male reproductive system

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms related to the functions, organs, disorders, diagnostics, and treatments of the male reproductive system from Lesson 11.

testosterone

Hormone for male sexual organ development and transition from boy to man.

sperm

Cells that fertilize the female's egg cell.

semen

Fluid containing sperm.

emission

Movement of semen from epididymes into the urethra.

epididymis

Coiled tubes on top of testes; site of sperm maturation and storage.

ejaculation

Movement of semen out through the penile urethral meatus.

urethral meatus

Urethral opening at the tip of the penis.

testes

Primary male sexual organs; produce testosterone and sperm.

testis (testicle)

Singular form of testes.

scrotum

Sac-like structure containing the testes.

spermatic cords

Structures attaching testes to the abdominal wall and carrying blood vessels.

penis

External male reproductive organ that delivers sperm to the female.

glans penis

The head of the penis.

bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)

Glands posterior to the prostate that lubricate the urethra and glans penis.

prostate gland

Gland just above the penis that adds fluid to semen.

seminal vesicles

Structures behind the bladder that help produce semen.

Cowper’s syringocele

A cyst in ducts leaving the bulbourethral glands.

cryptorchidism

Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum during fetal development.

epididymitis

Inflammation of one or more epididymes.

orchitis

Inflammation of one or both testes.

priapism

Painful, prolonged erection not due to sexual stimulation.

testicular cancer

Cancer that started in the testes.

testicular torsion

Twisting of a testis on its spermatic cord.

varicocele

Swelling of veins of the spermatic cord above a testis or in the scrotum.

azoospermia

Complete lack of sperm in the semen.

obstructive azoospermia

Semen lacks sperm due to delivery problems.

congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD)

Absence from birth of one or more vas deferens.

congenital cystic anomalies of the seminal vesicles

Cysts present at birth in the seminal vesicles.

unilateral renal agenesis

Missing a kidney on one side.

sperm count

Number of sperm present in the semen.

semen analysis

Analysis of semen to assess fertility; evaluates sperm count, motility, morphology, and liquefaction.

total volume (semen)

Normal ejaculate volume is about 2.5 milliliters.

motility

Ability of sperm to move; at least 50\% should be motile.

morphology

Size and shape of sperm; at least about 30\% should be normal.

liquefaction

Semen should liquefy within 20 minutes after ejaculation.

testicular biopsy

Removal of a small piece of tissue from a testis.

transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy

Using ultrasound to guide a needle into the prostate gland for biopsy.

cavernosography

Radiological imaging of the corpus cavernosum in the penis.

corpus cavernosum

Two columns of erectile tissue in the penis.

digital rectal examination (DRE)

Placement of examiner's finger into the rectum to palpate the prostate.

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening

Blood test to measure a protein produced by prostate cells for cancer screening.

prostate cancer

Development of a cancerous tumor in the prostate gland.

prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland.

bacterial prostatitis

Prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.

prostate abscess

A local collection of pus in the prostate gland.

retrograde ejaculation

Semen entering the bladder instead of exiting through the penis.

orchiopexy

Surgery to move undescended testes into the scrotum.

prostate brachytherapy

Placing small radioactive seeds in the prostate to treat cancer.

radical prostatectomy

Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue.

TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate)

Removal of part of the prostate through the urethra.

vasovasostomy

Surgical reversal of a vasectomy by reconnecting the vas deferens ends.

antibiotics

Medications to treat bacterial infections.

antiviral medications

Medications to treat viral infections.

antifungal medications

Medications to treat fungal infections.

analgesics

Pain-relieving medications.

chemotherapy

Medications to treat cancers of the reproductive system.

hormone therapy

Treats hormone imbalances; can suppress testosterone for prostate cancer.

erectile dysfunction (oral medications)

Oral medications to help achieve or maintain an erection.