Human Reproduction - Male Reproductive System

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the introduction to human reproduction and the detailed anatomy/physiology of the male reproductive system based on the lecture notes.

Primary Sex Organ

Organs involved in gamete production as well as hormone secretion; examples include the testis (sperm production) and ovary (ovum production).

Secondary Sex Organ

Organs that support reproduction by helping in the transfer/transport of gametes or providing the site of fertilisation or implantation; examples include the vas deferens and uterus.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production which starts at puberty ($10\text{-}14$ years) under hormonal influence and continues even in older men.

Oogenesis

The process of egg production which starts during embryonic life and stops at menopause.

Menopause

The stage when the menstrual cycle or periods stop, typically around the age of $50$ years.

Scrotum

A pouch located outside the abdominal cavity that helps maintain the temperature of the testes at $2\text{-}2.5\,^\circ\text{C}$ lower than the normal internal body temperature, which is necessary for spermatogenesis.

Cryptorchidism

The clinical condition resulting from the failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum during the $7\text{th}$ month of gestation.

Inguinal canal

The passage that connects the abdominal cavity with the scrotum.

Testicular lobules

Approximately $250$ compartments contained within each testis.

Seminiferous tubules

One to three highly coiled tubules found within each testicular lobule where sperms are produced.

Spermatogonia

Also called male germ cells, these line the inside of seminiferous tubules and undergo meiotic divisions leading to sperm formation.

Sertoli cells

Cells located inside the seminiferous tubules that provide nutrition to the male germ cells.

Leydig cells

Also known as interstitial cells, these are located in the interstitial spaces outside the seminiferous tubules and secrete testicular hormones called androgens.

Male Sex Accessory Ducts

A series of ducts including the rete testis, vasa efferentia, epididymis, and vas deferens used to store and transport sperm.

Ejaculatory duct

A duct formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct from the seminal vesicle which opens into the urethra.

Urethral meatus

The external opening of the urethra through which the urethra extends from the urinary bladder through the penis.

Glans penis

The enlarged front part of the penis, which is covered by a loose fold of skin called the foreskin.

Male Accessory Glands

Glands belonging to the male reproductive system that include the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.