Male Reproductive System Lecture Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, cellular biology, and hormonal regulation of the male reproductive system as described in the Chapter 26 lecture.

Gametes

General term for reproductive cells, specifically sperm in biological males and oocytes (eggs) in biological females.

Fertilization

The union of a sperm and an egg cell.

Zygote

The single cell formed when a sperm and an egg fuse during fertilization.

Gonads

Primary reproductive organs that produce gametes and hormones; identified as testes in males and ovaries in females.

Reproductive Tract

A series of tubes or ducts responsible for receiving, storing, and transporting gametes.

Scrotum

The sac-like external pouch of skin that houses the testes and the epididymis.

Rafi

An external raised ridge on the scrotum that marks the boundary between the two internal scrotal chambers.

Ductus Deference

Also known as the $vas deference$, this tube carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Seminiferous Tubules

Tightly coiled tubes within the lobules of the testes where sperm production actually occurs.

Rete Testis

A network of interconnected channels that receives sperm from the straight tubules.

Spermatogonia

Stem cells for sperm that undergo mitosis and eventually differentiate into mature sperm cells.

Spermatogenesis

The continuous process of sperm production that begins at the periphery of the seminiferous tubules and moves toward the lumen.

Interstitial Cells

Also known as $Leydig cells$, these cells are located between seminiferous tubules and secrete male sex hormones, primarily testosterone.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone derived from a steroid base that stimulates spermatogenesis and promotes secondary sex characteristics.

Meiosis

The specialized cell division process that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce haploid spermatids.

Spermiogenesis

The final stage of sperm development where round spermatids undergo physical maturation to become mature, motile sperm with a head, midpiece, and tail.

Nurse Cells

Also known as $Sertoli cells$, they provide nourishment, remove waste, and maintain the blood-testis barrier for developing sperm.

Blood-Testis Barrier

A protective barrier formed by tight junctions between nurse cells that isolates the seminiferous tubules from the general circulation to prevent immune attacks on sperm.

Acrosome

A membrane-bound vesicle at the tip of the sperm head containing enzymes necessary to penetrate the outer layers of the egg.

Sperm Middle Piece

The region of the sperm packed with mitochondria to produce $ATP$ for tail movement.

Epididymis

An organ divided into a head, body, and tail that monitors fluid composition, recycles damaged sperm, and stores/matures sperm.

Seminal Glands

Glands that produce approximately $60\%$ of semen volume, including fructose, prostaglandins, and clotting factors.

Prostate Gland

A gland surrounding the urethra that contributes $20-30\%$ of semen volume and secretes enzymes that prevent semen coagulation in the vagina.

Bulbourethral Glands

Also known as $Cowper's glands$, they secrete alkaline mucus to neutralize urinary acids and provide lubrication.

Corpora Cavernosa

Two cylindrical columns of erectile tissue located on the posterior side of the penis.

Corpus Spongiosum

A single column of erectile tissue situated anteriorly that surrounds the urethra.

Prepuce

Commonly known as the foreskin, it is a fold of skin that surrounds and protects the glans penis.

Smegma

A waxy substance secreted by preputial ($Tyson$) glands that consists of shed cells, oils, and moisture.

Male Climacteric

A period between ages $50$ and $60$, also called andropause, characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels and reproductive efficiency.