Med Term Chapter 7 Terms - Male Reproductive System

testis

primary male sex organ, paired, oval-shaped, and enclosed in a sac called the scrotum. The testes produce spermatozoa (sperm cells) and the hormone testosterone. (also called testicle)

seminiferous tubules

approximately 900 coiled tubes within the testes in which spermatogenesis occurs

sperm

the microscopic male germ cell, which, when united with the ovum, produces a zygote (fertilized egg) that with subsequent development becomes an embryo (also called spermatozoo, pl. spermatozoa)

testosterone

the principal male sex hormone. Its chief function is to stimulate the development of the male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics such as facial and pubic hair

epididymis

coiled tube attached to each testis that provides for storage, transit, and maturation of sperm; continuous with each vas deferens

vas deferens

duct (tube) carrying the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

The spermatic cord encloses each vas deferens with nerves, lymphatics, arteries, and veins. The urethra also connects with the urinary bladder and carries urine outside the body. A circular muscle constricts during intercourse to prevent urination. (also called ductus deferens)

seminal vesicles

two accessory glands located posterior to the base of the bladder that open into the vas deferens. The glands secrete a thick fluid that forms part of the semen.

prostate gland

walnut-shaped gland that encircles the proximal section of the urethra.

The prostate gland secretes a fluid that aids in the movement of the sperm and ejaculation

semen

substance composed of sperm, seminal fluids, and other secretions

scrotum

sac containing the testes and their corresponding epididymides, from which each vas deferens begins. The scrotum is suspended on both sides of and posterior to the penis.

penis

male organ of urination and coitus (sexual intercourse)

glans penis

enlarged tip on the end of the penis

prepuce

fold of skin covering the glans penis in uncircumcised males (foreskin of the penis)

genitalia

reproductive organs (male or female); includes internal and external reproductive organs (also called genitals)

gonads

primary reproductive organs; testes in males, ovaries in females

andropathy

disease of the male (specific to the male, such as orchitis)

anorchism

state of absence of testis (unilateral or bilateral)

balanitis

inflammation of the glans penis

benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

excessive development pertaining to the prostate gland

(nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland; causes narrowing of the urethra, which interferes with the passage of urine.

Symptoms include frequency of urination, nocturia, urinary retention, and incomplete emptying of the bladder)

(also called benign prostatic hypertrophy)

cryptoorchidism

state of hidden testis (during fetal development, testes are located in the abdominal area near the kidneys. Before birth they move down into the scrotal sac. Failure of one or both of the testes to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum before birth results in cryptorchidism)

(also called undescended testicle and undescended testicles)

epididymitis

inflammation of the epididymis

orchiepididymitis

inflammation of the testis and the epididymis

orchitis

inflammation of the testis (also called orchiditis)

prostatitis

inflammation of the prostate gland

prostatocystitis

inflammation of the prostate gland and the (urinary) bladder

prostatolith

stone(s) in the prostate gland

prostatorrhea

discharge from the prostate gland

prostatovesiculitis

inflammation of the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles

erectile dysfunction (ED)

inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient to perform sexual intercourse (formerly called impotence)

hydrocele

fluid-filled sac around the testicle; causes scrotal swelling

infertility

reduced or absent ability to achieve pregnancy; generally defined after one year of frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse; may relate to male or female

phimosis

tightness of the prepuce (foreskin of the penis) that preents its retraction over the glans penis; it may be congenital or a result of balanitis. Circumcision is the usual treatment

priapism

persistent abnormal erection of the penis accompanied by pain and tenderness

prostate cancer

cancer of the prostate gland, usually occurring in men middle-aged and older

spermatocele

distension of the epididymis containing an abnormal cyst-like collection of fluid and sperm cells; may cause scrotal swelling

testicular cancer

cancer of the testicle, usually occurring in men 15 to 35 years of age

testicular torsion

twisting of the spermatic cord causing decreased blood flow to the testis; occurs most often during puberty and often presents with a sudden onset of severe testicular or scrotal pain. Because of lack of blood flow to the testis, it is considered a surgical emergency.

variocele

enlarged veins of the spermatic cord; may cause scrotal swelling

balanoplasty

surgical repair of the glans penis

epididymectomy

excision of the epididymis

orchiectomy

excision of the testis (bilateral orchiectomy is called castration) (also called orchidectomy)

orchiopexy

surgical fixation of the testicle (performed to bring undescended testicle[s] into the scrotum) (also called orchidopexy)

orchiplasty

surgical repair of the testis

orchiotomy

incision into the testis (also called orchidotomy)

prostatectomy

excision of the prostate gland

prostatocystotomy

incision into the prostate gland and the (urinary) bladder

prostatolithotomy

incision into the prostate gland to remove stone(s)

prostatovesiculectomy

excision of the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles

vasectomy

excision of a duct (partial excision of the vas deferens bilaterally, resulting in male sterilization)

vasovasostomy

creation of artificial openings between ducts (the severed ends of the vas deferens are reconnected in an attempt to restore fertility in men who have had a vasectomy)

vesiculectomy

excision of the seminal vesicle(s)

ablation

destruction of abnormal or excessive tissue by melting, vaporizing, or eroding

circumcision

surgical removal of the prepuce (foreskin); all or part of the foreskin may be removed

enucleation

excision of a whole organ or mass without cutting into it

hydroceleectomy

surgical removal of a fluid-filled sac around the testicle causing scrotal swelling (hydrocele)

laser surgery

use of a focused beam of light to excise or vaporize abnormal tissue and to control bleeding; uses a variety of noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures.

Two common types used to treat BPH are holmium laser enucleation of the prostate gland (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate gland (PVP)

minimally invasive surgical treatments (MISTs)

procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia that are characterized by fewer side effects, outpatient (office-based) locations, and shorter recovery times.

Examples include prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT). Limited data exists regarding the long-term success rate and the need for retreatment.

morcellation

cutting or grinding of solid tissue into smaller pieces for removal

robotic surgery

use of small surgical instruments attached to a computer and operated by the surgeon from a console several feet from the operating table

sterilization

surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy, either the ability of the female to conceive or of the male to induce conception

transurethral incision of the prostate gland (TUIP)

surgical procedure that widens the urethra by making a few small incisions in the bladder neck and the prostate gland. No prostate tissue is removed. TUIP may be used instead of TURP when the prostate gland is less enlarged.

transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP)

surgical removal of pieces of prostate gland tissue by using an instrument inserted through the urethra. The capsule is left intact; usually performed when the enlarged prostate gland interferes with urination