The Male Reproductive System

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts from the lecture on the male reproductive system.

Gamete cells

Specialized cells required for sexual reproduction, with males producing sperm cells and females producing ova.

Fertilization

The event that occurs when a male gamete cell unites with a female gamete cell to form a zygote.

Chromosomes

Structures that are grouped in homologous pairs containing genes that control inherited characteristics.

Somatic cells

Regular body cells that have pairs of 22 homologous chromosomes.

Sex chromosomes

The X and Y chromosomes that determine gender, with females having XX and males having XY.

Gonads

Primary sex organs that produce gametes and sex hormones.

Testes

The primary sex organs of males located within the scrotum.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm formation which occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Sertoli cells

Support cells in the seminiferous tubules that nourish immature sperm and form the blood-testis barrier.

Leydig cells

Cells that secrete testosterone and are located in the interstitial spaces between seminiferous tubules.

Spermiogenesis

The maturation process where spermatids differentiate into spermatozoa.

Acrosome

A caplike vesicle covering the head of a sperm cell, containing digestive enzymes to assist in fertilization.

Androgen-binding protein (ABP)

A protein released in response to FSH that assists testosterone in promoting spermatogenesis.

Negative feedback

A process where rising levels of testosterone inhibit the secretion of GnRH and LH.

Urethra

The duct through which sperm and urine are expelled from the male body.

Ejaculatory duct

Formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct from the seminal vesicle.

Semen

A mixture of sperm cells and fluids secreted by the male reproductive system, providing nutrients and protection.

Corpus cavernosa

Two dorsolateral masses of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during arousal.

Corpus spongiosum

The midventral mass of erectile tissue that surrounds the spongy urethra in the penis.