Male Reproductive System - Anatomy and Spermatogenesis (Video)

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the male reproductive system anatomy, key structures, and spermatogenesis processes as presented in the video notes.

What is the external male reproductive organ that provides physical pleasure (orgasm) and is involved in ejaculation?

Penis

What is the cone-shaped end of the penis also called the 'head' that forms the cap of the organ?

Glans penis

What is the term for the retractable foreskin that covers the head of the penis?

Prepuce (foreskin)

Which muscles regulate scrotal temperature and position of the testes, and what are their roles?

Dartos muscle wrinkles the scrotal skin; cremaster muscle raises/lowers the testes to adjust temperature.

What temperature relationship is important for sperm production in the testes?

The testes should be about 3°C cooler than core body temperature.

What is the fibrous capsule surrounding each testis called that gives rise to septa dividing the testis into lobules?

Tunica albuginea (with septa)

Approximately how many lobules are present in a human testis?

About 250 lobules.

Which tube carries sperm from the testicle toward the urethra?

Vas deferens.

Outline the main path of sperm from production to ejaculation.

Seminiferous tubules → rete testis → epididymis → vas deferens → ejaculatory duct → prostatic urethra → membranous urethra → spongy (penile) urethra.

What is the primary function and length-related feature of the epididymis?

Stores sperm for up to ~6 weeks; about 20 feet long in total; site of sperm maturation.

What is the spermatic cord and what structures does it contain?

A bundle containing the vas deferens, nerves, and blood vessels that passes through the inguinal canal.

Which gland secretes about 60% of semen and lies on the posterior wall of the bladder?

Seminal vesicles.

Name three components secreted by seminal vesicles and their roles.

Fructose (energy for sperm); fibrinogen (helps form semen bolus); prostaglandins (decrease cervical mucus viscosity and stimulate uterine contractions).

Where is the prostate gland located and what is its function?

Located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra; secretes fluid that nourishes and improves sperm mobility.

What are Cowper’s glands and what is their secretion used for?

Bulbourethral glands; secrete a clear fluid before ejaculation that neutralizes residual urine and lubricates the urethra.

What are the three segments of the male urethra?

Prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy (penile) urethra.

What are the four stages of spermatogenesis (in order)?

Mitosis of spermatogonia; Meiosis I; Meiosis II; Spermiogenesis.

Which chromosomes do sperm carry and how do they determine offspring sex?

Sperm can carry X or Y; X-bearing sperm yields a female offspring and Y-bearing yields a male offspring.

Approximately how many sperm are produced per ejaculation?

About 300–400 million.

List the four functions of seminal fluid as described in the notes.

Nourishes sperm; protects sperm from acidic vaginal environment; enhances sperm motility; helps clear sperm from the urethra after ejaculation.

Name the three accessory glands of the male reproductive system.

Seminal vesicles, Prostate gland, Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands.

What is the external opening of the urethra called?

External urethral orifice.

What is spermiogenesis?

The stage during which spermatids become mature sperm (spermatozoa).

What is the role of Leydig’s cells?

Produce testosterone.

Describe the descent of the testes during fetal development.

Testes descend from near the kidneys into the scrotum, passing through the inguinal canals, typically around the seventh month.

What is the rete testis?

A network that transports sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis.

What is the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea?

Tunica vaginalis is a serous covering of the testis; tunica albuginea is the fibrous capsule that forms septa and lobules.

Where are sperm produced within the testes?

In the seminiferous tubules.