Male Reproductive System

Question 1

Testis

Answer 1

Responsible for the production of sperm and testosterone

Question 2

Epididymis

Answer 2

Site where sperm matures and develops the ability to be motile - mature sperm is stored here until ejaculation

Question 3

Vas Deferens

Answer 3

Long tube which conducts sperm from the testes to the prostate gland (which connects to the urethra) during ejaculation

Question 4

Seminal Vesicle

Answer 4

Secretes fluid containing fructose (to nourish sperm), mucus (to protect sperm) and prostaglandin (triggers uterine contractions)

Question 5

Prostate gland

Answer 5

Secretes an alkaline fluid it neutralise vaginal acids (necessary to maintain sperm viability)

Question 6

Urethra

Answer 6

Conducts super from the prostate gland to the outside of the body via penis (also used to convey urine)

Question 7

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

1. Produced by?
2. Function?

Answer 7

1. The hypothalamus

2. Stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release gonadotropins that act on the gonads (testes)

Question 8

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

1. Umbrella hormone
2. Function?

Answer 8

1. Gonadotropin

2. Stimulates the leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone

Question 9

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer 9

1. Gonadotropin

2. Stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testes to facilitate sperm production

Question 10

Testosterone

Answer 10

Stimulates sperm production (and development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty)

Question 11

Spermatogenesis

1. Occurs?

Answer 11

1. Spermatogenesis (sperm production) occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
   2.

Question 12

Spermatogonia

Answer 12

Which undergo meiosis to make spermatids

Question 13

Spermatids

Answer 13

They differentiate into functional spermatozoa, which then released into the lumen of the tube.

Question 14

4 steps of spermatogenisis

Answer 14

1. The basement membrane of each tubule is lined by germ line epithelium which at puberty divide by mitosis to make spermatogonia
2. The spermatids differentiate into functional spermatozoa, which are then released into the lumen of the tubule
3. These developing spermatozoa are nourished by Sertoli cells, which reside in the tubule lining
4. Outside of the tubules are blood capillaries and interstitial cells (Leydig cells) which produce testosterone

Question 15

Sperm structure

Answer 15

They are composed of three main regions: the head, the mid-piece and the tail