Male Anatomy Flashcards

Study Notes

Tunica Dartos Muscle

Smooth muscle located beneath the scrotal skin.
Regulates scrotal temperature through contractions.
Contracts to hold the testis close during cold temperatures.
Expands the surface area of the scrotum in heat to enhance cooling via evaporation.
Characterized by a pink/red color and intertwined with Stratum Subdarticum.
Functions as an accordion-like scrunching mechanism for surface area adjustment.

Stratum Subdarticum

Loosely woven layer of white connective tissue found between tunica dartos and tunica vaginalis parietal.
Contains striated muscle tissue and operates in fight or flight responses.

Tunica Vaginalis Parietal Layer

A slick layer akin to the broad ligament in females.
Facilitates the descent of the testis during development.

Tunica Vaginalis Visceral Layer

Slick outer lining of the testis, providing a gliding surface.
Directly contacts the tunica albuginea.

Sweat Glands

Function in evaporative cooling to help regulate temperature.

Testis

Male gonads responsible for sperm production and hormone secretion.

Testicular Artery

Main arterial supply to the testis, crucial for adequate blood flow and oxygenation.

Tunica Albuginea

Dense connective tissue capsule surrounding the testis and other organs.
Provides structural integrity to the testis.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of spermatogenesis, producing spermatozoa.
Located within the tunica albuginea.

Leydig Cells

Located in the interstitial tissue of the testis.
Possess LH receptors and are responsible for testosterone production.

Rete Testis

Central component of the testis consisting of a network of tubules.
Functions as a supportive "elevator" for sperm transport.

Efferent Ducts

Connects the rete testis to the head of the epididymis.
Concentrates sperm for maturation.

Mediastinum

Connective tissue core of the testis housing the rete testis.
Not present in stallions; varies in orientation across species.

Tubuli Seminiferi Recti

Connects convoluted seminiferous tubules to the rete testis.

Epididymis

Structure connecting the efferent ducts to the ductus deferens.
Functions in the transport, storage, and maturation of spermatozoa.

Caput, Corpus, and Cauda

Caput: Head of the epididymis; site of initial sperm development.
Corpus: Body of the epididymis; involved in sperm capacitation.
Cauda: Tail of the epididymis; primary storage area for mature sperm.

Spermatic Cord

Structure contains testicular artery and vein, nerves, lymphatics, ductus deferens, and cremaster muscle.

Pampiniform Plexus

Network of veins surrounding the testicular arteries; functions in thermoregulation.

Vas Deferens

Muscular tube transporting sperm from the epididymis to the pelvic urethra.

External Cremaster Muscle

Muscle that retracts the testis towards the body for temperature regulation.

Ampulla

Enlargement of the vas deferens prior to connecting to the pelvic urethra; absent in boars.

Accessory Glands

Surround pelvic urethra and produce seminal plasma, enhancing sperm transport.

Seminal Vesicles and Prostate Gland

Seminal Vesicles: Produce different fluids depending on species; important for semen composition.
Prostate Gland: Provides muscular support and additional fluids.

Cowpers (Bulbourethral) Gland

Contributes gel-like fractions to semen; plays a role in pre-ejaculate fluid production.

Pelvic Urethra

Extends from the base of the penis, surrounded by urethralis muscle.

Colliculus Seminalis

Collects semen and mixes it with seminal fluids before ejaculation.

Urethralis Muscle

Contracts to facilitate the movement of semen during ejaculation.

Ischiocavernosus and Bulbocavernosus Muscles

Ischiocavernosus: Paired muscles aiding in ejaculation.
Bulbocavernosus: Contracts to push semen through the bulb of the urethra.

Crura

The beginning of the penile shaft, consists of the paired structures at the base of the penis.

Bulb of Urethra

Storage area for semen right before ejaculation.

Penis

Primary male sex organ, essential for reproduction.

Penile Urethra

Segment of the urethra that runs within the penis.

Sigmoid Flexure

S-shaped curve of the flaccid penis that straightens when erect.

Retractor Penis Muscle

Smooth muscle that enables full penile protrusion and erection.

Corpus Cavernosum

Tissue layers in the penis, critical for erection.

Glans Penis

Highly sensitive distal end of the penis, crucial for sexual arousal.

Layers of Testis

Comprises various tissue layers including tunica vaginalis (both parietal and visceral) and tunica albuginea, providing structure and protection.

Stereocilia

Present in the male reproductive tract, believed to assist in absorption within the epididymis and ductus deferens.

Description

Explore the key concepts of male anatomy with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on the Tunica Dartos muscle, detailing its functions and adaptations to temperature. Perfect for students or anyone interested in understanding male reproductive anatomy.

Male Anatomy Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the Tunica Dartos Muscle?

What is the Stratum Subdarticum?

What does the Tunica Vaginalis Parietal Layer do?

What does the Tunica Albuginea provide to the testis?

What is produced in the Seminiferous Tubules?

Leydig Cells produce estrogen.

What is the role of the Efferent Ducts?

The ________ connects the tail of the epididymis to the ampulla.

What is the purpose of the Pampiniform Plexus?

What is the main function of the Bulbocavernosus Muscle?

What is the location of the Glans Penis?

What does the Epididymis connect?

The ________ contains the testicular artery and vein.

What is the role of the Seminal Vesicles?

The penile urethra is located in the pelvic region.

What characterizes the Sigmoid Flexure?