The Reproductive System Pt.1 - Male Reproductive

Question 1

What structures surround the urinary bladder?

Answer 1

Pubic symphysis is anterior to it as well as the prostrate being inferior to it

Question 2

What are the testes and where are they located?

Answer 2

• The male gonads and are considered accessory endocrine glands b/c they produce testosterone
• Found sitting in the scrotum and inferior to the epididymis

Question 3

Purpose of scrotum keeping the Testes externally away from the core of the body?

Answer 3

Cooler than the core of the body which helps regulate the development of sperm

Note: Scrotum made of smooth muscle wall

Question 4

What is the epididymis in charge of and where is it located?

Answer 4

In the scrotum sitting on top of the testes where is helps with maturation of the sperm

Question 5

After the epididymis where does the sperm leave through?

Answer 5

Ductus (vas) deferens

Question 6

Where does the vas deferens originate and where does it go?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What does the vas deferens widen to form posterior to the bladder?

Answer 7

Ampulla of vas deferens

Question 8

Where is the root of penis located and what is it?

Answer 8

Located inferiorly to the prostate and it is the beginning of the penis

Root of penis internal; body of penis external

Note: Root of penis is located internally which eventually turns into the body of penis externally

Question 9

How long does sperm stay in the Testes for until it is ready to fertilize an egg?

Answer 9

For a couple of months due to development in the epididymis

2-3 months in the epididymis maturing

Question 10

Describe the development of the sperm in the epididymis

Answer 10

1. Initially develops at the seminiferous tubule
2. Goes to the straight tubule into the Rete Testis
3. Rete Testis ==> Efferent Duct
4. Efferent Duct ==> Vas deferens

Sperm moves from the vas deferens to the spermatic to eventually be ejected

Question 11

Describe the structure of the epididymis

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Testes have several layers of smooth muscle, fascia, & double peritoneum layer (tunica vaginalis). What is the purpose of this?

Answer 12

It’s to add protection as this is the site where sperm is being made

Anterior-Interior view of scrotum

Question 13

What surrounds the spermatic cord and where is it located?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

After the ductus deferens moves over the bladder laterally and posteriorly w/ other structures what does it turn into?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What is the semina vesicle responsible for doing and what does it connect to?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What is ejaculate?

Answer 16

Sperm + fluid (the sperm needs nutrients in order for it to make it to the ovum and fertilize it)

Question 17

Where is the ejaculatory duct located and where does it empty into?

Answer 17

The ejaculatory duct pierces the prostate wall and empties into the beginning of the male urethra called the prostatic urethra

Question 18

What function does the prostate have that is similar to the seminal vesicle?

Answer 18

Adds more fluids/nutrients to sperm

Note: The prostrate is split into three parts: Prostatic urethra, Intermediate Urethra & Spongy (Penile) Urethra

Question 19

If the sperm and urine both go through the urethra, how does the body control which one to let out?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Where is the intermediate urethra found?

Answer 20

Inferior to the prostatic urethra and is very small

Note: Bulbourethal gland sits inferior to the prostate but laterally to the intermediate urethra

Question 21

What is the last section of the urethra called and where is it located?

Answer 21

Spongy (penile) urethra and it is located just inferior to the intermediate urethra and medial to the bulb

Question 22

Why is the bulbourethal (Cowper’s) gland different from the seminal vesicle and prostrate?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Where are the bulb and crus of the penis located with respect to the intermediate urethra?

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

The body of penis is made of two things. What are they and where are they located?

Answer 24

1. Corpora Cavernosa Penis - anterior to the corpus and sympathetic signals will flood this area with blood to cause erection of the penis
2. 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