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Questions and Answers
What is the primary secretion produced by the seminal vesicles?
What is the primary secretion produced by the seminal vesicles?
Which component is NOT secreted by the prostate gland?
Which component is NOT secreted by the prostate gland?
What is the role of bicarbonate ions in the secretions of the accessory sex glands?
What is the role of bicarbonate ions in the secretions of the accessory sex glands?
What is the approximate size and shape of the prostate gland?
What is the approximate size and shape of the prostate gland?
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What would happen to sperm cells in the absence of alkaline fluid during ejaculation?
What would happen to sperm cells in the absence of alkaline fluid during ejaculation?
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What are the primary layers of the scrotum?
What are the primary layers of the scrotum?
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What is the main function of the scrotum?
What is the main function of the scrotum?
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At what temperature does normal sperm production typically occur?
At what temperature does normal sperm production typically occur?
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What happens to the cremaster and dartos muscles when the temperature of the testes drops below 34°C?
What happens to the cremaster and dartos muscles when the temperature of the testes drops below 34°C?
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How does the dartos muscle respond to cold temperatures?
How does the dartos muscle respond to cold temperatures?
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Which of the following structures is associated with the testes within the scrotum?
Which of the following structures is associated with the testes within the scrotum?
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How does the scrotum help to absorb body heat?
How does the scrotum help to absorb body heat?
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What is the protective function of the scrotum?
What is the protective function of the scrotum?
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What is the main function of the cremaster and dartos muscles in relation to the testes?
What is the main function of the cremaster and dartos muscles in relation to the testes?
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What is the process called that describes the production of sperm within the seminiferous tubules?
What is the process called that describes the production of sperm within the seminiferous tubules?
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Which type of cells are found sandwiched between developing sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules?
Which type of cells are found sandwiched between developing sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules?
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How long does it take for spermatogenesis to fully occur?
How long does it take for spermatogenesis to fully occur?
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What happens to the testes when the body temperature increases above 34°C?
What happens to the testes when the body temperature increases above 34°C?
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Which component is NOT part of the spermatic cord?
Which component is NOT part of the spermatic cord?
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Which component covers and supports the internal structure of each testis?
Which component covers and supports the internal structure of each testis?
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What is the primary function of the ejaculatory ducts during ejaculation?
What is the primary function of the ejaculatory ducts during ejaculation?
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What is the primary role of Leydig cells in the testes?
What is the primary role of Leydig cells in the testes?
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Which of the following terms refers to the male reproductive glands?
Which of the following terms refers to the male reproductive glands?
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What is the role of the bulbospongiosus muscle during ejaculation?
What is the role of the bulbospongiosus muscle during ejaculation?
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Which structure does NOT form a part of the male reproductive duct system?
Which structure does NOT form a part of the male reproductive duct system?
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During ejaculation, why doesn't urine enter the urethra?
During ejaculation, why doesn't urine enter the urethra?
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What type of cells line the ejaculatory ducts?
What type of cells line the ejaculatory ducts?
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Which accessory gland does NOT contribute secretions during ejaculation?
Which accessory gland does NOT contribute secretions during ejaculation?
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What is the primary purpose of the urethra in males?
What is the primary purpose of the urethra in males?
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What is the primary function of erectile tissue in the penis?
What is the primary function of erectile tissue in the penis?
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Which component of the penis contains the urethra?
Which component of the penis contains the urethra?
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What initiates the relaxation of smooth muscle in the penile arteries during erection?
What initiates the relaxation of smooth muscle in the penile arteries during erection?
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How does blood affect the rigidity of the penis during an erection?
How does blood affect the rigidity of the penis during an erection?
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What role does the spinal cord play in the process of erection?
What role does the spinal cord play in the process of erection?
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Which of the following accurately describes the corpora cavernosa?
Which of the following accurately describes the corpora cavernosa?
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What effect does sexual stimulation have on the penile tissues?
What effect does sexual stimulation have on the penile tissues?
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What is the main effect of the dilation of penile arteries during an erection?
What is the main effect of the dilation of penile arteries during an erection?
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Study Notes
Components of the Male Reproductive System
- Comprises the penis, scrotum, testes, various ducts (epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra), and accessory sex glands.
Scrotum
- A protective sac surrounding the testes, composed of skin (outer layer) and dartos muscle (inner smooth muscle).
- Supports, protects, and regulates the temperature of the testes to maintain around 34°C, essential for sperm survival.
- Temperature regulation mechanism:
- Contraction occurs when temperatures drop (e.g., cold exposure), bringing testes closer to the body for heat absorption and tightening the scrotum to reduce heat loss.
- Relaxation happens with increased temperatures (e.g., hot exposure), moving testes away from the body to dissipate heat and loosening the scrotum for increased heat loss.
Testes
- Male gonads producing sperm; each testis is surrounded by connective tissue, seminiferous tubules, and Leydig cells.
- Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules nourish and protect developing sperm, crucial for spermatogenesis.
- Spermatogenesis takes approximately 75 days to produce sperm.
Duct System
- Ejaculatory Ducts: Formed by the union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle; contains smooth muscle that contracts during ejaculation to propel semen into the urethra.
- Urethra: Terminal pathway extending from the bladder through the prostate and penis, delivering semen and urine separately. Lacks muscle within its wall; utilizes bulbospongiosus muscle for ejaculation.
Accessory Sex Glands
- Contribute secretions during ejaculation to form semen:
- Seminal Vesicles: Paired glands secreting fructose, alkaline fluid, and prostaglandins.
- Prostate Gland: Single gland secreting citric acid, seminalplasmin, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
- Bulbourethral Glands: Also known as Cowper's glands, produce mucus and an alkaline fluid.
Semen Composition
- Mixture of sperm and secretions from accessory glands, appearing milky white.
- Contains:
- Sperm and fructose (nutrient for ATP production)
- Alkaline fluid (neutralizes acidity in the urethra and vagina to protect sperm)
Erectile Tissue and Penis Function
- Penis contains three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue:
- Two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum, with the urethra running through the latter.
- Erection occurs via a reflex mechanism; sexual stimulation releases nitric oxide (NO), causing penile artery dilation and blood inflow.
- The resulting engorgement compresses nearby veins, maintaining blood retention and resulting in penile rigidity.
Summary of Functions
- Penis serves as the male organ of sexual intercourse, facilitating erection and ejaculation.
- Erection is characterized by increased rigidity and blood flow, while ejaculation propels semen out of the body.
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Description
Explore the components of the male reproductive system in this quiz based on Chapter 2 of the biology textbook. Understand the anatomy and functions of key structures such as the testes, scrotum, and various ducts. Test your knowledge of essential terms and concepts related to male reproductive health.
