Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the location and function of the scrotum.
The scrotum hangs outside the pelvic cavity at the root of the penis. It protects the testicles
State the specific function of the cremaster & dartos muscles
Cremaster: In cold conditions the cremaster muscle pulls the testes closer to the pelvic floor & warmth of the body
Dartos:
Define spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the formation of sperm by meiosis. FSH and LH are the two hormones which initiate and maintain spermatogenesis
State the 3 functions of the Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells
- Supports and provide nutrients for 70 days while the cells undergo meiosis and develop into sperm
- Produce testicular fluid for transport of sperm
- Control release of sperm into lumen of the seminiferous tubule
Describe the specific function of the acrosome?
Is a cap like vesicle containing enzymes to help sperm penetrate the secondary oocyte for fertilization
Describe the specific function of mitochondria?
Provides energy which the tail can use to propel the sperm though tough female reproductive tract
Describe the specific function of the sperm tail?
Propels the sperm
Name the hormones involved in spermatogenesis beginning from the hypothalamus
GnRH
LH
FSH
State 3 functions of testosterone
- Controls the growth, development, functioning, & maintenance of sex organs
- Stimulates sperm maturation, bone growth and protein synthesis
- Stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty
State 3 functions of testosterone
- Controls the growth, development, functioning, & maintenance of sex organs
- Stimulates sperm maturation, bone growth and protein synthesis
- Stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty
Describe the location of and 3 functions of the epididymis
Located around the posterior surface of the testis
- Site for sperm to mature & gain motility
- Stores Sperm
- Propels sperm in ductus deferens by peristalsis during sexual arousal
State the function of the Ductus (vas) deferens
- Transports the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra by peristalsis
Name the structures located in the spermatic cord
The spermatic cord contains all the structures passing to and from the testes
- Testicular blood vessel
- Autonomic nerves
- Lymphatic vessels
- Ducts (vas) Deferens
- Cremaster muscle
Describe the location and state the function of the seminal vesicles?
They sit on the posterior surface of the bladder and add an alkaline, viscous fluid that contains fructose for sperm to use for producing ATP
Describe the location and state the function of the ejaculatory duct?
Runs through the superior aspect of the prostate gland. The ejaculatory duct ejects sperm and seminal vesicle secretions into the urethra just before ejaculation