male reproductive system Flashcards
What is the main male sex organ?
A pair of testes in the scrotum.
Name the ducts and tubules in the male reproductive system.
Seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, and urethra.
What are the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
Prostate gland, Cowper’s gland, and seminal vesicles.
What are the external genitalia of the male reproductive system?
The penis and scrotum.
What is the function of the testes?
To produce sperm cells and testosterone.
Why is the scrotum important?
It protects the testes and maintains a temperature 2–3°C lower than body temperature for sperm production.
What is the function of the epididymis?
It stores immature spermatids until they mature into sperm cells.
What does the vas deferens do?
It transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
What is the function of the urethra in males?
It transports urine and semen out of the body.
What does the prostate gland do?
It produces a nutrient-rich fluid that provides energy for sperm cells.
What is the function of Cowper’s glands?
They produce mucus to help with sperm movement.
What do the seminal vesicles produce?
Alkaline fluid to neutralize vaginal acids that could kill sperm.
What are seminiferous tubules?
Tubules inside the testes where sperm cells are produced.
What is the function of Sertoli cells?
They provide nutrients to spermatids, helping them mature into sperm cells
What are the Cells of Leydig responsible for?
Producing testosterone.
: What are two functions of testosterone?
Development of male secondary sexual characteristics and stimulation of sperm maturation
Why are the testes located outside the body?
To regulate temperature, ensuring optimal sperm production.
How does the scrotum regulate temperature?
By moving the testes closer to the body in cold conditions and further away in warm conditions.
