Module 12 Flashcards
What are Testes?
The site of sperm creation and development in the male reproductive system
Coverings of the Testes
- Tunic Vaginalis and 2. Tunic Albuginea
Tunic Vaginalis
Outer protective covering
Tunic Albuginea
The inner fibrous coat or capsule
Seminiferous Tubules
Where the sperm are produced
Loose Connective Tissue Between Tubules
Leydig cells are found which produce and secrete testosterone
What is Sperm
Gametes of the male reproductive system
4 Regions of the Sperm
- Head 2. Neck 3. Midpiece 4. Tail
Head of Sperm
Flat and an oval shape. Contains the nucleus, which contributes to an X or Y chromosone in the fertalization process
What Else Does the Head Contain
The acrosomal cap, which contains enzymes that are released prior to fertilization to help the sperm penetrate the layer of the egg
Neck of Sperm
Connects to the midpiece
Midpiece of the Sperm
Continuation of the neck with a mitochondrial collar that helps produce energy
Tail of the Sperm
Source of movement
Scrotum
Sac of skin and fascia surrounding the testes. It is derived from the anterior abdominal wall and resides outside of the abdominopelvic cavity
What do the Muscles of the Testes do?
Function to control the temperature of the testes
What are the Muscles of the Testes?
Dartos muscle and cremaster muscle
Dartos Muscle
Located superficially in the skin of the scrotum. Responsible for the rugose appearance of the scrotal sac and helps regulate temperature by altering the exposed surface areas of the scrotum
Cremaster Muscle
A covering of the testis found deep to the scrotal wall
What Does the Cremaster Muscle do?
Reflexively contracts in a cold environment, drawing the testes superiorly in the scrotum, closer to the body wall where they can absorb heat
Male Duct System
The sperm must travel through the duct system to pass out of the body. Each teste has their own duct system
Epididymis
First portion of the male duct system
Regions of the Duct System
Head, body and tail
Ducts - Head
Contains and receives sperm from the seminiferous tubules
Ducts - Body
Lies on the superior and posterior - lateral border of the testis and contains the highly coiled duct of the epididymis