Male and Female Internal Genital Organs

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the prostate gland in male reproductive physiology?

Secretes a nutrient-rich fluid that nourishes sperm

Forms the ejaculatory duct structure for sperm transport

Secretes an alkaline liquid that neutralizes acidity (correct)

Produces testosterone to activate sperm production

Which structure serves as the storage and maturation site for sperm fluid before ejaculation?

Epididymis (correct)

Ductus deferens

Seminal vesicles

Prostate gland

Which neural structure directly controls the external urethral sphincter?

Pudendal nerve branches (correct)

Hypogastric nerve

Pelvic nerve

Autonomic nervous system

What is the function of the bulbourethral glands during the male reproductive process?

To discharge seminal fluid into the urethra Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature differentiates the female urethra from the male urethra?

The female urethra passes through the pelvic diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

What role does the external urethral sphincter play in urinary control?

It prevents urine from leaking during voluntary control. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the male urethra is responsible for merging both urinary and reproductive functions?

Prostatic urethra Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle composes the internal urethral sphincter, and how is it controlled?

Smooth muscle, under involuntary control. Signup and view all the answers

Which nerves provide somatic control to the external urethral sphincter?

Pudendal nerves S2-S4 Signup and view all the answers

During ejaculation, what mechanism prevents the retrograde movement of semen into the bladder?

Internal urethral sphincter contraction Signup and view all the answers

How long is the male urethra typically in length?

18-30 cm Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure aids in supporting the contents of the deep pelvis?

Urogenital diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs partially in the epididymis?

Sperm maturation Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure is involved in preventing urine reflux back towards the kidneys?

Ureters Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of the trigone in the bladder?

It has a smooth internal surface and is sensitive to expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the sympathetic innervation of the ureters?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the male genital organs?

Sperm production and hormone secretion Signup and view all the answers

In which phase of the male reproductive system does ejaculation occur?

Orgasm phase Signup and view all the answers

How do the neural controls of bowel function relate to the urinary system?

They are governed by different autonomic responses. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the difference between a spastic bladder and a flaccid bladder?

A spastic bladder has increased tone, a flaccid bladder has decreased tone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the external sphincter during micturition?

To allow voluntary retention of urine Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical lesions lead to a spastic bladder?

Lesions above S2-S4 Signup and view all the answers

What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play during urination?

Stimulates bladder contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Crede maneuver in patients with spinal cord injuries?

To manually empty the bladder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the effect of lesions at S2-S4?

Causes a flaccid bowel and bladder Signup and view all the answers

How does the sympathetic nervous system contribute to urinary function?

Helps maintain urine retention Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary dietary concern for individuals with spinal cord injuries regarding bowel health?

Regular intake of dietary fiber Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system in bowel control?

Control of voluntary defecation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Internal Genital Organs

Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone, located within the scrotum.
Epididymis: Located next to the testes, involved in sperm maturation.
Ductus deferens: Thick-walled tubular structure that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
Seminal vesicles: Produce semen, a fluid that activates and protects sperm.
Prostate gland: Surrounds a portion of the urethra, secretes alkaline fluid to neutralize acid in the urethra and stimulate sperm motility.
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands): Two small glands that discharge a component of seminal fluid into the urethra.
Ejaculatory duct: Begins at the seminal vesicles, passes through the prostate, and empties into the urethra, carrying semen during ejaculation.

Female Urethra

Length: 4-6 cm.
Location: Lies anterior to the vagina.
Passage: Passes through the pelvic diaphragm and external urethral sphincter along with the vagina.
External Urethral Sphincter: Under voluntary control, innervated by branches from the pudendal nerve, remains contracted.

Micturition Reflex

Animation for the Micturition Reflex exists.

Urethra

Urethra (Male): Muscular tube, 18-30 cm long, leads to the external urethral orifice. Provides an exit for both urine and semen.
Urethra (Female): 4-6 cm long, carries only urine.

