The Male Reproductive System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the male reproductive system, including definitions and explanations.

Gamete

A mature haploid reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, that can unite with another gamete of the opposite sex to form a zygote.

Spermatozoon

A male gamete, also known as sperm, which possesses motility and is produced in the male reproductive system.

Testes

The male gonads that produce sperm and secrete hormones, including testosterone.

Ovary

The female gonad that produces eggs and hormones.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that is formed by the union of sperm and egg.

SRY gene

Sex-determining region of the Y chromosome that plays a crucial role in male sex differentiation.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that results in four haploid gametes, each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.

Cryptorchidism

A condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend, potentially leading to fertility issues.

Ejaculatory duct

The duct formed by the union of the ductus deferens and seminal vesicle, which empties sperm into the urethra.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that secrete seminal fluid, which contributes to about 60% of the volume of semen.

Testicular Thermoregulation

Mechanisms by which the scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes to optimize sperm production.

Epididymis

A coiled duct where sperm mature and are stored after being produced in the testes.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production through mitosis and meiosis in the seminiferous tubules.

Acrosome

The cap-like structure on the head of a sperm that contains enzymes crucial for penetrating the egg.

Vas deferens

The muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can obstruct urine flow.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that is responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics.

Climacteric

The phase of life during which the reproductive system begins to decline, often around middle age.

Semen

The fluid expelled during ejaculation, containing sperm and various components from seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.