Sexual Reproduction and The Male Reproductive System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to sexual reproduction and the male reproductive system, including anatomy, physiology, and hormonal regulation.

What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?

To produce sperm and introduce them into the female body.

What are the primary sex organs in the male reproductive system?

Testes, which produce gametes.

What defines male gametes?

They are motile sperm (spermatozoon) that carry either X or Y chromosomes.

What is the function of the female gamete (egg)?

It provides nutrients for the developing embryo and carries the X chromosome.

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Features that distinguish sexes further and play a role in mate attraction, developed at puberty.

What does the SRY gene code for?

It codes for testes-determining factor (TDF), initiating development of testes.

What are the two types of ducts associated with gonadal development?

Mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts and paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts.

What role does testosterone play in male reproductive development?

It stimulates spermatogenesis and the development of secondary sex organs and characteristics.

What is spermatogenesis?

The process of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules.

What are the three main events involved in spermatogenesis?

Remodeling of germ cells, reduction of chromosome number, and shuffling of genes.

What is the pathway of a sperm from the seminiferous tubule to the urethra?

Seminiferous tubule → Rete testis → Efferent ductules → Epididymis → Ductus deferens → Urethra.

What is the composition of semen?

60% seminal vesicle fluid, 30% prostatic fluid, and 10% sperm.

What are accessory glands in the male reproductive system?

Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.

How is sperm motility influenced by semen?

Elevated pH and an energy source provided by seminal vesicle secretions.

What triggers ejaculation?

The rhythmical contraction of the bulbocavernosus muscle and contraction of seminal vesicles and prostate.

What is the average sperm count per milliliter for normal fertility?

50 to 120 million sperm/mL.

What anatomical structures provide blood supply to the penis?

Internal pudendal artery, dorsal artery, and deep artery.