Male Reproductive Glands and Penis

Question 1

introduction to the male reproductive glands

Answer 1

the seminal vesicles and the prostate

Question 2

the seminal vesicle

Answer 2

the paired seminal vesicles lie posteriorly to the urinary bladder
- each seminal vesicle consists of a single highly convoluted tubular gland surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle

Question 3

seminal vesicle lumen

Answer 3

partitioned into luminal subdivisions by mucosal arcardes
- the lumen of each gland is highly irregular due to its honeycomb appearance

Question 4

seminal vesicle mucosa

Answer 4

the mucosa is formed by many irregular anastomotic folds that are lined with a simple columnar epithelium and a core of lamina propria
- in inactive tissue, the epithelium may appear flattened, though in active tissue, the columnar epithelium is clear
the smooth muscle layer surrounding the lumen and mucosa consists of an inner circular and outer longitudinal layer

Question 5

the seminal vesicle and the ductus deferens

Answer 5

the duct of the seminal vesicle joins with the ampulla of the ductus deferens, just as the ductus enters the prostate gland to become the ejaculatory duct
- during ejaculation, the sympathetic stimulation causes contraction of the muscle, to force secretions into urethra
- the pair of seminal vesicles secrete up to 85% of the total volume of seminal fluid

Question 6

the prostate

Answer 6

a single gland that lies beneath the urinary bladder and houses both glands and the prostatic urethra

Question 7

prostate composition

Answer 7

composed of tubulo-alveolar glands whose secretions empty into the prostatic urethra
- the CT around individual glands is rich in smooth muscle
- has 3 zones: the inner, central, and peripheral zone

Question 8

inner prostate zone

Answer 8

contains the prostatic urethra and glands associated with the urethra, known as periureteral glands
- the prostatic urethra is centrally located and has a unique V shaped lumen surrounded by periurethral glands

Question 9

central prostate zone

Answer 9

contains glands with longer ducts than the periureteral glands found in the inner zone

Question 10

peripheral prostate zone

Answer 10

contains the main glands of the prostate and possesses longer ducts
- the prostate glands are lined with simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Question 11

prostate glands (tubulo-alveolar glands)

Answer 11

majority of prostate glands are tubulo-alveolar
- many glands, each with a folded epithelium
- has a fibromuscular stroma lying between the secretory units. it contracts to expel secretions during ejaculation
- smooth muscle surrounds each gland to help expel secretions

Question 12

prostate gland secretory product

Answer 12

makes up part of the seminal fluid
thin and milky, rich in both citric acid and hydrolytic enzymes
- the secretions liquefy coagulated semen after its deposition in the female genital tract

Question 13

corpora amylacea

Answer 13

prostatic concretions found within the prostate glands
- these concretions are likely precipitated secretory product and they accumulate with age

Question 14

prostatic urethra

Answer 14

centrally located with a unique V shaped lumen surrounded by periurethral glands

Question 15

prostatic utricle

Answer 15

a small, epithelium lined diverticulum of the prostatic urethra
- located between the ejaculatory ducts where these ducts enter the urethra
- a developmental remnant of the female reproductive tract

Question 16

the penis

Answer 16

organ that functions in reproduction, sexual activity, and urination
has 3 cylinders of erectile tissue
- has a paired corpora cavernosa that lies superior to the corpus spongiosum
thin skin encloses the penis

Question 17

penis associated structures

Answer 17

tunica albuginea
urethra
corpora cavernosa
corpus spongiosum

Question 18

penis tunica albuginea

Answer 18

a layer of dense CT that surround the erectile tissue and limits their expansion
- as the corpora cavernosa expand during erection, they press against the inextensible tunica albuginea, compressing the veins in these tissues so that blood is less able to drain away

Question 19

penile urethra

Answer 19

located in the corpus spongiosum is the penile urethra, which is primarily lined by pseudostratified or stratified columnar epithelium
- epithelium becomes stratified squamous more distally, near the junction of the urethra and skin
- evaginations from the urethral epithelium continue as the mucus-secreting glands of Littre
- the secretions from these glands lubricate the urethra

Question 20

corpora cavernosa

Answer 20

paired cylinders of erectile tissue
- surrounded by dense CT layer called tunica albuginea, that forms an incomplete central partition between the two cylinders

Question 21

corpus spongiosum

Answer 21

another cylinder of erectile tissue that lies in the midline
- its tunica albuginea is less dense than the one surrounding the corpora cavernosa
- houses the penile urethra

Question 22

penile blood supply

Answer 22

the corpora cavernosa is supplied by the deep artery, a distributing artery that is one of the terminal branches of the internal pudendal artery
- corpora contain irregular vascular spaces, called cavernous spaces, which are lined by endothelium, separated by trabeculae, and supplied by helicine arteries, which are branches of the deep artery

Question 23

penis erection

Answer 23

follows parasympathetic stimulation
- when this happens, the smooth muscle in the distributing arteries relaxes, and the vascular spaces fill with blood