Chapter 27 Reproductive System

Flashcards covering the male reproductive system anatomy, sperm development, accessory glands, and semen properties.

What are the primary sex organs, or gonads, of the human reproductive system?

The ovaries and testes.

What are the three main functions of the gonads?

Produce gametes (ova and sperm), secrete hormones, and act as primary sex organs.

Which structures are considered accessory structures in the reproductive system?

Ducts and tubes, accessory glands (which support gametes), and supporting structures like the penis and uterus.

What are the testes?

Primary sex organs of males, they begin development in the abdominal cavity in fetus then descend into the scrotum before birth

What are the external parts of the testes?

Contained in the scrotum, the have a cremaster muscle, as well as two tunics.

What is the tunic layer derived from the peritoneum?

The tunica vaginalis.

What is cryptorchidism?

A condition characterized by undescended testicles.

Which layer of the testes is a white fibrous capsule that extends inward to form septa?

The tunica albuginea.

Where specifically does spermatogenesis occur?

In the seminiferous tubules within the testes.

What are the internal parts of the testes?

Contains the seminferous tubules, and the interstitial cells.

How do Sertoli cells support sperm production?

They support and protect developing sperm from the immune system, provide nourishment, and secrete inhibin to slow sperm production by inhibiting FSH.

What does the seminferous tubules have?

Numerous tubules where sperm production occurs, GnRH from the hypothalamus leads to FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary

What is the function of the interstitial cells of Leydig?

They are located between seminiferous tubules and secrete testosterone.

What are the three main parts of a sperm cell and their functions?

The head (contains acrosome enzymes for fertilization) and the tail (contains neck with centrioles for microtubules).

What is the role of the epididymis in the male reproductive system?

Located on the superior border of the testis, it contains stereocilia to reabsorb degenerated sperm and is where sperm mature and gain motility.

What carries the sperm from the seminferous tubules to the rete testis?

The straight tubules.

What is the tube leading to the epididymis?

The rete testis.

Where does sperm capacitation occur?

In the female reproductive tract.

What path does the ductus (vas) deferens take?

It leaves the epididymis, passes over the pubic symphysis, enters the pelvic cavity, goes over the bladder, and merges with the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct.

What structures are contained within the spermatic cord?

Testicular artery, pampiniform plexus of veins, autonomic nerves, lymphatic vessels, ductus (vas) deferens, and the cremaster muscle.

What are the three sections of the male urethra and their lengths?

The prostatic urethra ($1$ inch), the membranous urethra ($0.5$ inches), and the penile urethra ($6$ inches).

What is the area where the spermatic cord passes through called?

The inguinal canal, it is the tunnel from anterior abdominal wall to the scrotum.

What is the union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles called?

The ejactulatory duct.

Where do each of the urethral sections pass through?

Prostatic; through prostate

Membranous; through the urogenital diaphragm

Penile; through penis to the external urethral orifice

What do the seminal vesicles contribute to semen?

They produce the largest percentage of semen volume ($60\%$), secreting an alkaline fluid containing fructose for energy and protein for coagulation.

What are the secretions of the prostate gland?

A slightly acidic fluid containing citrate for energy, located inferioir to the bladder.

What is the function of the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands?

They secrete alkaline fluid and mucus into the penile urethra for lubrication.

How long does capacitation take?

A few hours, the tail beats faster, and plasma membrane changes.

What are the three columns of erectile tissue in the penis?

Two corpora cavernosa on the dorsolateral sides and one corpus spongiosum, which contains the penile urethra.

What is the enlarged portion at the distal end of the corpus sponginosum?

The glans penis.

What is the prepuce and how is it related to circumcision?

The prepuce, or foreskin, is loose-fitting skin covering the glans penis that is removed during circumcision.

What is it called when the corpus cavernous and corpus sponginosum fill with flood during arousal?

Erection.