Exercise 38 Reviewing Your Knowledge Key - Male Reproductive System Overview

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the male reproductive system, including its structure, function, and the process of sperm development.

seminal glands

Glands that produce seminal fluid, a component of semen.

testis

The male reproductive organ that produces sperm and hormones.

intermediate (membranous) urethra

The part of the urethra that runs through the urogenital diaphragm.

epididymis

A coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.

prostate gland

A gland that produces a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

ejaculatory duct

The duct formed by the union of the ductus deferens and the seminal vesicle.

scrotum

The external pouch that contains the testes.

cremaster muscle

Muscle that raises and lowers the testes to regulate temperature.

spongy (penile) urethra

The part of the urethra that runs through the penis.

ductus (vas) deferens

The tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

dartos muscle

Muscle that forms the wrinkled appearance of the scrotum.

prostatic urethra

The part of the urethra that passes through the prostate gland.

penis

The male reproductive organ used for sexual intercourse and urination.

bulbourethral glands

Glands that produce a pre-ejaculate fluid that lubricates the urethra.

seminiferous tubules

Structures in the testes where sperm are produced.

straight tubules

The tubes that connect the seminiferous tubules to the rete testis.

rete testis

A network of tubules that collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules.

efferent ducts

Ducts that carry sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis.

ampulla of ductus deferens

The enlarged end of the ductus deferens that stores sperm.

spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development.

interstitial endocrine cells (Leydig cells)

Cells located in the testes that produce testosterone.

spermatids

Immature sperm cells that develop from spermatocytes.

spermatogonia

The male germ cells that undergo mitosis to produce sperm.

sustentacular (Sertoli) cells

Cells that support and nourish developing sperm cells.

interstitial space

The space between seminiferous tubules in the testes.

primary spermatocytes

The cells that undergo meiosis to form spermatids.

spermiogenesis

The final stage of sperm development, where spermatids mature into sperm.

mitochondria in midpiece

Organelles in sperm that provide energy for motility.

flagellum (tail)

The whip-like structure that provides movement to sperm.