Male Reproductive System Anatomy and Hormonal Control

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and key concepts related to the male reproductive system and hormonal control.

Testes

The primary male sex organs (gonads) that produce sperm and secrete testosterone.

Spermatozoa

Mature male gametes produced by the testes.

Androgens

Steroid hormones, including testosterone, secreted by the male reproductive system.

Ejaculatory Duct

The duct formed by the fusion of the ductus deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle, which transports sperm and seminal fluid during ejaculation.

Gubernaculum

A fibrous cord that guides the descent of the testes into the scrotum before birth.

Erectile Tissue

Tissue in the penis that fills with blood during arousal, leading to erection.

Semen

The mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions that facilitate sperm movement and provide nutrients.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell production in the seminiferous tubules, initiated at puberty and taking about 64 days.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates interstitial cells in the testes to produce testosterone.

Inhibin

A hormone produced by Sertoli cells that provides feedback to reduce the secretion of GnRH and FSH when sperm count is high.

Blood-Testis Barrier

A physical barrier formed by tight junctions between Sertoli cells which prevents sperm antigens from triggering an immune response.

Acrosome

A cap-like structure covering the head of a sperm cell, containing enzymes necessary for penetrating an egg.

Erections

Enlargement and stiffening of the penis due to blood engorgement of erectile tissues, primarily in response to sexual stimuli.

Fertilization

The process by which a sperm cell fuses with an ovum, typically occurring in the female reproductive tract.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number in gametes, producing haploid cells from diploid cells.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes spermatogenesis by stimulating Sertoli cells.