ch 16 Male Reproductive System vocab

Ablation

the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radiofrequency, heat, or other methods.

Arthralgia

joint pain

Aspermia

Condition of the complete absence of sperm.

Balanitis

inflammation of the glans penis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

A benign condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands that secrete a lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation; also called Cowper's glands.

Circumcision

The surgical removal of the prepuce.

Coitus

sexual intercourse between male and female

Condom

A sheath that is worn over the penis during sexual behavior in order to prevent pregnancy or spread of sexually transmitted disease.

Corpus cavernosum

Either of two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during an erection.

Corpus spongiosum

Column of erectile tissue in the penis that fills with blood during an erection and surrounds the penile urethra on the ventral portion of the penis.

Cryptorchidism

The failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum prior to birth.

Ductus deferens

Duct that transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord and into the ejaculatory duct; also referred to as the vas deferens.

Dysuria

painful urination

Ejaculatory duct

Duct that connects the ampulla of the ductus deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle at the prostatic urethra.

Enucleation

Excision of a whole organ or mass without cutting into it.

Epididymis

A coiled tubular structure in which sperm start to mature and are stored until ejaculation.

Epididymitis

inflammation of the epididymis

Gamete

A specialized sex cell carrying 23 chromosomes.

Glans penis

Bulbous end of the penis that contains a large number of nerve endings.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that regulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland.

Gonads

Reproductive organs (testes in men and ovaries in women) that produce gametes and reproductive hormones.

Hydrocele

Accumulation of serous fluid between the layers of membrane covering the testis.

Infertility

The inability to produce children.

Inguinal canal

Opening in the abdominal wall that connects the testes to the abdominal cavity.

Leydig cells

Cells between the seminiferous tubules of the testes that produce testosterone; a type of interstitial cell.

Myalgia

Pain in a muscle or group of muscles.

Oligospermia

Condition of a suboptimal concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculated semen to ensure successful fertilization of an ovum.

Orchidectomy

Surgery to remove one or both testicles; also called orchiectomy.

Orchiectomy

Surgery to remove one or both testicles; also called orchidectomy.

Orchiopexy

Surgical fixation of the testicle.

Orchitis

inflammation of the testis

Penis

Male organ of copulation.

Polyuria

Excessive urine production.

Prepuce

Flap of skin that forms a collar around, and thus protects and lubricates, the glans penis; also referred to as the foreskin.

Prostate gland

A gland at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra that contributes fluid to semen during ejaculation.

Prostatitis

inflammation of the prostate gland

Scrotum

An external pouch of skin and muscle that houses the testes.

Semen

Ejaculatory fluid composed of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

Seminal vesicle

Gland that produces seminal fluid, which contributes to semen.

Seminiferous tubules

Structures within the testes where spermatogenesis occurs.

Sertoli cells

Cells that support germ cells through the process of spermatogenesis; a type of sustentacular cell.

Sperm

male gamete

Spermatic cord

Bundle of nerves and blood vessels that supplies the testes; contains ductus deferens.

Spermatid

Immature sperm cells produced by meiosis II of secondary spermatocytes.

Spermatocyte

A male gametocyte from which a spermatozoon develops.

Spermatogenesis

The process of producing sperm.

Spermatogonia

The diploid precursor cells that become sperm.

Spermiogenesis

Transformation of spermatids to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis.

Sterility

A condition of being unable to produce children.

Testes

male gonads

Urethritis

inflammation of the urethra

Varicocele

Distended veins of the spermatic cord.

Vasectomy

A procedure in which a small section of the ductus deferens is cut and sealed to interrupt sperm delivery. It is an effective form of male birth control.

Vasovasostomy

Creation of an artificial opening between ducts to restore fertility to males who have had a vasectomy.