A&P Reproduction Ch. 43: Male Anatomy, Spermatogenesis & Endocrinology

What is asexual reproduction?

produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cells.

What is one advantage of asexual reproduction?

A large number of offspring can be produced quickly without the need to find a mate.

What is a disadvantage of asexual reproduction?

Genetic diversity is harder to achieve.

What is binary fission?

A type of asexual reproduction where the parent cell grows and splits to form identical daughter cells.

What is budding?

A type of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows as an outgrowth from the parent organism.

What is fragmentation?

A type of asexual reproduction where a piece of the parent organism breaks off and develops into a new organism.

What is parthenogenesis?

A type of asexual reproduction where an embryo develops from an unfertilized egg cell without the need for sperm.

What is sexual reproduction?

the combination of reproductive cells from two individuals to form a unique offspring.

What is one advantage of sexual reproduction?

It promotes genetic diversity, which enhances evolutionary fitness.

What is a disadvantage of sexual reproduction?

It typically results in longer generation cycles and fewer offspring produced.

What is hermaphroditism?

A condition where an animal possesses both male and female reproductive parts.

What are the two main functions of the male reproductive system?

To produce sperm (spermatogenesis) and to deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract.

What are the testes?

The male gonads that produce sperm and androgens, such as testosterone.

What is the function of seminiferous tubules?

They are the site of spermatogenesis, where sperm is produced.

What do Leydig cells produce?

produce testosterone and other male sex hormones.

What is the function of the epididymis?

It transports, matures, and stores sperm.

Why is the scrotum important for sperm production?

It keeps the testes cooler than body temperature, which is necessary for sperm development.

What is the function of the penis?

The penis delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.

What does the prostate gland secrete?

It secretes fluid with anticoagulant enzymes and citrate to nourish sperm.

What is the function of the bulbourethral gland?

It secretes mucus to neutralize acidic urine and may release some sperm before ejaculation.

What is semen?

A mixture of sperm and fluids from accessory glands that transports and nourishes sperm.

What is spermatogenesis?

The process of producing mature sperm cells, which begins at puberty and continues throughout a man's life.

What are the main parts of a mature sperm cell?

The head, midpiece, and tail.

What is the path sperm takes through the male reproductive system?

Sperm travels from the Seminiferous tubules in the epididymis to the vas deferens, then to the ejaculatory duct, and finally through the urethra.

What is the role of androgens in male endocrinology?

are the principal sex hormones in males, primarily testosterone.

What does luteinizing hormone (LH) do?

It targets Leydig cells to stimulate the production of testosterone.

What is the function of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)?

FSH stimulates the development of seminiferous tubules and the production of androgen binding protein (ABP).

Leydig cells produces what ?

Testostrone