Male reproductive system L1 Flashcards
What are the male gonads?
Testes
What is male puberty?
Males must be able to produce and ejaculate semen (point where reproduction is
possible)
What is the prepuce?
(foreskin) – serves a protective function (sometimes removed in circumcision)
What is the glans (glans penis)?
Expanded tip of the penis
What is the corpus cavernosa?
Erectile tissue, fills with blood producing an erection
What is corpus spongiosa?
Soft erectile tissue
What is the urethra?
carries sperm and urine (never at the same time – a sphincter controls urine excretion)
What parts make up the penis?
- Prepuce
- Glans
- Corpus cavernosa
- Corpus spongiosa
- Urethra
How do erections happen?
It is produced by trapping of blood in corpus cavernosa in response to stimulation of parasympathetic nervous system
* Arteries dilate (increased blood flow in)
* Veins constrict (decreased blood flow out)
What is the prostate gland?
Produces alkaline buffer to protect sperm from acidic vagina (30% of semen volume)
What is the vas deferens?
Also know as the (ductus deferens) – tube that carries sperm from testes to urethra
What is the seminal vesicle?
Sacs under bladder secrete fructose (food for sperm) and prostaglandins (stimulates uterine contractions - help sperm move up uterus); 60% of total semen volume
What is the ejaculatory duct?
Connects vas deferens to urethra
What is the cowper’s?
(bulbourethral) gland – secretes clear, salty
mucous for lubrication and neutralizes acidic male urethra (10% of semen volume)
What is the epididymis?
Coiled tube attached to outer edge of testis, where sperm complete development
