The Male Reproductive System Flashcards
spermatogenesis
the synthesis of sperm
androgens
male sex hormones
testes
male gonads (aka testicles)
what are the two roles of the testes?
1) spermatogenesis
2) secretion of male sex hormones (androgens)
seminiferous tubules
sites of spermatogenesis, formed by sustentacular cells
sustentacular cells
make up the seminiferous tubules, protect and nurture the developing sperm both physically and chemically
interstitial cells
makes up the tissue between seminiferous tubules, responsible for androgen synthesis
epididymis
a long coiled tube located on the posterior of each testicle into which the seminiferous tubules empty
ductus deferns
tube in which the epididymis from each testicle empties
urethra
the tube inside the penis
inguinal canal
a tunnel that travels along the body wall toward the crest of the hip bone, path followed by the ductus deferens after it leaves the scrotum and before it joins with the urethra
ejaculatory duct
joining of the seminal vesicle with the ductus deferens, joins from both sides of the body to form the urethra
seminal vesicles
pair of glands located on the posterior surface of the bladder, secrete 60% of the total volume of the semen, secretes mostly fructose (nourishment of sperm)
semen
a highly nourishing fluid for sperm, produced by 3 glands (prostate, seminal, bulbourethral) and 2% of sperm from testes
prostate gland
secretes fructose and a coagulant, functions for nourishment and allows semen to coagulate after ejaculation (35% of semen)
boubourethral gands
secretes thick, alkaline mucus an functions to lubricate urethra and neutralize acids in male urethra and in female vagina (3% of semen)
accessory glands
seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, testes (each produces a component of sperm)
erectile tissue
specialized tissue in the penis that allows erection (corpus cavernosum-2 and corpus spongiosum)
what are the 3 stages of the male sexual act?
arousal, orgasm, resolution
arousal
dependent upon parasympathetic nervous input, can be divided can erection and lubrication
erection
involves dilation of arteries supplying the erectile tissue which causes swelling, which in turn obstructs venous outflow which causes erectile tissue to become pressurized with blood
lubrication
a function of the parasympathetic system, bulbourethral glands secrete a viscous mucous which serves as a lubricant
orgasm
requires stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system and can be divided into 2 stages: emission and ejaculation
emission
the propulsion of sperm (from the ductus deferens) and semen (from the accessory glands) into the urethra by contractions of the smooth muscle surrounding these organs
ejaculation
semen is propelled out of the urethra by rhythmic contractions of muscles surrounding the base of the penis
resolution
return to a normal, unstimulated state, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system which causes constriction of the erectile arteries and decreases blood flow to the erectile tissue, which allows the veins to carry away the trapped blood
what are the gametes produced by the male?
spermatozoa
what are the gametes produced by the female?
ova