BIO 030 MIDTERM (Spermatogenesis + Male Reproductive System)

What are homologous structures?

Structures that develop from the same primordial tissue

What male and female structures are homologous?

Penis and clitoris

What are the two main functions of the testes?

Produce sperm and testosterone

Where does sperm production occur?

Seminiferous tubules

What are seminiferous tubules?

Thin highly coiled structures inside the testes where sperm are produced

What is the main function of Sertoli cells?

Support and nourish developing sperm

What is the memory trick for Sertoli cells?

Sertoli = Support

What is the main function of Leydig cells?

Produce testosterone and other androgens

Where are Leydig cells located?

Between the seminiferous tubules

Sertoli vs Leydig?

Sertoli supports sperm while Leydig produces testosterone

What is the function of the epididymis?

Sperm maturation and storage before ejaculation

About how long do sperm mature in the epididymis?

Around three weeks

What are the three main regions of a sperm?

Head midpiece and tail

What does the sperm head contain?

Genetic material and the acrosome

What does the acrosome contain?

Enzymes

What does the sperm midpiece contain?

Mitochondria

What is the function of mitochondria in the sperm midpiece?

Provide energy

What is the sperm tail?

A flagellum

What is the function of the sperm tail?

Movement

What is the quick memory trick for sperm structure?

Head = DNA + acrosome Middle = mitochondria Tail = travel

What is the spermatogenesis sequence?

Spermatogonium → primary spermatocyte → secondary spermatocytes → spermatids → spermatozoa

How many chromosomes does a spermatogonium have?

46

Is a spermatogonium diploid or haploid?

Diploid

What process produces a primary spermatocyte from a spermatogonium?

Mitosis

How many chromosomes does a primary spermatocyte have?

46

What happens to the primary spermatocyte during meiosis I?

It produces two secondary spermatocytes

How many chromosomes does each secondary spermatocyte have?

23

What does meiosis II produce during spermatogenesis?

Four spermatids

How many chromosomes does each spermatid have?

23

What is spermiogenesis?

The process that transforms spermatids into spermatozoa

How many functional sperm result from one primary spermatocyte?

Four

How many functional gametes are produced in spermatogenesis?

Four

Where do sperm finish maturing?

The epididymis

What do the seminal vesicles produce?

About two-thirds of semen volume

What is seminal-vesicle fluid like?

Alkaline and rich in fructose and vitamins

What nutrient in seminal-vesicle fluid provides energy for sperm?

Fructose

What percentage of semen is produced by the prostate?

About 30% or one-third

What is prostate fluid like?

Milky alkaline and contains proteins enzymes and minerals

What is a major function of prostate fluid?

Helps sperm mobility and survival

What do Cowper's glands produce?

Clear alkaline pre-ejaculate or precum

What is another name for Cowper's glands?

Bulbourethral glands

What are the functions of Cowper's gland fluid?

Lubricates the urethra and helps neutralize acidity

Can pre-ejaculate contain live sperm?

Yes

What is the ejaculatory pathway?

Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → vas deferens → ejaculatory ducts → urethra → outside body

What glands add fluid to sperm to create semen?

Seminal vesicles and prostate

What is the basic mechanism of an erection?

Nervous system signals → arteries dilate → blood enters erectile tissue → blood accumulates faster than it leaves → erection

Morning erections often correspond with what?

Waking after REM sleep

What is phimosis?

Tight non-retractable foreskin

What is priapism?

A prolonged often painful erection

Why can priapism be dangerous?

It can reduce oxygen delivery to erectile tissue and cause damage

What is cryptorchidism?

Undescended testes

Why can cryptorchidism interfere with sperm production?

Internal body temperature is too high for normal sperm production

What is hypospadias?

The urethra does not open in the typical location at the end of the penis