Male Reproductive System - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering anatomy, terminology, pathologies, procedures, and abbreviations related to the male reproductive system as presented in the notes.

Testis

One of the paired male glands that produce sperm and testosterone.

Epididymis

Coiled tube on the posterior side of the testis where sperm mature and are stored.

Ductus deferens (vas deferens)

Tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation.

Seminal vesicle

Accessory gland that secretes seminal fluid rich in nutrients for sperm.

Prostate gland

Gland surrounding the urethra that contributes fluid to semen; plays a role in sperm viability.

Penis

Male external reproductive organ used for urination and intercourse.

Glans penis

The enlarged, sensitive head of the penis at its distal end.

Prepuce

The foreskin; skin covering the glans penis.

Corpus cavernosum

One of two erectile tissues in the penis that fill with blood during erection.

Corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue surrounding the urethra; helps keep the urethra open during erection.

Scrotum

Pouch of skin that houses and protects the testes and regulates temperature.

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm production in the testes.

Primary spermatocyte

Diploid germ cell that undergoes the first meiotic division.

Secondary spermatocyte

Haploid cell formed after the first meiotic division; undergoes second division.

Spermatid

Immature haploid sperm cell formed after meiosis II, maturing into a sperm.

Sperm cell

Mature male gamete capable of fertilizing an ovum.

Acrosome

Cap-like structure on the head of a sperm containing enzymes to penetrate the egg.

Mitochondria (in sperm)

Energy-producing organelles in the sperm midpiece that power movement.

Tail (flagellum)

Long, whip-like structure that propels the sperm.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland (Prostat(o) = prostate + itis = inflammation).

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Cryptorchidism

Undescended testis; testicle fails to descend into the scrotum before birth.

Gynecomastia

Enlargement of male breast tissue.

Phimosis

Abnormal narrowing of the foreskin opening over the glans penis.

Circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin.

Epididymectomy

Surgical removal of the epididymis.

Orchiectomy (Orchidectomy)

Surgical removal of one or both testes.

Prostatectomy

Surgical removal of the prostate.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Surgical procedure to relieve BPH by removing prostate tissue through the urethra.

Vasectomy

Surgical sterilization by cutting or tying the vas deferens.

Vasovasostomy

Surgical reconnecting of the vas deferens to restore fertility after vasectomy.

Castration

Removal or inactivation of the gonads; typically reduces testosterone production.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone responsible for development of male characteristics and spermatogenesis.

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

Hormone that stimulates spermatogenesis in the testes.

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Hormone that stimulates testosterone production in the testes.

Inhibin

Hormone that inhibits FSH production, regulating sperm production.

Hormone replacement therapy

Medical treatment to replace deficient hormones (e.g., testosterone) to restore function.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)/Impotence

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse.

HPV

Human papillomavirus; a sexually transmitted infection associated with various health issues.

STI

Sexually transmitted infection.

TUR

Transurethral resection (abbreviation used for related procedures).

TURP

Transurethral resection of the prostate; procedure to treat BPH.