Wk 7 100 - A&P/NC

Gametes

Specialized sex cells with 23 chromosomes.

Sperm

Male gamete combining with female oocyte.

Testes

Paired organs for sperm and androgen production.

Androgens

Hormones supporting male reproductive physiology.

Testosterone

Primary male androgen produced by testes.

Accessory Organs

Aid in sperm maturation and transport.

Penis

Delivers sperm to female reproductive tract.

Scrotum

Muscular sack housing the testes.

Dartos Muscle

Muscle layer regulating scrotum temperature.

Cremaster Muscles

Muscles adjusting testis position for temperature.

Temperature Regulation

Maintains optimal temperature for sperm production.

Raphae

Raised thickening on scrotum's surface.

Testes Structure

Ovals, 4-5 cm, within protective layers.

Tunica Vaginalis

Outer serous membrane surrounding the testis.

Tunica Albuginea

Tough connective tissue covering the testis.

Lobules

300-400 divisions within the testis.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of sperm development in testes.

Straight Tubules

Connect seminiferous tubules to rete testes.

Rete Testes

Fine meshwork of tubules for sperm transport.

Efferent Ductules

15-20 ducts for sperm exit from testis.

Sertoli Cells

Support and nourish developing sperm cells.

Germ Cells

Five types of developing sperm cells.

Spermatogonia

Least mature germ cells in tubule basement.

Spermatogonia

Least mature testicular cells, stem cells of testis.

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm development from spermatogonia.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of spermatogenesis within the testis.

Puberty

Onset of spermatogenesis, begins sperm production.

64 Days

Time taken for one complete spermatogenesis cycle.

16 Days

Interval for starting a new spermatogenesis cycle.

Sperm Count Decline

Decrease in sperm production after age 35.

Smoking Effects

Lowers sperm counts and fertility potential.

Mitosis

Process where spermatogonia divide into diploid cells.

Primary Spermatocyte

Diploid cell formed from spermatogonium after mitosis.

Secondary Spermatocyte

Result of primary spermatocyte division, haploid cells.

Meiosis

Process producing haploid spermatids from secondary spermatocytes.

Spermatids

Haploid cells that develop into mature sperm.

Spermiogenesis

Transformation of spermatids into mature spermatozoa.

Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells ready for fertilization.

Acrosome

Cap covering sperm head, contains fertilization enzymes.

Mitochondria

Organelles in mid-piece, provide ATP for movement.

Flagellum

Tail structure enabling sperm motility.

Epididymis

Coiled tube for sperm maturation and storage.

Ductus Deferens

Muscular tube transporting sperm during ejaculation.

Vasectomy

Surgical procedure for male sterilization by cutting ductus deferens.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands contributing 60% of semen volume, secrete fructose.

Prostate Gland

Secretes alkaline fluid, aids in semen coagulation.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate enlargement causing urinary issues in men.

Prostate Cancer

Common cancer detected via medical history and exams.

Bulbourethral Glands

Glands secreting alkaline fluid before ejaculation.

Pre-ejaculate

Fluid released before ejaculation, may contain sperm.

Penis

Male organ for copulation, becomes erect during arousal.

Erectile Tissue

Three columns in penis: two corpora cavernosa, one corpus spongiosum.

Glans Penis

Sensitive tip of the penis with many nerve endings.

Foreskin (Prepuce)

Covers the glans, can be removed by circumcision.

Erections

Caused by vasocongestion and increased blood flow.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Condition affecting 40% of men at age 40.

Sildenafil (Viagra®)

PDE5 inhibitor effective for 70-85% of ED cases.

Testosterone

Hormone produced by Leydig cells, essential for male function.

Leydig Cells

Testicular cells producing testosterone daily, 6-7 mg.

Hypothalamus

Regulates testosterone production via GnRH secretion.

Pituitary Gland

Releases LH and FSH to regulate testosterone production.

Negative Feedback

Inhibits testosterone production when blood levels are high.

Inhibin

Produced by Sertoli cells, regulates FSH and spermatogenesis.

Andropause

Age-related decline in testosterone, causing various symptoms.

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm production involving mitosis and meiosis.

Epididymis

Site where sperm mature before exiting the body.

Semen

Fluid formed from sperm and glandular secretions.

Vulva

Collective term for external female reproductive structures.

Ovaries

Female gonads producing oocytes, the female gametes.

Labia majora

Folds of skin covering the vulva.

Labia minora

Thinner folds protecting the urethra and vagina.

Clitoris

Sensitive organ for sexual arousal and pleasure.

Hymen

Membrane partially covering vaginal entrance.

Vaginal opening

Entrance to the vagina, located between urethra and anus.

Vagina

Muscular canal for reproductive functions, about 10 cm long.

Fornix

Superior portion of the vagina meeting the cervix.

Rugae

Transverse folds in the vaginal mucous membrane.

Bartholin's glands

Glands secreting mucus for vaginal lubrication.

Lactobacillus

Bacteria maintaining vaginal acidity and health.

Acidic pH

pH below 4.5 protecting against pathogens.

Douching

Washing vagina, disrupting healthy microorganism balance.

Ovaries

Female gonads producing oocytes and hormones.

Mesovarium

Peritoneum extension supporting the ovaries.

Suspensory ligament

Ligament containing ovarian blood and lymph vessels.

Ovarian ligament

Attaches ovary to the uterus.

Ovarian surface epithelium

Cuboidal epithelium covering the ovary.

Tunica albuginea

Dense connective tissue beneath the ovarian epithelium.

Ovarian cortex

Outer portion containing developing oocytes.

Oogenesis

Production of female gametes (oocytes).

Ovarian medulla

Inner region with blood vessels and nerves.

Ovarian cycle

28-day cycle of oocyte and follicle changes.

Follicle

Structure surrounding and supporting developing oocytes.

Folliculogenesis

Growth and development of ovarian follicles.

Oogenesis

Process of egg formation in females.

Oogonia

Ovarian stem cells formed during fetal development.

Primary Oocytes

Oogonia that enter meiosis I before birth.

Meiosis I Arrest

Primary oocytes remain inactive until puberty.

LH Surge

Triggers resumption of meiosis in primary oocyte.

Ovulation

Release of secondary oocyte from ovary.

Secondary Oocyte

Larger cell produced during unequal cell division.