm mobility.
Semen
penis
- Internally there are three areas of spongy erectile tissue around the urethra.
- Erections occur when this erectile tissue fills with blood during sexual excitement.
