Male Reproductive System

Flashcards about the male reproductive system

Primary sex characteristic

Structures that play a direct role in forming and transporting gametes

Gonads

Testes produce reproductive cells.

Secondary sex characteristics

Facial hair, deep voice, body hair, broad shoulders, narrow hips, and muscle development.

Sperm need to be viable

Cooler temperatures.

Seminiferous tubules

Long coiled tubes in testes that produce sperm.

Interstitial cells

Lie between the tubules and secrete testosterone.

Head of sperm

Has 23 chromosomes and is covered by acrosome

Acrosome

Has enzymes to penetrate egg

Mitochondria in the middle of sperm

Provides energy for tail movement.

Sertoli cells

Nourish developing sperm

Epididymis

Sperm will mature here and gain motility

Seminal vesicles produce

Mucusy, fructose-containing fluid and prostaglandins that give energy to sperm

Prostate gland contributes

Fluid containing buffers that protect sperm cells from acidic environment of the vagina

Cowper’s gland

Secrete mucus fluids.

Sphincter

Prevents urine from entering semen.

Parts of the penis

Shaft, glans penis (tip), foreskin (sheath of skin)

Male reproductive hormones

Regulate maturation and functioning of male reproductive system

FSH

Cause seminiferous tubules to make sperm and to release inhibin

LH

Cause interstitial cells in testes to release testosterone

Andropause

Men can reproduce their entire life, they go through ___ and testosterone levels decline