Male Reproductive System Review

Flashcards about the male reproductive system, covering topics such as semen production, glands involved, prostatitis, prostate cancer, ejaculation, and the autonomic nervous system's role.

Prostate gland

Structure shaped like a walnut; helps neutralize acidity in the urethra and female vagina.

Cowper's gland (Bulbourethral gland)

Gland that produces pre-ejaculate to pre-lubricate the distal urethra.

Purpose of pre-ejaculate

To pre-lubricate the distal urethra.

Pre-ejaculate contains

Enough sperm to get a person pregnant.

Seminal vesicle function

Gives fructose to feed sperm, gives prostaglandins to cause the uterus to contract.

Prostate gland function

Helps neutralize acidity in the urethra of the male and acidity in the female's vagina.

Cowper's gland/Bulbourethral gland function

Produces pre-ejaculate to help lubricate and make the ejaculation process faster.

Male infertility tests

Testing sperm morphology, pH of semen, and fructose levels.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate.

Causes of prostatitis

Inflammation, injury, infection, or cancer.

What an inflamed prostate does

Squeezes the urethra.

Catheters

Tubes that assist with the excretory process, inserted through the urethra to the bladder to bypass blockages.

Number one treatment for prostate cancer

Removal of the prostate gland.

Ejaculation

Triggering a muscular release and the release of semen containing sperm.

Main nervous system controlling erection and ejaculation

Autonomic nervous system.

Nervous system responsible for climax and ejaculation

Sympathetic nervous system.

Nervous system responsible for erection

Parasympathetic nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System Control

Ability to climax (ejaculation).

Parasympathetic response for erection

Vasodilation of blood vessels, relaxing of smooth muscle, and increased blood flow to the penis.

What is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system during erection?

Blood flow and energy diversion.