Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Where do sex organs originate?
Males and females - Abdominal cavity
What happens in the 3rd month of embryonic development to allow the sex organs to develop?
Genes on the sex chromosomes start causing differentiation
What does the process of sex organ development look like in males?
The testes descend through a canal into the scrotum.
Why do the testes need to exist outside the body?
Sperm can’t develop at normal body temp (34 vs. 37 degrees C)
What prevents the testes from re-entering the body?
Thin membrane formed over the canal where they dropped from.
What happens to sperm as they develop and mature?
- Move through the seminiferous tubules within the testes
2. Through efferent ducts to the epididymis
What happens as the sperm move through the epididymis tube?
Maturation and storage of sperm
What happens during ejaculation?
Muscular contractions cause sperm to move into the vas deferens
The function of the vas deferens?
Carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
What is the gland connected to the ejaculatory duct called and what does it do?
Seminal vesicle. Produces fluids that combine with sperm to form semen.
Which glands contribute fluid to semen?
The Seminal vesicle produces fluids that will combine with sperm to form semen. The prostate (an exocrine gland) secretes prostate fluid to contribute to the volume of semen.
How does semen exit the body?
Male intromittent gland called the penis through the urethra.
Does the urethra have an additional function?
Yes! Expels urine from the bladder and semen, but never at the same time.
Which gland is responsible for secreting the fluid that neutralizes the acidity of the urethra and lubricates the urethra upon arousal?
Pea shaped gland called bulbourethral gland or Cowper’s gland.
What happens during ejaculation?
Sphincter responsible for closing off the bladder at the end of the bladder neck tightens and forces semen to exit through the urethra.
