Male Reproductive System Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the anatomy, sperm production pathway, and common pathologies of the male reproductive system based on BIOL-2243 lecture notes.

Path of Sperm

The sequence sperm travels during ejaculation: Testis $ightarrow$ rete testis $ightarrow$ epididymis $ightarrow$ vas deferens $ightarrow$ urethra.

Scrotum

The structure extending outside the body that houses the testes and epididymis, maintaining a temperature less than $3^ ext{o}C$ below body temperature for sperm production.

Seminiferous tubules

The specific site of sperm production located within the testes; each testis contains 250-1000 of these tubules.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production that occurs throughout the life of a sexually mature male.

Sertoli and Leydig cells

Cells surrounding developing sperm that respond to FSH and LH to cause spermatogenesis and the production of testosterone.

Myoid cells

Cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules that undergo peristaltic contractions to force sperm out into the vas deferens.

Acrosome reaction

The first stage of fertilization, involving hydrolytic enzymes that allow the sperm to penetrate the egg.

Cryptorchidism

The condition of undescended testes, which serves as the biggest risk factor for testicular cancer.

Rete Testis

A "network" of tubules that receives sperm from the seminiferous tubules and reabsorbs fluid to concentrate the sperm.

Epididymis

A 20-foot long storage site where sperm move slowly for up to 20 days to gain the ability to swim; this is the source of ejaculated sperm.

Vas Deferens (Ductus deferens)

An 18-inch long thick muscle tube that undergoes peristaltic waves during ejaculation to move sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure where each vas deferens is ligated to prevent sperm from leaving the testes.

Urethra

The terminal portion of the male duct system that conveys both urine and semen.

Seminal vesicles

Accessory organs that contribute about 60 ext{%} of the total volume of semen.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands that secrete a clear mucus before ejaculation to neutralize acidic urine remaining in the urethra.

Semen

A mixture of sperm and fluid from accessory organs containing proteins, hormones, antibiotic chemicals, and clotting factors for coagulation.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The enlargement of the prostate gland that affects 50 ext{%} of men at age 50, often causing the inability to urinate or empty the bladder.

Prostate Cancer Screening

A medical exam involving digital palpation of the prostate through the rectal wall.