Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Testes
organs that produce sperm cells.
Epididymis
the site of sperm development and maturity
Vasa deferentia (singular: vas deferens)
tubes lined with smooth muscle that carry sperm out of the testes during ejaculation. This is also the site of a vasectomy.
Seminal vesicle
this structure adds fructose and prostaglandins to semen. Fructose serves as an energy source for sperm cells and prostaglandins induce contractions within the female uterus to propel sperm up to the Fallopian tubes.
Prostate gland
the structure adds an alkaline fluid to semen to protect sperm cells from the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.
Bulbourethral gland
this structure secretes mucus to lubricate the urethra before ejaculation. It produces “pre-ejaculatory” fluid.
Urethra
a duct that carries semen or urine out of the body.
Penis
external male reproductive organ that deposits semen into the female vagina.
Scrotum
a sac of skin and muscle that holds the testes external to the body where the temperature is cooler for increased sperm survival.
Bladder
stores urine.
Ejaculatory duct
a tube that is formed when the vas deferens and seminal vesicle meet. Its function is to combine sperm from the testes, alkaline fluid from the prostate, and other fluids from the seminal vesicle before semen is ejaculated.
pathway of sperm
Testes -> Epididymis -> Vas deferens -> Ejaculatory duct in the prostate -> Urethra -> Penis
Semen is ejaculated from the urethra and consists of 95% seminal fluid and 5% sperm cells. The sperm cells come from the testes. The seminal fluid comes from the prostate gland, seminal vesicle, and bulbourethral gland.
What is a vasectomy?
This is a permanent form of birth control for men who do not want to have children. This procedure requires cutting and tying off the vas deferens to block and prevent the release of sperm cells during ejaculation.
