Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Spermatogensis
- Spermatogonium - 46 pairs
*1st meiotic division
- Secondary spermatocyte - 2 sets of 23 pairs
*2nd meiotic division
- Spermatids - 4 sets of 23 pairs
*differentiation
- Sperm
Sertoli Cells
cells where spermatids develop in the tubules of the testes, provide nutrients during differentiation & release inhibin
Lumen
hollow centre of seminiferous tubule
acrosome
surrounds head of sperm, contains enzymes for breaking down protective layer surrounding egg to allow chromosomes to enter
Midpiece of sperm
- has mitochondria and sucrose
- generates ATP for tail
Path of Sperm
testes -> epididymis -> vas deferens -> seminal vesicle -> prostate glands -> urethra -> bulbourethral/cowper’s gland ->penis
Testes
- suspended outside body (temp. regulation)
- enclosed by scrotum
- production of sperm (in seminiferous tubules)
- production of androgens (testosterone) in interstitial cells
epididymis
maturation and storage of sperm
vas deferens
conducts sperm from epididymis to urethra
seminal vesicle
- produces seminal fluid (source of fructose) (semen = seminal fluid + sperm)
- produces prostaglandins → uterine contractions
prostate glands
produces alkaline solution (basic) HCO3- to neutralize acidic environment of vagina
bulbourethral/cowpers gland
produces mucus secretions for lubrication
what closes urethra connection to bladder during erections
prostate gland
what happens when mechanoreceptors in glans penis are stimulated?
→ parasympathetic supply to bulbourethral glands and urethral glands → mucus → lubrication
→ sympathetic & parasympathetic supply to penile arteries
- penile arteries dilate
- erection
- compress veins
gnrh
stimulates anterior pituitary to release LH & FSH
