Week 12 Science and Scholarship: Reproduction Flashcards
list the functions of the male reproductive system
sperm cell production
sperm cell transfer
sex hormone production
Describe sperm cell production as a function of the male reproductive system
spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubes of the testes
describe sperm cell transfer as a function of the male reproductive system
sperm transport through the vas deferens and urethra during ejaculation
Describe sex hormone production as a function of the male reproductive system
testosterone secretion by leydig cells in the testes
what are primary vs secondary sex organs
-Primary sex organs are the gonads; produce gametes and sex hormones; includes testes which produce sperm and androgens
-secondary sex organs are essential for caring and transporting sperm cells, include ducts (eg epididymites) which transport sperm, and accessory sex glands (eg prostate) which sustain sperm, and the penis which transfers sperm
what are secondary sex characteristics
features that are not essential for the reproductive process, but are generally considered social attractants eg body physique, hair and voice pitch or fat to breasts/abdomen and hips
name the male secondary sex characteristics
libido
growth of larynx and deeper voice
facial/body hair
developing muscle mass
external genitalia development
function of the testes
male reproductive organs that are responsible for producing sperm cells and testosterone (hormone)
describe scrotum
pouch of skin that houses and protects the testes in the male reproductive system
describe epididymis
a coiled tube located on outer posterior of each testicle, where sperm cells mature and are stored, transports sperm from testes to vas deferens
describe vas deferens
long fibromuscular tube that transport mature sperm cells from the epididymis to ejaculatory duct
describe ejaculatory ducts
short ducts formed by union of vas deferens and seminal vesicles, through which sperm and seminal fluid pass during ejaculation
describe seminal vesicle
sac-like structure that secrete a fluid (60-70% of volume of semen) rich in nutrients and fructose,
describe prostate gland
walnut-sized gland located below bladder that produces milky fluid containing enzymes, added to semen during ejaculation (contributes 20-30% of semen volume)
describe urethra
tube serving as a common passageway for both semen and urine. running through the penis (base to tip) and allowing elimination of waste and release of sperm
describe bulbourethral gland
aka Cowper’s gland, peas sized and paired,
-secretes a clear fluid that lubricates
-neutralises acidity of urethra prior to ejaculation by releasing alkaline mucous
describe penis
male external sex organ, responsible for transferring sperm into female reproductive system in sexual intercourse
name the components of male reproductive system
testes
scrotum
vas deferens
prostate gland
penis
epididymis
seminal vesicles
ejaculatory ducts
urethra
bulbourethral gland
structure of scrotum
-layer of smooth muscle (dartos)
-two skeletal cremaster muscles that descend from the abdomen and cover each teste, like a muscular net
-rich blood and nerve supply
function of scrotum
-to support and protect the testes
-to help regulate temperature of testes (35 degrees)
optimal temperature of testes
35 degrees ( 2 degree below normal)
why do testes require a temperature of 35 degrees
-enables optimal sperm production and testicular function
-ensures normal metabolism
-decreases risk of testicular cancer
name the mechanisms to regulate temperature of testes
-external location
-cremaster muscle
-dartos muscle
-counter-current heat exchange
how does external location regulate taste temperature
testes are located externally, away from warm pelvic cavity