The Reproductive System Pt.1 - Male Reproductive Flashcards
What structures surround the urinary bladder?
Pubic symphysis is anterior to it as well as the prostrate being inferior to it
What are the testes and where are they located?
- The male gonads and are considered accessory endocrine glands b/c they produce testosterone
- Found sitting in the scrotum and inferior to the epididymis
Purpose of scrotum keeping the Testes externally away from the core of the body?
Cooler than the core of the body which helps regulate the development of sperm
Note: Scrotum made of smooth muscle wall
What is the epididymis in charge of and where is it located?
In the scrotum sitting on top of the testes where is helps with maturation of the sperm
After the epididymis where does the sperm leave through?
Ductus (vas) deferens
Where does the vas deferens originate and where does it go?
Originates at the spermatic cord (inferior to the scrotum), moves up and over the pubic symphysis and above the urinary bladder & moves posterior to the urinary bladder
What does the vas deferens widen to form posterior to the bladder?
Ampulla of vas deferens
Where is the root of penis located and what is it?
Located inferiorly to the prostate and it is the beginning of the penis
Note: Root of penis is located internally which eventually turns into the body of penis externally
How long does sperm stay in the Testes for until it is ready to fertilize an egg?
For a couple of months due to development in the epididymis
2-3 months in the epididymis maturing
Describe the development of the sperm in the epididymis
- Initially develops at the seminiferous tubule
- Goes to the straight tubule into the Rete Testis
- Rete Testis ==> Efferent Duct
- Efferent Duct ==> Vas deferens
Sperm moves from the vas deferens to the spermatic to eventually be ejected
Describe the structure of the epididymis
Head of epididymis is superior to the other structures including the efferent duct, straight tubule, etc.
Tail of epididymis is the most inferior section of the epididymis
Testes have several layers of smooth muscle, fascia, & double peritoneum layer (tunica vaginalis). What is the purpose of this?
It’s to add protection as this is the site where sperm is being made
What surrounds the spermatic cord and where is it located?
Carries nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels; takes the ductus deferens back up into the abdomen
- Run from inferior part of scrotum into the body
After the ductus deferens moves over the bladder laterally and posteriorly w/ other structures what does it turn into?
Widens and forms the Ampulla deferens which sits posterior to the urinary bladder and is medial and superior to the seminal vesicle which it joins with
What is the semina vesicle responsible for doing and what does it connect to?
Produces fluid (nutrients) that is added to the sperm to help w/journey to the ovum and it connects to ampulla of deferens to make the ejaculatory duct
What is ejaculate?
Sperm + fluid (the sperm needs nutrients in order for it to make it to the ovum and fertilize it)
Where is the ejaculatory duct located and where does it empty into?
The ejaculatory duct pierces the prostate wall and empties into the beginning of the male urethra called the prostatic urethra
What function does the prostate have that is similar to the seminal vesicle?
Adds more fluids/nutrients to sperm
Note: The prostrate is split into three parts: Prostatic urethra, Intermediate Urethra & Spongy (Penile) Urethra
If the sperm and urine both go through the urethra, how does the body control which one to let out?
Sphincters (smooth muscle made) are found in the urethra that close off the urinary bladder or ejaculatory duct to control what needs to be released
Where is the intermediate urethra found?
Inferior to the prostatic urethra and is very small
Note: Bulbourethal gland sits inferior to the prostate but laterally to the intermediate urethra
What is the last section of the urethra called and where is it located?
Spongy (penile) urethra and it is located just inferior to the intermediate urethra and medial to the bulb
Why is the bulbourethal (Cowper’s) gland different from the seminal vesicle and prostrate?
Although it produces fluid in the Intermediate Urethra it is not used for helping semen, rather it lubricates and cleanses the urethra of urine
Note: Does this all the time, not when semen is produced
Where are the bulb and crus of the penis located with respect to the intermediate urethra?
- Bulb is inferior to the intermediate urethra and it is more medial and posterior with respect to the crus and continues down
- Crus is inferior but closer to the intermediate urethra but is more anterior and lateral to the bulb
Note: Both are made of erectile tissue, but the bulb is attached to the perineal muscle superior to it and the crus originates on the pubic bone
The body of penis is made of two things. What are they and where are they located?
- Corpora Cavernosa Penis - anterior to the corpus and sympathetic signals will flood this area with blood to cause erection of the penis
- Corpus Spongiosum Penis - Bulb forms this and the urethra travels through this and the bulb; it is found more posterior to the crura (Corpora cavernosa is an extension of the crura)
Note: Glans penis is an extension of Corpus spongiosum penis