1.1 - Male Reproductive System

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

- the process of sperm development

Pituitary Gland

- found in the brain, triggers the release of Luteinizing hormone and Follicle-stimulating hormone which is delivered to the testes through the bloodstream

Luteinizing Hormone

- signals the testes to create testosterone

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

- helps testosterone to produce sperm cells

Testosterone

- responsible for creating sperm cells and secondary characteristics of males

Seminiferous Tubules

- tiny coiled tubes that can be found inside the testes where the immature sperm cells are produced

Epididymis

- where the sperm go after the seminiferous tubules and is stored until they become mature

Ejaculate

- the time where the mature sperm cells leave the epididymis

Vas Deferens

- transports the mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation

Seminal Vesicle

- secretes a fluid rich in sugar which gives sperm energy

Prostate Gland

- secretes an alkaline fluid which serves as protection to the sperm cell which neutralizes the acid in the female reproductive system

Erectile Tissue

- sponge-like organ that is full of veins and arteries

Erection

- the first sign of ejaculation; caused by erectile tissue

- happens when there is stimulation to the organ

Bulbourethral Gland

- secretes a fluid that neutralizes the acid traces in the male urethra

Pre-cum

- fluid that the bulbourethral gland secretes

Semen

- collection of fluids from the seminal vesicle, prostate gland, and sperm cell

Urethra

- tube that lets urine leave the bladder and body

Corpus Cavernosum

- erectile tissue of the tissue; two columns of spongy tissue in the shaft of the penis, responsible for the erection

Prepuce

- foreskin; loose layer of skin that covers the glans penis

Head

- part of the sperm cell that contains the nucleus and acrosome

Acrosome

- enzyme that is important to penetrate the egg cell

Mitochondrion

- middle piece of the sperm cell; where tails get their power/energy from

- spiral shaped

1-3 degrees Celsius

- ideal temperature for the sperm to be produced

3.5mL

- amount of semen expelled during ejaculation

Testes

- oval-shaped organs found inside a protective sac of skin called the scrotum

- site of sperm production

Testes

- oval-shaped organs found inside a protective sac of skin called the scrotum

- site of sperm production