lecture exam ch. 27 male reprod.

From superficial to deep, what are three layers in the scrotum?

skin, dartos muscle, cremaster muscle

What is the function of the dartos and cremaster muscles?

dartos contracts to conserve heat in scrotal skin and cremaster raises and lowers the testes to regulate temperature

Does the cremaster muscle contract when it's hot or cold?

cold

What occurs in the seminiferous tubules?

sperm production

What hormone is produced in the testes needed for stimulating spermatogenesis (sperm formation) and for male sex characteristics, and which cells in the testes produce this hormone?

testosterone, and produced by Leydig cells

which cells in the testes produce testosterone?

Leydig cells

Into what structure do the seminiferous tubules empty?

testis

Why is it important that sperm and egg cells have only half the number of chromosomes as body cells?

so the correct number is restored during fertilization

What are three ways that the structure of a sperm cell enhances its function?

flagellum (tail) is for movement to the egg, mitochondria to power the tail, head with acrosome which carries genetic material

Where are sperm stored, and where do they gain their motility?

stored in epididymis and gains motility while passing through the epididymis

What is the pathway of sperm from the testes to the external urethral orifice?

seminiferous tubules, testis, efferent ductules, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra, external urethral orifice

How do sperm move through the reproductive tract?

seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, mixes with seminal fluid from seminal vesicle, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, urethra

What occurs during a vasectomy?

ductus vas deferens are cut

What is the role of each of the three glands: seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands?

produces most fluid in semen, produces milky fluid, releases pre-ejaculation

What problem can an enlarged prostate gland cause?

weak urine flow and overall, a faulty bladder