Male Reproductive system

Question 1

Location and function of the scrotum

Answer 1

Sac of skin and connective tissue that hangs at the base of the penis. Helps to regulate temperature of the testes

Question 2

What are the specific functions of the cremaster and dartos muscle?

Answer 2

To contract the scrotum pulling it closer to the body in colder temperatures or relax it so it hangs loosely in warmer temperatures

Question 3

What is spermatogenesis and what cells are involved?

Answer 3

Spermatogenesis is the formation of sperm by meiosis.

Cells involved are spermatogenic cells, sustentacular (sertoli) cells and Leydig cells

Question 4

What are three functions of the Sustentacular (sertoli) cells?

Answer 4

Provides nutrients and support for 70 days while cells undergo meiosis and develop into sperm
Produce testicular fluid for transport
Control release of sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule

Question 5

What are the functions of the acrosome, mitochondria and tail of sperm cells?

Answer 5

Acrosome contains enzymes to help penetrate oocyte for fertilisation
Mitochondria provides energy for movement
Tail propels the sperm

Question 6

What are the hormones involved in spermatogenesis starting from the hypothalamus?

Answer 6

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates anterior pituitary to release luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. LH stimulates leydig cells to secrete testosterone and FSH stimulates spermatogenesis along with testosterone

Question 7

What are three functions of testosterone?

Answer 7

Controls growth, development, functioning and maintenance of sex organs
Stimulates sperm maturation
Stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty

Question 8

Location and function of the epididymis?

Answer 8

Curves around the posterior surface of the testis. Site for sperm to mature and gain mobility over 14 days (swim school :D). Propels sperm into ductus deferens during arousal

Question 9

Functions of ductus (vas) deferens?

Answer 9

Transports sperm from epididymis to urethra by peristalsis.

Can store sperm for several months

Question 10

What are the structures contained in the spermatic cord?

Answer 10

Blood vessels
Nerves
Lymphatic vessels
Ductus (vas) deferens 
Cremaster muscle

Question 11

Location and function of seminal vesicles?

Answer 11

Posterior surface of the bladder

Add an alkaline viscous fluid containing fructose for sperm to use for ATP production

Question 12

Location and function of ejaculatory duct?

Answer 12

Ductus (vas) deferens leads into ejaculatory duct which passes through the prostate gland.
Ejects sperm and seminal vesicle fluid into urethra just before ejaculation

Question 13

Location and function of prostate gland?

Answer 13

Encircles the urethra immediately inferior to bladder

Produces and secretes slightly acidic fluid containing nutrients and enzymes into urethra during ejaculation

Question 14

Location and function of bulbourethral glands?

Answer 14

Small glands located inferior to the prostate gland at the root of the penis.
Produce a thick clear alkaline mucus to neutralize acidic urine in urethra during arousal.

Question 15

Function of the urethra?

Answer 15

Carries urine from the bladder and propels semen to the outside of the body

Question 16

Why don’t males urinate during ejaculation?

Answer 16

Smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the bladder contracts during ejaculation to prevent release of urine into urethra & prevents semen from entering bladder

Question 17

Describe the pathway of sperm from site of production to exit of the body naming all structures on the way

Answer 17

Start in the epididymis then travel through vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, prostate gland and out through the urethra

Question 18

Describe two age related changes that occur in older men

Answer 18

Decreased testosterone levels result in decreased sexual desire, fewer viable sperm and decreased muscular strength.
Enlarged prostate may cause increased urination, decreased force of stream, incontinence, bed wetting and sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder

Question 19

Describe the changes to the reproductive system that occur at the onset of puberty.

Answer 19

At 12-14 years GnRH triggers production of FSH and LH to stimulate production of sperm.