Male reproductive tract Flashcards
What are the internal structures of the male genitalia?
- seminal vesicles
- vas deferens
- prostate
What are the external structures of the male genitalia?
- penis
- scrotum
- testes
What is the function of the testes?
they produce and store sperm (at 34 degrees)
How many sperm are produced?
290 million daily
Where are the testes descended from?
Testes are descended from the posterior abdominal wall to the scrotum
Why are the testes situated externally?
They require cooler temperatures to cool the sperm
What is the testicular blood supply?
Testicular arteries and veins via the spermatic duct
What is the inguinal canal?
two passages in the anterior abdominal wall which in males convey the spermatic cords
What is the epididymis?
tightly coiled mass of thin tubes that carries sperm from the testes to the ductus deferens in the male reproductive system.
- stores and matures sperm
What is the relationship of the epididymis with the testes?
The epididymis lies above and is loosely attached to the testes
Structure and shape of the prostate gland
Fibro-glandular structure
shape of an inverted cone
situated at the base of the bladder
What is the function of the prostate gland?
- Liquefies sperm
- Produces the main water content of the ejaculatory fluid and contains sticky chemicals
Which structure passes through the gland, from base to apex?
The prostatic urethra passes through the prostate gland, from base to apex
When does benign prostatic hyperplasia exist in relation to age?
50%, 70% and 90% of men aged 50, 70 & 90 respectively and causes significant problems
What are the seminal vesicles? what is their relation to the prostate?
Seminal vesicles are glands that are found superiorly and laterally in relation to the prostate- function being to produce
