Male Reproductive System

Question 1

Penis

Answer 1

External sex organ designed to delivery sperm to the female.

• part of the urinary and reproductive system
• contains erectile tissue
• contains urethra

Question 2

Enlarged Tip of Penis

Answer 2

Glans penis

Question 3

Prepuce

Answer 3

Foreskin

Question 4

Scrotum

Answer 4

Divided sac of skin that hangs outside of the abdominal cavity.

• contains 2 testes
• keeps temperature of testes 1-3 degrees lower than regular body temperature to ensure healthy sperm
• moves closer or further to regulate temperature

Question 5

Testicles

Answer 5

“Testes”: 2 oval-shaped glands

• produce sperm in seminiferous tubules
• produces male sex hormone TESTOSTERONE in interstitial cells surrounding seminiferous tubules

Question 6

Seminiferous Tubules

Answer 6

Tightly packed tubes that are “sperm factories” inside testes.

• sperm divide and differentiate into mature sperm, spermatogenesis
• takes 9-10 weeks to mature

Question 7

Sertoli Cells

Answer 7

Protect & nourish developing sperm until they are mature.

Question 8

Spermatogenic Cells

Answer 8

Produce Sperm

Question 9

Interstitial Cells

Answer 9

Cells surrounding seminiferous tubules

-where testosterone is produced (stimulates spermatogenesis)

Question 10

Epididymis

Answer 10

Compacted long coiled tube on exterior of testes

• where sperm mature
• temporary storage for immature sperm
• sperm school

Question 11

Vas Deferens

Answer 11

Tube that connects epididymis and transports sperm to urethra.
-connects to urethra through the ejaculatory duct

Question 12

Urethra

Answer 12

Shared tube in males for both urine and semen (but never at the same time)
-sphincter at the base of the urethra is closed by erection so urine cannot enter

Question 13

Sperm

Answer 13

Haploid gamete cell (23 chromosomes)

• have a head with an acrosome which contains enzymes to help penetrate egg and a nucleus (holds DNA)
• middle part has mitochondria to produce ATP for movement
• flagella (tail) for swimming

Question 14

Ejaculation

Answer 14

Process by which semen is released via the penis.

-sperm leaves as SEMEN which provides medium for swimming

Question 15

Semen

Answer 15

mixture containing sperm and seminal fluid.

Question 16

Seminal Fluid

Answer 16

Fluid part of semen secreted by the prostate gland, cowper’s gland, and seminal vesicles.

Question 17

Prostate Gland

Answer 17

Large gland surrounding part of the urethra

-produces alkaline fluid that activates sperm to swim and protects them from acidic vagina

Question 18

Cowper’s Gland

Answer 18

aka Bulbourethral Gland (very small)

-secretes alkaline fluid before ejaculation to neutralize acidity of urethra left from urine and lubricates

Question 19

Seminal Vesicles

Answer 19

Two glands that connect to vas deferens, contains fructose for energy for sperm, and prostagladins which stimulate uterine contractions in female to help sperm move toward egg.

Question 20

Pathway of Sperm

Answer 20

Seminiferous tubules (production) -> epididymis (sperm school) -> vas deferens (passes seminal vessicles, prostate gland and cowper’s gland) -> urethra