### Urinary System

Internal Urethral Sphincter: Involuntary sphincter made of smooth muscle, prevents retrograde movement of semen into the bladder during ejaculation.
Internal Urethral Orifice: Leads to the urethra.

### External Urethral Sphincter

Part of the UG (urogential diaphragm), supports the contents of the deep pelvis.
Provides a means of stopping urine escape, under voluntary control via somatic efferents (pudendal nerve).

Urinary Bladder

Hollow organ: Strong muscular walls (smooth muscle) allow for distensibility.
Detrusor Muscle: Forms the bladder wall.
Location: Lies mostly inferior to the peritoneum in the deep pelvis, posterior to the pubic symphysis when empty. Ascends into the anterior abdominal region and enters the false pelvis when filled.
Always contains some urine: Even after emptying.

### Anatomic Regions of the Bladder

Apex: Anterior aspect near pubic symphysis.
Fundus (base): Posterior wall, opposite the apex.
Body: Major portion between apex and fundus.
Neck: Where the fundus and inferolateral surfaces meet.
Trigone: Area defined by a smooth internal surface formed by the two ureters and the internal urethral orifice. Sensitive to expansion/stretch.

Ureters

Length: 25-30 cm.
Structure: Muscular tubes running through the abdomen along the pelvic brim.
Function: Carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Oblique entry into the bladder: Creates a flap valve that prevents urine reflux back towards the kidney during bladder emptying.

Neural control: Ureters

Innervation: Via the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plexus.
Sympathetic fibers: Carry afferent pain information to spinal cord segments T11-L2. Refer pain along subcostal, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves.

Micturition Anatomy and Function

The bladder stores urine and is connected to the outside of the body by the urethra.
The internal sphincter is a muscle that helps to prevent urine leakage, it is controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
The external sphincter is a muscle that is controlled by the somatic nervous system. This allows for voluntary control of urine retention.

Neural Control of Micturition Reflex

The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates bladder contraction and is responsible for emptying the bladder.
The sympathetic nervous system helps to maintain continence (preventing urine leakage).
The somatic nervous system allows voluntary control of urine retention, which involves consciously engaging the external sphincter to prevent emptying the bladder.

Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Roles During Urination

During urination, parasympathetic activation causes bladder contraction and relaxation of the internal sphincter, facilitating the flow of urine.
During voluntary urine retention, the sympathetic nervous system is active, aiding in maintaining continence.
The external sphincter remains contracted during this time until the individual decides to urinate.

Urine Retention

The external sphincter is responsible for voluntary control, allowing conscious retention of urine even when the bladder is full.

Spinal Cord Lesions and Bowel/Bladder Function

Lesions above S2-S4 (sacral segments) can cause a spastic bladder and bowel. This means that the bladder and bowel may contract uncontrollably, leading to incontinence. This is due to the loss of voluntary control over the muscles.
Lesions at S2-S4 can result in a flaccid bladder and bowel, caused by damage to the nerves that control these organs. This results in loss of muscle tone and lack of awareness of bladder fullness.

Crede Maneuver

This technique involves manually applying pressure to the bladder to help empty it in cases of impaired neural control.
This is often used in cases of flaccid bladder when voluntary emptying is not possible.

Genital Anatomy and Function

Male and female reproductive and urinary systems share some structures.
These systems are controlled by both autonomic and somatic nervous systems.

Neural Control of Bowel Function

The autonomic nervous system controls peristalsis, the movement of food through the digestive tract.
The sympathetic nervous system regulates sphincter tone and helps maintain continence.
Defecation (bowel emptying) involves a complex interplay of voluntary and involuntary control.

Diet and Spinal Cord Lesions

Diet is crucial for maintaining bowel regularity and preventing complications like constipation.
This is even more important in individuals with spinal cord injuries, as bowel function is often compromised.
High fiber diets and adequate hydration can help prevent constipation in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and functions of male and female internal genital organs. Focus is placed on structures such as testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, and the female urethra. Understand the roles of these organs in reproduction and bodily functions.