Male reproductive system

Question 1

Describe the structure of the testes

Answer 1

Paired oval structure
Contained within scrotum
Encapsulated by tough membranous shell -Tunica Albuginea
Connected to epididymis posteriorly

Question 2

What is the function of the testes?

Answer 2

Sperm production
Sperm storage
Testosterone production

Question 3

What are the roles of the different hormones?

Answer 3

Luteinising hormone - stimulates testes to produce testosterone (produced in anterior lobe of pituitary gland)
Follicle stimulating hormone - Regulates sexual characteristics and functions (produced in anterior lobe of pituitary gland)
Testosterone - Creates and maintains primary growth of testes and prostate with secondary growth and maintenance of mail characteristics, as well as maintenance of libido and production of sperm

Question 4

What is the function of the scrotum?

Answer 4

Contains testes to maintain optimal temperature for sperm production

Question 5

What is the role of the vas deferens and spermatic cord?

Answer 5

Vas deferens transports sperm from testes to pelvis
Spermatic cord contains vas deferens and extends from pelvis to scrotum, suspending the testes

Question 6

What is the Blood/lymphatic/nervous supply of testicles?

Answer 6

Blood - testicular artery from abdominal aorta
Venous drainage - testicular vein to renal vein
Nerve - Testicular plexus arising from para-aortic ganglia
Lymphatic damage - para-aortic and pre-aortic nodes

Question 7

What is the role of the seminal vesicle?

Answer 7

Produce 70-80% of seminal fluid which sperm swims in and gains nourishment from

Seminal duct drains fluid from inferior aspect of seminal vesicles and join with vas deferens to mix fluid with sperm

Question 8

What is the structure and function of the prostate gland?

Answer 8

Urethra passes through centre, situated within bony pelvis in midline.

Produces 20-30% of seminal fluid - alkaline to neutralise acidic environment in female vagina

Question 9

What is the role of the cowper’s glands?

Answer 9

Produce penile lubrication and neutralise acid urine left in urethra

Question 10

What is the internal structure of the penis?

Answer 10

Corpus cavernosum - larger rods on dorsal aspect
Corpus spongiosum - smaller rod on ventral side