Lecture 2 Part 1: Spermatogenesis and Associated Anatomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical terms, cell types, processes, glands, physiological mechanisms, and health concerns from the spermatogenesis lecture.

Homology

Similarity due to origin from the same embryonic tissue (e.g., penis and clitoris).

Gamete

A haploid reproductive cell that fuses with another gamete during fertilization.

Sperm

Male gamete produced in the testes via spermatogenesis.

Ova

Female gamete produced in the ovaries via oogenesis.

Penis

External organ that expels urine and semen and functions in sexual pleasure.

Glans

The sensitive head of the penis containing the corona, frenulum, and meatus.

Shaft

Body of the penis containing three cylinders of erectile tissue.

Root (of penis)

Base of the penis anchored to the pubic bone and surrounded by muscles.

Cavernous Bodies (Corpora Cavernosa)

Two erectile cylinders in the penile shaft that fill with blood during erection.

Spongy Body (Corpus Spongiosum)

Single erectile cylinder surrounding the urethra and forming the glans.

Foreskin (Prepuce)

Retractable sleeve of skin covering the glans; removed by circumcision.

Smegma

Sebaceous secretion that can accumulate under the foreskin or clitoral hood.

Scrotum

Skin pouch that houses the testes outside the body for cooler temperature.

Tunica Dartos

Smooth muscle in scrotal wall that wrinkles to raise or lower testes for temperature regulation.

Cremasteric Muscle

Muscle in spermatic cord that elevates the testes and can be voluntarily contracted.

Perineum (Taint)

Sensitive area between genitals and anus; stimulation may enhance orgasm.

Testes

Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone, suspended by spermatic cords.

Seminiferous Tubules

Coiled tubes within testes where spermatogenesis occurs.

Sertoli Cells

Cells lining seminiferous tubules that nurture developing sperm and secrete anti-Müllerian hormone.

Spermatogonia

Primordial germ cells that divide to initiate spermatogenesis.

Interstitial Cells of Leydig

Cells between seminiferous tubules that synthesize testosterone and other androgens.

Epididymis

Coiled duct on back of each testis where sperm mature and are stored.

Vas Deferens

Muscular tube transporting sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct; cut in vasectomy.

Sperm Head

Front region containing nucleus and acrosome with fertilization enzymes.

Sperm Midpiece

Body section packed with mitochondria supplying energy for motility.

Sperm Tail (Flagellum)

Propulsive filament enabling sperm movement.

Chromosome

DNA-protein structure carrying genetic information; humans have 46 in somatic cells.

Autosome

Non-sex chromosome; humans have 22 pairs.

Sex Chromosomes

X or Y chromosomes determining sexual development (XX female, XY male).

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm production beginning at puberty and continuing throughout life.

Oogenesis

Process of ova formation; primary oocytes are present at birth.

Spermatid

Immature haploid cell produced after meiosis II that matures into spermatozoon.

Spermiogenesis

Maturation of spermatids into motile spermatozoa.

Androgen Binding Protein (ABP)

Sertoli cell protein that concentrates testosterone around developing sperm.

Semen

Heterogeneous ejaculate consisting of sperm (~5%) and glandular fluids.

Seminal Vesicles

Paired glands behind bladder producing ~65% of alkaline, fructose-rich semen fluid.

Prostate Gland

Walnut-sized gland adding milky, alkaline fluid (~30% of semen) and fibrogenase.

Cowper’s (Bulbourethral) Glands

Glands releasing clear alkaline pre-ejaculate that lubricates urethra.

Fibrogenase

Prostatic enzyme causing temporary coagulation of semen after ejaculation.

Nitric Oxide

Neurotransmitter that triggers penile arterial dilation leading to erection.

Kegel Exercises

Pelvic floor muscle contractions that can strengthen orgasms and aid ejaculatory control.

Nocturnal Emission

Involuntary ejaculation during sleep, often accompanied by REM-related erection.

Emission Phase

First stage of ejaculation in which semen collects in ejaculatory ducts.

Expulsion Phase

Second stage of ejaculation where rhythmic contractions expel semen through urethra.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Condition in which semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out the urethra.

Phalloplasty

Surgical procedure to increase penile length or girth, often for gender affirmation.

Jelqing

Unproven manual technique claimed to enlarge penis; may cause Peyronie’s disease.

Circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin, performed for cultural, religious, or health reasons.

Hypospadias

Congenital condition where urethral opening is on underside of penis.

Chordee

Downward penile curvature during erection, often associated with hypospadias.

Peyronie’s Disease

Scar-induced penile curvature that can cause painful erections.

Phimosis

Tight, non-retractable foreskin common in early childhood; may require circumcision.

Priapism

Prolonged, painful erection that can damage erectile tissue and cause impotence.

Varicocele

Varicose vein in spermatic cord that may impair sperm production and fertility.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of prostate, often bacterial, causing pelvic pain and urinary issues.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Age-related enlargement of prostate leading to urinary obstruction; treated medically.

Penile Cancer

Rare malignancy of penile tissue; risk increased by poor hygiene, smegma, and HPV.

Testicular Cancer

Most common cancer in ages 15-35; high cure rate if detected early.

Prostate Cancer

Second leading cause of cancer death in prostates; screened by PSA and rectal exam.