male reproductive system review Flashcards
Four components of semen
Seminal vesicles:
Prostate glands
Bulbourethral glands
Testes:
produces sperm cells
testes
releases mucus that cleans urethra
Bulbourethral glands
activities the sperm and allows the sperm to move
30% volume of semen
prostate glands
produce a sugary fluid (fructose) for energy
60% volume of the semen
seminal vesicles
describe the journey of a sperm from creation until the exit of the body
seminiferous tubules in the testes –> epididymis –> ductus deferens –> ejaculatory duct –> urethra
describe the structure of a sperm and how it relates to its function
head of sperm: Nucleus (DNA), acrosomal cap (allows sperm to penetrate the egg for fertilization)
middle piece: mitochondria produces energy for the sperm to move
Tail: helps whip the sperm along to fertilize the egg
how do the testes maintain homeostasis
by staying at a cooler temp. than the rest of the body which is needed for healthy sperm production
the scrotum moves testes closer to the body when its cold and further away when its hot to keep the right temp.
what happens during an erection
blood fills the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum
what are the two erectile tissues found in the penis?
corpus cavernosa + corpus spongiosum
corpus cavernosum
two large columns that fill with most of the blood making penis firm
top side (anterior)
corpus spongiosum
surrounds the urethra and keeps it open during ejaculation
bottom side
what role does the anteiror pituitary play in reporduction
it releases hormones like FSH and LH which control sperm production in males
LH:
stimulates the testes to produce and release testosterone
FSH:
stimulates sperm production in the testes
why is testosterone so important
it controls sperm production and develops male traits like deeper voice, muscle + bone growth, and body hair.
