Male Reproductive System

Ch 20 in textbook

What is the male reproductive system?

A combination of the urinary and genital systems divided into external genitalia and internal structures

another name for the male reproductive system?

Urogenital system

What is a part of the external genitalia?

Penis and scrotum

what is about of the internal structures

Testes, ducts, glands

Describe the structure of the scrotum

a pouch of thin, darkly pigmented, wrinkled skin divided by a septum into two compartments, each containing a testes and epididymis

what is inside each scrotal sac?

A testis (w seminiferous tubules) and an epididymis, suspended by the spermatic cord

Why are the testes located in the scrotum?

To maintain a temperature slightly below body temperature for sperm production

How does the scrotum regulate temperature?

muscles contracts (cold→ testes rise) and relaxed (heat → testes drop)

what are the functions of the penis?

Urination and delivery of sperm during intercourse

what tissues are in the shaft of the penis?

corpus cavernosa (2 columns) and corpus spongiosum (surrounds urethra)

what happens during erection?

Increased arterial flow and decreased venous outflow → engorgement of corpus cavernosa

what is the glans penis?

the expanded distal end of the corpus spogniosum

what is the prepuce?

The foreskin covering the glans

what is ejaculation?

emission of semen followed by return to a flaccid state

what is the main function of the teste

spermatogenesis (sperm production)

where does spermatogenesis occur?

In the seminiferous tubules

what is the function of the epididymis

maturation and nourishment of sperm

what is the function of the vas deferens?

transports sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct

what forms the ejaculatory duct

Union of vas deferens and seminal vesicle

What is the urethra’s role

final passageway for urine and sperm

what glands produce semen fluid?

seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands

what is the function of gland secretions?

Provide alkaline fluid for sperm transport, motility, and survival

where is the prostate located

beneath bladder, surrounding upper urethra

what are bulbourethral glands?

pea-sized glands that secrete alkaline fluid into smen

what is the inguinal canal?

passageway for testes descent containing spermatic cord, vessels, and nerves

why ask about chronic illness?

Conditions like diabetes and cardiac disease can cause erectile dysfunction (ED)

why assess medications

some drugs like diuretics and antihypertensives can cause impotence

Impotence

inability to take effective action or achieve an erection

why ask about STIs?

• unprotected sex

• multiple partners

• substance use

• history of STI

• lack of vaccination

What does penile discharge indicate

Infection (often STI)

what causes erectile dysfunction

medications, chronic illness, emotional factors

what is testicular torsion?

Twisting of spermatic cord leads to surgical emergency

what is hydrocele?

Fluid accumulation in scrotum (transiluminates)

what is varicocele?

Dilated veins in spermatic cord, often left sided

what is testicular cancer?

painless testicular mass, most common in men 20-34

Normal scrotum findings

pigmented, rugous , left hangs lower

normal penis findings

hairless, smooth, nontender, no discharge

Normal testes findings

Smooth, ovoid, movable, mildly sensitive

what is the primary function of the testes

Spermatogenesis

which structure stores and matures sperm?

Epididymis

which gland surrounds the urethra

prostate gland

what indicates a hydrocele

Transillumination of fluid

which is a risk factor for sti?

unprotected sex

what is the urethra’s function

transport urine and sperm

what happens during erection?

Blood fills corpus cavernosa

which condition is a surgical emergency?

Testicular torsion

what is a common symptom of gonorrhea?

Purulent discharge

what is the hallmark of testicular cancer

painless mass

which glands contribute to semen?

seminal, bulbourethral, and prostate

which factors affect fertility?

all of the above

what is the function of the scrotum

regulates temperature for sperm production

what causes epididymitis?

spread of infection from urethra or bladder, often STI related

A nurse is assessing a male patient who reports sudden severe scrotal pain and swelling. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Notify the healthcare provider immediately

During assessment of the scrotum, which finding is considered normal?

Left side of scrotum hangs lower than right

Which findings suggest a possible sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

A. Penile discharge
B. Burning with urination
C. Clear urine with no odor
D. Genital lesions
E. Pelvic pain

A, B, D, E

A patient asks about the function of the scrotum. What is the best response by the nurse?

it regulates temperature for sperm production

A nurse is assessing a patient with penile discharge. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?

infection

Which patient statement require further evaluation

I take antihypertensive medication daily

Which factors increase the risk of STIs?

A. Multiple sexual partners
B. Consistent condom use
C. Substance use
D. Unprotected sex
E. Vaccination

A,C,D

A patient reports a painless lump in the testicle. What is the nurse’s best response?

this needs further medical evaluation

which action should the nurse perform to assess for an inguinal hernia?

Inspect while patient bears down

Which structures are part of the external genitalia?

A. Penis
B. Scrotum
C. Testes
D. Epididymis
E. Vas deferens

A and B

what occurs during an erection

Engorgement of corpus cavernosa

Which patient requires immediate follow-up?

Sudden severe testicular pain

Which statement indicates understanding of STI prevention?

“Condoms help reduce STI transmission.”

Which findings are associated with epididymitis?

A. Unilateral scrotal pain
B. Fever
C. Dysuria
D. Sudden painless swelling
E. Erythema

B, C, E, A

Which finding indicates normal urethral assessment?

Slit-like opening at glans tip

A patient reports burning with urination and cloudy urine. What condition should the nurse suspect?

Urinary tract infection

Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with risk factors for STIs?

Risk for infection

Which glands contribute to semen production?

A. Seminal vesicles
B. Prostate gland
C. Bulbourethral glands
D. Testes
E. Epididymis

C, A, B

Which finding is abnormal during penile inspection?

Meatus on upper surface

A patient presents with penile lesions and pain. What is the nurse’s first action?

Wear gloves