The Reproductive Systems

Vocabulary flashcards for the male reproductive system.

Sexual Reproduction

Production of offspring by means of uniting gametes (sperm and egg) (fertilization)

Male Reproductive Organs Function

Secrete androgen hormones, produce gametes (sperm), and facilitate fertilization

Female Reproductive Organs Function

Secrete female hormones, produce gametes (ova), facilitate fertilization, and sustain growth of the embryo and fetus

Genitals

All the structures of reproduction

Gonads

The testes in males and ovaries in females; site for gamete production and hormone secretion

Ducts

Store and transport gametes

Accessory Sex Glands

Produce secretions to protect and support the gametes

Supporting Structures

Deliver and/or assist in joining gametes (penis in male, vagina and uterus in female)

Gonads (Male)

Testes (singular: testis)

Ducts (Male)

vas deferens (ductus deferens), ejaculatory ducts, urethra

Glands (Male)

Seminal vesicles (2), prostate (1), bulbourethral glands (2)

Scrotum

Supporting structure for the testes; sac of loose skin and superficial fascia that hangs from the root of the penis

Spermatic Cord

Supportive structure that connects to the scrotum, consisting of the vas deferens, testicular artery, veins and lymphatics, and autonomic nerves

Seminiferous Tubules

Located within lobules of the testis, where sperm are produced

Penis

Contains the urethra; passageway for ejaculation of semen and excretion of urine; consists of body, glans penis, and root

Corpora Cavernosa Penis

Two dorsolateral masses of the penis

Corpus Spongiosum Penis

Smaller midventral mass of the penis, contains the spongy urethra and keeps it open during ejaculation

Testosterone (Prenatal)

Secretion leads to testicular descent and development of male external genitalia

Testosterone (Puberty)

Secretion leads to male secondary sexual characteristics: stimulation of anabolism, hair growth patterns, lowering of the voice, development of libido

Spermatozoa

Produced in the seminiferous tubules by spermatogonia

LH (Male)

Leutenizing Hormone stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates Sertoli cells, increasing the rate of spermatogenesis

Inhibin

Hormone released by Sertoli cells that inhibits FSH secretion when spermatogenesis increases to a certain degree

Acrosome

Cap-like vesicle with enzymes that help a sperm to penetrate a secondary oocyte

Sperm Tail (Middle Piece)

Anterior portion containing many mitochondria which provide the energy (ATP) for locomotion

Sperm Travel Route

Seminiferous tubules → Rete testis → Efferent ducts → Ductus epididymis → Vas (ductus) deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra

Seminal Vesicles

Viscous, alkaline fluid that makes up 60% of the total semen volume; contains fructose, prostaglandins, and clotting proteins

Prostate Gland

Chestnut-sized, donut-shaped gland that contributes 25% of ejaculate volume; secretes milky, slightly acidic solution containing citric acid, acid phosphatase, and proteolytic enzymes

Bulbourethral Gland

Pea-sized gland inferior to the prostate; secretes protective alkaline mucus

Erection

Initiated and maintained by sacral parasympathetic fibers; arteries dilate, blood enters penile sinuses, and smooth muscle relaxes

Ejaculation

Sympathetic stimulation causes smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the urinary bladder to close; semen is propelled into the penile urethra

Refractory Period

Period after orgasm; release of oxytocin and prolactin produce a feeling of relaxation and regulates pair-bonding