Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Penis
External sex organ designed to delivery sperm to the female.
- part of the urinary and reproductive system
- contains erectile tissue
- contains urethra
Enlarged Tip of Penis
Glans penis
Prepuce
Foreskin
Scrotum
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
Testicles
“Testes”: 2 oval-shaped glands
- produce sperm in seminiferous tubules
- produces male sex hormone TESTOSTERONE in interstitial cells surrounding seminiferous tubules
Seminiferous Tubules
Tightly packed tubes that are “sperm factories” inside testes.
- sperm divide and differentiate into mature sperm, spermatogenesis
- takes 9-10 weeks to mature
Sertoli Cells
Protect & nourish developing sperm until they are mature.
Spermatogenic Cells
Produce Sperm
Interstitial Cells
Cells surrounding seminiferous tubules
-where testosterone is produced (stimulates spermatogenesis)
Epididymis
Compacted long coiled tube on exterior of testes
- where sperm mature
- temporary storage for immature sperm
- sperm school
Vas Deferens
Tube that connects epididymis and transports sperm to urethra.
-connects to urethra through the ejaculatory duct
Urethra
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
Sperm
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
Ejaculation
Process by which semen is released via the penis.
-sperm leaves as SEMEN which provides medium for swimming
Semen
mixture containing sperm and seminal fluid.
Seminal Fluid
Fluid part of semen secreted by the prostate gland, cowper’s gland, and seminal vesicles.
Prostate Gland
Large gland surrounding part of the urethra
-produces alkaline fluid that activates sperm to swim and protects them from acidic vagina
Cowper’s Gland
aka Bulbourethral Gland (very small)
-secretes alkaline fluid before ejaculation to neutralize acidity of urethra left from urine and lubricates
Seminal Vesicles
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.
Pathway of Sperm
Seminiferous tubules (production) -> epididymis (sperm school) -> vas deferens (passes seminal vessicles, prostate gland and cowper’s gland) -> urethra
