Male Reproductive Systems and Cell Division

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, histology, and physiology of the male reproductive system, as well as the processes of mitosis, meiosis, and spermatogenesis.

Scrotum

An extra-pelvic location that provides a cooler temperature necessary for sperm production and storage.

Cremaster muscle

A muscle located within the scrotum that helps regulate the environment of the testes.

Spermatic cord

A connective tissue sheath that contains a network of arteries, veins, nerves, and the ductus deferens.

Inguinal canal

The passage through which the testis descends from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum during fetal development.

Seminiferous tubules

The specific site within the testes where sperm production occurs.

Epididymis

The structure where formed sperms are transferred to mature.

Sertoli (sustentacular) cells

Cells within the seminiferous tubules that release Androgen Binding Protein (ABP).

Interstitial (Leydig) cells

Cells located between seminiferous tubules that release testosterone.

Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)

Glands that release a thick, salty fluid to lubricate the urethra and vagina and clean urine residues from the penile urethra.

Fructose

A component of semen that serves as an energy source for sperms.

Fibrinogen

A protein in semen that clots the fluid into a bolus to assist propulsion into the vagina.

Seminalplasmin

An enzyme found in semen that acts against bacteria.

Prostaglandins

Substances in semen that reduce mucus viscosity in the vagina and stimulate reverse peristalsis in the uterus.

Corpus cavernosum

The two columns of erectile tissue located on the dorsum of the penis.

Corpus spongiosum

The smaller column of erectile tissue on the ventral side of the penis that surrounds the spongy (penile) urethra.

Nitric oxide

A chemical released via parasympathetic stimulation that dilates penile arteries to facilitate an erection.

Acrosome

The part of the sperm head designed to penetrate the ovum.

Haploid (N)

A cell containing one set of $23$ chromosomes, such as a mature sperm or egg.

Diploid ($2n$)

A cell containing two sets of $23$ chromosomes ($46$ total), such as a zygote or somatic cell.

Mitosis

A process occurring in somatic cells for growth and repair, resulting in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.

Meiosis

A process occurring in gamete cells for reproduction, resulting in four genetically different haploid daughter cells.

Synapsis and crossing over

The exchange of genetic information that occurs before Meiosis I, ensuring daughter cells are genetically unique.

Spermiogenesis

The specific process that transforms spermatids into mature sperms.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that activates the anterior pituitary to produce LH and FSH.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates Leydig cells to release testosterone.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates Sertoli cells to release ABP.

Major functions of Male reproductive system

•Production, maturation, nourishment and storage of sperms.

•Transfer of sperm to female body during copulation.

Testis

The male reproductive organ that produces sperm and hormones, primarily testosterone.

Ductus (vas) deferens

The duct that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Urethra

The canal that conveys urine from the bladder and sperm from the reproductive system to the outside of the body.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that secrete a fluid rich in fructose to nourish sperm and form a significant part of semen.

Prostate gland

A gland that produces a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm, constituting a portion of semen.

Ejaculatory duct

The duct formed by the union of the ductus deferens and the seminal vesicle, which empties into the urethra.

Penis

The external male genital organ used for sexual intercourse and the expulsion of urine.

Raphe

The ridge of tissue on the underside of the penis that marks the line of fusion of the two halves during development.

Scrotal septum (cut)

The internal division of the scrotum that separates the two testicles, maintaining a cooler temperature for optimal sperm production.

Dartos muscles

Muscles within the scrotal wall that contract or relax to regulate the temperature of the testis.

Ureter

The duct that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.

Urinary bladder

The muscular sac that stores urine before being expelled from the body.

Pubic symphysis

The joint located between the left and right pubic bones, offering slight movement to absorb shock.

Corona

The ridge that forms the border between the glans and the shaft of the penis.

Prepuce

The fold of skin that covers the glans penis, commonly known as the foreskin.

Glans penis

The sensitive bulbous structure at the tip of the penis, containing numerous nerve endings.

Bulbospongiosus muscle

A muscle that aids in the expulsion of semen and urine and contributes to penile erection.

Plexus of testicular veins

A network of veins in the spermatic cord that cools arterial blood before it reaches the testes, essential for sperm production.

Testicular artery

The artery that supplies blood to the testes, branching off from the abdominal aorta.

Autonomic nerve (scrotum)

Nerves that involve both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, controlling blood flow and temperature regulation in the scrotum.

Lymphatic vessel (scrotum)

Vessels that drain lymph from the scrotum to the inguinal lymph nodes, playing a role in immune response and fluid balance.

Appendix of epididymis

A small remnant of the mesonephric duct found on the surface of the epididymis, often variable in size.

Appendix of testis

A small, lobular remnant of the mesonephric duct located on the surface of the testis, present in some individuals.

Parietal layer of tunica vaginalis testis

The outer layer of the tunica vaginalis, a sac surrounding the testis that provides protection and reduces friction.

Tunica vaginalis testis

The double-layered membrane surrounding the testes, composed of parietal and visceral layers, playing a role in testicular mobility.

Visceral layer of tunica vaginalis testis

The inner layer of the tunica vaginalis that directly covers the testis, providing a protective environment.

Straight tubule

The short, straight portion of the seminiferous tubules that connects to the rete testis, facilitating sperm transport.

Head (caput epididymidis)

The upper part of the epididymis where sperm mature and are stored before entering the ductus deferens.

Efferent ductules

Tiny ducts that carry sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis, playing a critical role in sperm transport and maturation.

Rete testis

A network of tubules located at the posterior aspect of the testis that collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules and delivers it to the efferent ductules.

Body (corpus epididymidis)

The central portion of the epididymis where sperm mature and gain motility, located between the head and tail.

Tail (cauda epididymidis)

The lower part of the epididymis where sperm are stored before ejaculation, with a significant role in sperm maturation.

Seminal fluid

The fluid containing sperm and secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands that aids in reproduction.

Tunica albuginea

The dense connective tissue capsule that surrounds the testes, providing structural support and protection.

Trabeculae

Fibrous partitions within the tunica albuginea that extend into the testis, supporting the seminiferous tubules.

Cavernosal spaces

Spaces within the erectile tissues of the penis that fill with blood during erection, leading to penile rigidity.

Cavernosal artery

The artery supplying blood to the erectile tissues of the penis, crucial for initiating and maintaining an erection.

Erection

The physiological process in which the penis becomes firm and engorged with blood, allowing for sexual intercourse.