Male reproductive - Tutorial 6 Flashcards
Describe the location and function of the scrotum
- Location: A hairy sac of skin and connective tissue that hangs outside the pelvic cavity at the root of the penis
Function: The scrotum helps regulate the temperature of the testes, by contraction of the cremaster muscle to either pull the scrotum closer to the body in cold weather or to hang more loosely in warm weather
State the specific function of the cremaster & dartos muscles
In cold conditions the testes are pulled closer to the pelvic floor and the warmth of the body by the cremaster muscle and dartos muscle
State the 3 functions of the Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells
- Control release of sperm into lumen of the seminiferous tubule
- Produce testicular fluid for transport of sperm
- Supports and provide nutrients for 70 days while the cells undergo meiosis and develop into sperm
-Sometimes called a “nurse cell” because of it’s role in nurturing the developing sperm cells
Describe the specific functions of the acrosome, mitochondria & tail of the
sperm cell
- Acrosome: is a cap-like vesicle containing enzymes to help the sperm penetrate the secondary oocyte for fertilization
- Tail: propels the sperm
- Mitochondria: is contained in the midpiece of the sperm, provides energy so that the tail can propel the sperm through the female reproductive tract
Name the hormones involved in spermatogenesis beginning from the
Hypothalamus
- GnRH
- LH
- FSH
State 3 functions of testosterone
- Controls the growth, development, functioning and maintenance of sex organs
- Stimulates sperm maturation, bone growth and protein synthesis
- Stimulates development of male secondary sex characterises during puberty
Describe the location of and 3 functions of the epididymis
- Site for sperm to mature and gain mobility over 14 days
- Stores sperm
- Propels sperm into ductus (vas) deferens by peristalsis during sexual arousal
State the function of the Ductus (vas) deferens
- Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra by peristalsis
- Can store sperm for several months
Name the structures located in the spermatic cord
- Testicular blood vessels
- Autonomic nerves
- Lymphatic vessels
- Ductus (vas) deferens
- Cremaster muscle
Describe the location and state the function of the ejaculatory duct
- Location: The ductus (vas) deferens leads to the short ejaculatory duct, the duct runs through the superior aspect of the prostate gland
Function: The ejaculatory duct ejects sperm and seminal vesicle secretions into urethra just before ejaculation
Describe the location and state the function of the prostate gland
- Location: A golf-sized gland that encircles the urethra just inferior to the urinary bladder
- Function: During ejaculation smooth muscles contracts squeezing glandular secretions into the urethra via several ducts
Describe the location and state the function of the bulbourethral glands
- Location: Small glands located inferiorly to the prostate gland at the root of the penis
Function: Produce a thick, clear, alkaline mucus which drains into the urethra and lubricates the male urethra during sexual excitement. Neutralises acidic urine
Describe the function of the urethra
It carries urine out of the bladder and propels semen along the length of the penis for discharge during ejaculation
Explain why a male doesn’t urinate during ejaculation
During ejaculation a smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the urinary bladder closes (involuntary/reflex action), preventing urine from entering the urethra and preventing semen entering the urinary bladder
Describe two age related changes that occur in older men.
- At 55 yrs decreased testosterone results in decreased muscular strength, fewer viable sperm (amount is not affected) and decreased sexual desire
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia) can cause frequent urination, decreased force of urine stream, sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder (this is not cancerous but often requires treatment)
