The Male Reproductive System Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the anatomy, disorders, procedures, and terminology of the male reproductive system based on the lecture notes.

Gonads

The primary sex organs, consisting of the two testes.

Secondary sex organs

The penis, scrotum, and a system of ducts including the epididymis, ductus (vas) deferens, and urethra.

Accessory glands

The prostate, two seminal vesicles, and two bulbourethral glands.

Male external genitalia

A group of structures including the perineum, scrotum, testes, and penis.

Seminiferous tubules

Structures located within the testicular lobules (three or four per lobule) where sperm are formed.

Epididymis

A part of the duct system that stores sperm until maturity.

Interstitial cells

Cells in the testes that produce androgens, including testosterone.

Spermatic cord

A structure that supports the testes from the abdominal cavity.

Testosterone

A hormone that stimulates spermatogenesis, male secondary sex characteristics, growth bursts at puberty, and sex drive.

Spermatogenesis

The process where germ cells with $23$ pairs of chromosomes ($46$ total) divide into daughter cells and mature into spermatozoa with $23$ chromosomes.

Testicular torsion

A disorder of the testes involving a twisting of the organ.

Varicocele

A disorder involving enlarged veins in the scrotum.

Hydrocele

A collection of fluid in the scrotum or testes area.

Spermatocele

A cyst or disorder related to the testes.

Cryptorchism

A condition of undescended or hidden testes.

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis.

Orchitis

Inflammation of the testis.

Semen

The combination of seminal fluid produced by accessory glands and sperm.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

A common disorder of the prostate gland characterized by non-cancerous enlargement.

Digital rectal examination (DRE)

A diagnostic procedure used to examine the prostate gland by hand through the rectum.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

A substance measured during diagnostic procedures for the prostate.

Prepuce

The medical term for the foreskin of the penis.

Glans

The head of the penis.

Corpora cavernosa

A component of the internal structure of the penis shaft.

Corpus spongiosum

A structural part of the penis through which the urethra travels.

Priapism

A disorder of the penis characterized by a persistent and painful erection.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

A disorder of the penis affecting the ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Balanitis

A disorder/inflammation of the glans penis.

Phimosis

A disorder of the prepuce where it cannot be retracted.

Paraphimosis

A disorder of the prepuce involving its inability to return to its original position.

Chancre

A primary lesion associated with the sexually transmitted disease syphilis.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

A condition mentioned as a consequence of certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Orchiopexy

A therapeutic surgical procedure to fix or move a testis into the scrotum.

Orchiectomy

The surgical removal of one or both testes.

Vasectomy

A therapeutic procedure involving the excision of a portion of the vas deferens for permanent contraception.

Vasovasostomy

A surgical procedure to reverse a previous vasectomy.

Spermicide

A substance or agent used to kill sperm.