testes Flashcards
describe the structure of the testis
each testis is oval in shape, approximately 4.5cm long and 2.5 cm wide and 3 cm thick. internally they are divide into between 200 and 300 lobules, or compartments filled with fine tubes called seminiferous tubules. these tubules are lined with cells that produce the male gametes
why are the testes located outside the body.
the production and development of sperm requires a temperature that is about 2 degrees lower than the normal body temperature. therefore the testes lie in the scrotum, outside the body cavity, due to the body temperature bing much higher at around 37
function of the scrotum
the function of the scrotum is to hold and protect the testes
function of the scrotum
the function of the scrotum is to hold and protect the testes
explain how the scrotum is able to keep a optimal temperature for the testes
with exposure to cold, contraction of smooth muscle fibres in the wall of the scrotum moves the testes closer to the body, where the temperature is slightly higher. if necessary, the same muscles can relax, moving the testes away from the body to keep them cooler
how long can sperm be stored in the epididymis while it matures
up to a month
how long would the tubule be if it was unravelled
5-6 metres
explain the pathway of sperm
the seminiferous tubules in each compartment of the testis join to form a short, straight tubule.
these straight tubules eventually join into ducts, which leave the testis and enter a structure called the epididymis.
the tubule of the epididymis continues to become the vas deferens which carries sperm away from the testis
the vas deferens will join into the urethra, which runs from the bladder, through the penis to the exterior
is the scrotum divided into two pouches
yes, one for each testis
label a diagram of sperm
check
label a diagram of sperm
check
