TEAS Exam - Male Reproductive System

Gonads

Reproductive organs that produce hormones and gametes

Gametes

Reproductive cells - sperm in males and ova in females

Fertilization

Process where male and female gametes unite to form a zygote

Zygote

Single cell created by the process of fertilization (egg and sperm join)

Testes

Male gonads

Scrotum

External sac that contains the testes; divided into two chambers that each contains a testis

It contracts to move testes closer to the body to maintain proper temperature for sperm development

What is the purpose of the muscle in the scrotum?

Seminiferous tubules within the testes

Where does sperm production occur?

Epididymis

A long, coiled duct on the outside of the testis in which sperm mature

Produce and maintain sperm cells, transport sperm cells and supporting fluids to the outside of the body, and produce and secrete male hormones

What are the functions of the male reproductive system?

Interstitial Cells (Leydig Cells)

In the testes, these cells lie between the seminiferous tubules and produce the hormone testosterone

Spermatogenesis

The production of sperm cells that begin with stem cells called spermatogonia

Spermatogonia

The diploid cells in a testis that can give rise to primary spermatocytes

Primary Spermatocyte

Diploid cell that originates from spermatogonia and undergoes meiosis to produce haploid secondary spermatocytes, eventually leading to the formation of sperm

Secondary Spermatocyte

A haploid cell resulting from the meiotic division of a primary spermatocyte, which will further divide to produce spermatids during spermatogenesis

Spermatids

Haploid cells that are produced during meiosis from spermatocytes

Spermatozoa

Mature, motile, and haploid male gametes produced during spermatogenesis, capable of fertilizing an egg; commonly known as sperm cells

Spermiogenesis

Spermatids differentiate into physically mature spermatozoa that can move

4

How many haploid spermatids are produced during meiosis?

Head of sperm

Contains the nucleus (chromosomes)

Acrosomal Cap

Located at the tip of sperm that contains enzymes that target the oocyte during fertilization

Midpiece of sperm

Contains numerous mitochondria to produce ATP needed for sperm movement

Tail of Sperm

Flagellum that whips to move sperm cell

Sperm mature (become mobile) as they are pushed via peristalsis thru this structure

What happens in the epididymis?

Muscular tube that transports sperm upward from epididymis to unite with the duct of the seminal vesicles

What is the ductus deferens (vas deferens)?

Ductus deferens (Vas deferens)

What tube is cut during a vasectomy?

Peristaltic contractions

What type of contractions push spermatozoa and fluid along the length of the ductus deferens?

Ejaculatory Duct

Tube that transports sperm from ductus deferens to the urethra as it passes thru the prostate gland

Urethra Function in male reproductive system

Transports semen to the outside of the body thru the penis

Semen

Fluid that transports and nourishes sperm

Alkaline fluid that contains: fructose, which is a sugar metabolized by spermatozoa; prostaglandins, which stimulate smooth muscle contractions along male and female reproductive tracts

What do the seminal vesicles contribute to semen?

Alkaline

Are the secretions from the seminal vesicle alkaline or acidic?

Secrete alkaline, milky fluid to neutralize acidic secretions of vagina, and secretions also increase motility of sperm

What does the prostate gland contribute to semen?

2-5 ml

How many milliliters of semen are in a typical ejaculation?

Secretes mucus-like fluid that lubricates end of penis in prep for sexual intercourse

What do the bulbourethral glands contribute to semen?

Seminiferous tubules, Epididymis, Vas deferens, Ejaculatory duct, Nothing, Urethra, and Penis

What is the pathway of sperm thru the male reproductive system? (Think: SEVEN UP)

Penis

Tubular organ that urethra passes through

Testosterone

What do Leydig cells secrete?

Leydig cells

What cells are stimulated by luteinizing hormone in males?

Facilitate spermatogenesis

What is the function of Sertoli cells?

Develops secondary sex characteristics, increases rate of cellular metabolism, stimulates sexual activity

What is the function of testosterone?

Sertoli cells

Which cells in the male are stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?