Male Reproductive System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the male reproductive system medical terminology chapter covering structures, physiological functions, diseases, STIs, and procedures.

Gametes

The reproductive cells that combine to form a fetus.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes along with the hormones that regulate human reproduction.

Spermatogenesis

The process of male gamete (sperm) production that occurs within the seminiferous tubules of the testis.

Scrotum

A sac that holds the testes outside of the body cavity.

Spermatic Cord

An enclosed sheath that includes the vas deferens, arteries, veins, and nerves.

Vas Deferens

A thick, muscular tube (also called ductus deferens) that carries sperm from the epididymis through the inguinal canal to the ampulla.

Epididymis

A coiled tubular structure where sperm mature, acquire independent motility, and are stored in the tail region until ejaculation.

Prostate Gland

A gland that secretes an alkaline, milky fluid into passing seminal fluid to first coagulate and then decoagulate semen following ejaculation.

Bulbourethral Glands

Glands that release a thick, salty fluid that lubricates the end of the urethra and vagina and helps clean urine residues from the penile urethra.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A condition in which a male has difficulty either initiating or maintaining an erection.

Orchiectomy

The most common procedure for diagnosing and treating testicular cancer.

Chlamydia (CT)

A common bacterial sexually transmitted infection affecting the cervix, urethra, and other reproductive organs, treated with antibiotic pills.

Gonorrhea (GC)

A bacterial sexually transmitted infection infecting the cervix, urethra, throat, and anus, treated with oral antibiotics in combination with an intramuscular (IM) injection.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A common sexually transmitted infection with over $100$ strains, some causing genital warts and others causing genital, anal, throat, and cervical cancers.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

A virus occurring as Type 1 (HSV-1) or Type 2 (HSV-2) that causes oral cold sores or genital herpes and remains permanently in the body.

Autoinoculation

The accidental spread of a viral infection (such as HSV) to other parts of one's own body after touching active sores or blisters.

Asymptomatic Shedding

The transmission of a virus (such as HSV) by an infected individual even when no symptoms are present.

Vasectomy

A procedure in which a small section of the ductus (vas) deferens is removed from the scrotum to cut off the path taken by sperm.

No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)

A minimally invasive alternative to a traditional vasectomy with a shorter recovery time, performed by a urologist.

Urology

A surgical subspecialty in which the surgeon has additional training in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the male and female urogenital systems.