TEAS Male reproductive

Gonads

Primary reproductive organs (testes in males, ovaries in females) that produce gametes and sex hormones.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) containing a haploid set of chromosomes.

Testes

The male gonads responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

Epididymis

A coiled tube on the posterior surface of the testis where sperm mature and are stored.

Ductus deferens

The duct that conveys sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory duct.

Urethra

The canal that transports both urine and semen out of the body at different times.

Prostate gland

A gland that secretes a slightly acidic fluid that contributes to sperm motility and viability.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that produce a thick, alkaline fluid rich in fructose to nourish sperm.

Bulbourethal glands

Glands that secrete a lubricating mucus to neutralize acidic urine in the urethra prior to ejaculation.

Penis

The male copulatory organ used to deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract.

Scrotum

The external sac of skin and muscle that houses the testes and regulates their temperature.

Spermatic cord

A bundle of nerves, ducts, and blood vessels connecting the testicles to the abdominal cavity.

Seminiferous tubule

Highly coiled tubes within the testes where sperm production occurs.

Tunica albuginea

The tough, white fibrous capsule immediately surrounding the testis.

Tunica vaginalis

The serous membrane covering the testis, derived from the peritoneum.

Rete testis

A network of tubules that carries sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the efferent ductules.

Efferent ductule

Small ducts that carry sperm from the rete testis to the head of the epididymis.

Spermatogenesis

The complete process of sperm cell development from stem cells to mature spermatozoa.

Spermiogenesis

The final stage of spermatogenesis where spermatids transform into motile, streamlined sperm.

Leydig cell

Cells located between seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone.

Sertoli cell

Cells within seminiferous tubules that support, nourish, and regulate developing sperm cells.

Spermatids

Immature, haploid male sex cells formed after the second meiotic division.

Primary spermatocyte

A diploid cell that undergoes Meiosis I to produce two secondary spermatocytes.

Secondary spermatocyte

Haploid cells produced after Meiosis I that quickly enter Meiosis II.

Spermatogonium

Undifferentiated stem cells that give rise to primary spermatocytes.

Acrosomal cap

A vesicle at the tip of the sperm head containing enzymes to penetrate the egg.

Centriole

A structure in the sperm neck that helps organize the microtubules of the tail.

Midpiece

The central part of the sperm containing mitochondria to provide energy for swimming.

Ampulla

The localized dilation of the ductus deferens just before it joins the seminal vesicle.

Ejaculatory duct

The short duct formed by the union of the ductus deferens and the seminal vesicle duct.

Prostatic urethra

The segment of the urethra that passes through the center of the prostate gland.

Membranous urethra

The middle segment of the urethra that passes through the urogenital diaphragm.

Penile urethra

The longest portion of the urethra that travels through the corpus spongiosum.

Corpora Cavernosa

Two dorsal cylinders of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during erection.

Corpus spongiosum

The ventral cylinder of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra.

Cryptochidism

A condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum.

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis, often caused by infection.

Hydrocele

A fluid

Orchitis

Acute inflammation of one or both testes, often associated with the mumps.

Spermatic cord varicocele

Enlargement of the veins within the scrotum.

Testicular torsion

A medical emergency where the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood supply.