PP3 - Male Genitalia (Reproductive Glands)

Question 1

list the male accessory reproductive organ (4)

Answer 1

prostate
seminal vesicles
ampulla of the vas deferens
bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands

Question 2

what are the seminal vesicles?

Answer 2

paired lobulated glands situated between the bladder and rectum

Question 3

function of the seminal vesicles?

Answer 3

secrete an alkaline fluid (consists of fructose & coagulating enzymes) - contributes to about 70% of the total seminal fluid

Question 4

what does the secretion from the seminal vesicles consist of?

Answer 4

fructose
coagulating enzymes

Question 5

how is the ejaculatory duct formed?

Answer 5

duct of each seminal vesicle merges with the ampulla of the vas deferens - together they form the ejaculatory duct

Question 6

what female gland is the prostate considered homologous to?

Answer 6

the lesser vestibular/ Skene’s glands

Question 7

where is the prostate gland located, and what structure does it surround?

Answer 7

located anterior to the rectum & directly beneath the bladder
surrounds the prostatic urethra

Question 8

function of the prostate gland?

Answer 8

produces prostatic acid which is a slightly acidic secretion - makes up 20-30% of total seminal fluid volume

Question 9

what are the four zones of the prostate?

Answer 9

anterior
peripheral
central
transitional

Question 10

which zone of the prostate is the most common site for prostate cancer? why?

Answer 10

the peripheral zone - as it has the highest concentration of glandular tissue

Question 11

what does prostate cancer originating from the peripheral zone feel like?

Answer 11

feels rock hard - palpable via a digital rectal exam

Question 12

why is the anterior region of the prostate not considered a primary prostate zone?

Answer 12

it’s mainly a fibromuscular area & contains minimal glandular tissue

Question 13

which zone of the prostate isn’t considered a primary prostate zone?

Answer 13

the anterior region

Question 14

why are prostate cancers arising from the central zone considered aggressive?

Answer 14

central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts - prostate cancer is considered aggressive as it can spread to the ducts

Question 15

what prostate zone surrounds the urethra?

Answer 15

transitional zone

Question 16

what structure does the central zone surround?

Answer 16

the ejaculatory ducts

Question 17

what clinical condition is the transitional zone associated with? how does it feel?

Answer 17

benign prostatic hyperplasia - feels ‘bulky’

Question 18

explain how benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect urination

Answer 18

transitional zone surrounds the urethra which is where BPH often occurs

if the transitional zone enlarges due to BPH, it can compress the urethra & cause difficulty with passing urine

Question 19

what does the prostatic urethra do?

Answer 19

runs through the prostate carrying urine and semen

Question 20

what is the urethral crest? what does it form?

Answer 20

ridge along the midline of the prostatic urethra

expands into a circular elevation - forms the seminal colliculus

Question 21

function of the seminal colliculus?

Answer 21

serves as a landmark during a transurethral resection of the prostate (prostate tissue removal)

Question 22

what structure of the male prostate is a homolog of the uterus in females?

Answer 22

prostatic utricle

Question 23

where is the prostatic utricle? what is it a remnant of?

Answer 23

small blind-ended pouch embedded within the seminal colliculus

it’s a remnant of the mesonephric duct during embryological development

Question 24

what do the ejaculatory duct openings of the prostate open into?

Answer 24

open into the seminal colliculus

Question 25

what do the prostatic gland duct openings of the prostate open into? function of this?

Answer 25

open into the prostatic sinus - allow prostatic fluid to enter the urethra

Question 26

what is the internal urethral sphincter? function?

Answer 26

smooth muscle ring that contracts during ejaculation & prevents retrograde flow of semen into the bladder

Question 27

what is the external urethral sphincter? function?

Answer 27

skeletal muscle structure inferior to the prostate - contracts to maintain urinary continence under voluntary control

Question 28

where does the external urethral sphincter lie?

Answer 28

within the deep perineal pouch

Question 29

where is the neck of the bladder located in relation to the prostate?

Answer 29

neck of bladder lies above the prostate - connects to the internal urethral sphincter

Question 30

function of the bulbourethral glands?

Answer 30

release pre-ejaculate fluid into the spongy urethra - help lubricate the urethra before ejaculation

Question 31

within what muscle are the bulbourethral glands embedded in?

Answer 31

external urethral sphincter muscle

Question 32

what structures support and anchor the prostate in place?

Answer 32

held in place by fibromuscular bands
supported by the puboprostatic ligaments and pelvic floor muscles

Question 33

attachment & function of the puboprostatic ligament?

Answer 33

attaches prostate to pubic symphysis

supports & maintains position of the prostate - reduces risk of organ prolapse