Unit B - Reproduction (Male system) Flashcards
What is the difference between primary and secondary sec characteristics?
Primary - at birth
Secondary - at puperty
What are the three main functions of the of the male reproduction system?
- Produce male gamete
- Produce male sex hormones
- Deliver gamete
What makes a male, male?
The SRY gene
Upregulates genes for development of male reporductive system
Suppresses the female sex-determining pathway
do not need to know the upregulates and suppresses part in great detail.
What are the functions of the testes?
- produce sperm (spermatogenisis)
- produce male sex hormones
What is the function of the Seminiferous Tubules?
what cell helps its function?
- Produce sperm cells
- Have sertoli cells that nourish developing sperm
What are the three stages of sperm cells?
Spermatogonium → Spermatocytes → Sperm cells
What are the two functions of sertoli cells?
Nourish developing sperm cells and produce Inhibin
Where are interstitial cells found?
Outside/between seminiferous tubules.
What are interstitial cells stimulated by __ to produce __
LH to produce testosterone.
Why are the scrotum and the testies lower than the rest of the body?
In order for sperm to properly develop (need lower temperature)
What is the function of the scrotum?
To hold the testies
What are signs that a male is infertile?
- the testies haven’t fallen yet
What is the function of the Vas Deferens?
Carry sperm from the testes to the urethra.
What is the function of the Ejaculatory Duct?
Regulates the movement of sperm and fluids (semenal fluid)
What is the function of the sphincter?
Ensures that EITHER semenal fluid or urine goes through the urethra
What nervous system causes an erection? How does it do this?
Parasympathetic
Dilation of arteries, compresses veins,
What system causes ejaculation?
Sympatetic nervous system
What are the four parts of the sperm cell?
Acrosome
Head
Midpiece
Flagellum
Where are mitochondria found in sperm?
The mid piece
What propells sperm?
Flagellum
What caps head of sperm? What is it made off?
Acrosome
Filled with enzymes that dissolve outer coating of egg
Can one sperm weaken the outer coating of egg?
No, several are nessesary.
What is the function of the epididymus?
Stores sperm cells where they completely mature
What are the three glands that contribute to seminal fluid?
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Cowpers gland
What does the seminal vesicles secrete?
- energy
- prostaglandins (causes contractions in female)
What does the Prostate Gland secrete?
Alkaline (basic) buffers
protect sperm from acidic vagina
What does the Cowpers gland secrete?
Mucus - protects sperm
What are the two main sex horomones in a male?
Androsterone and Testosterone
Where are testosterone and androsterone produced?
Interstitial cells
What promotes development of secondary sex characteristics in men?
Testosterone
What is the feeback loop for testosterone?
Hypothalamus → GnRH → Anterior Pituitary → LH → Interstitial cells → Testosterone
Testosterone stimulates Seminiferous tubules
What is the feeback loop for sperm / inhibin production?
Hypothalamus → GnRH → Anterior Pituitary → FSH → Seritoli & seminiferous tubules → Inhibin and sperm
What is the negitive feedback loop in the male reproduction system?
Testosterone and/OR Inhibin → Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland
