Male Reproductive System Flashcards
what are 4 primary sex characteristics of men
testes
penis
scrotum
prostate gland
what 3 functions does the penis combine
erotic
reproductive
excretory
what are the male external genitalia
penis
scrotum
scrotum
sac of skin outside the body, behind the penis.
contains the testicles, which are the gonads and main source of testosterone, and sperm production.
testicles are suspended in scrotum to be kept at slightly cooler temperature than rest of the body for proper function.
has muscles that contract and relax, which help to move testicles closer or farther from the body, to maintain optimal temperature for sperm production
basic parts of the penis
the head: glans
foreskin: loose fold of skin that covers the glans
what is circumcision in men?
removal of foreskin
what sort of structure do penises have that keeps them erect?
hydrostatic skeleton
what are the erectile structures of the penis?
shaft contains pair of corpora cavernosa, and a corpus spongiosum
corpus spongiosum
extends from shaft into the glans
urethral meatus
opening at the end of the penis, semen or urine exit the body
tip of the glans penis
the point of entry for urethral sounding, a medical procedure where a thin tube is inserted into urethra to diagnose or treat certain conditions
the glans of the penis
aka. the head
sensitive, rounded tip of the penis
important in sexual response, rich in nerve endings. very sensitive to touch and stimulation.
high concentration of sensory receptors make it a key part of male sexual response, contributing to arousal, erection and orgasm
what are 2 muscles associated with the penis and what do they do?
the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus
assist with erection and ejaculation
the corona of the penis
area that separates the glans from the shaft
ridge like structure around base of glans
a transition area, no specific function but can be sensitive due to presence of nerve endings and blood vessels
crus of the penis
aka. crura
two masses of erectile tissue that extend from base of penis, attached to pubic bone
main support structure during erection. keep penis upright and maintains erection by providing strong base for blood filled corpora cavernosa and corpus cavernosum
contains deep dorsal vein, which drains blood and helps to maintain erection
bulbourethral glands
aka. Cowper’s glands
located near base of penis. secrete thick, clear fluid called pre-ejaculate (precum)
fluid is released into urethra before ejaculation to help lubricate the urethra and neutralize any acidity from urine to make it more hospitable for sperm
also has enzymes and proteins to help sperm survival
the prostate gland
small, muscular gland that surrounds urethra (tube that carries semen and urine from the body)
main function is to secrete fluid that makes up part of semen
the fluid has enzymes that help nourish and protect sperm. prostate gland also helps propel sperm out of body by contracting rhythmically
prostatic urethra
portion of urethra that passes through the prostate gland. tube that carries urine and semen from the body
look at penis anatomy and cross section!
ok bestie!
dorsal vein
vein that runs along top surface of penis. responsible for carrying blood away from penis, back to the heart. during erection the dorsal vein becomes compressed to prevent blood from flowing back out. the vein also helps transport semen out of the penis during ejaculation
superficial fascia
layer of connective tissue that surrounds the penis and is located beneath the skin.
aka Buck’s fascia
main function is to provide support and to hold blood vessels, nerves and muscles in place. allows penis to expand and become rigid when filled with blood
tunica albuginea
dense fibrous sheath that surrounds the corpora cavernosa
main function is to maintain structural integrity and allow it to become erect while not letting the corpora cavernosa fill too much and also prevents excessive blood loss when ejaculating
medial septum
structure that divides two corpora cavernosa
provides structural support and maintains shape of penis during erection. prevents over expansion of corpora cavernosa and leakage of blood during ejaculation.
corpora cavernosa
columns of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during erection, causing penis to become rigid and erect. also help maintain the erection by trapping blood in penis
urethra
tube that carries urine and semen out of body
urine is stored in the bladder
semen is a fluid that contains sperm and other substances, produced in prostate and other glands
corpus spongiosum
column of erectile tissue around the urethra along underside of penis. fills with blood during erection, but main function is to protect urethra and provide passage for urine and semen.
provides necessary rigidity to head of penis, during erection
how common is penile cancer?
not common. other conditions are more common though
balanitis
inflammation of the glans/tip