Male Internal Genitalia Overview

Study Notes

Male Internal Genitalia

Testes
- Primary reproductive organs
- Produce sperm and testosterone
- Located in the scrotum
Epididymis
- A coiled tube attached to each testis
- Site of sperm maturation and storage
- Sperm gain motility here
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
- Muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
- Passes through the spermatic cord and into the pelvis
Seminal Vesicles
- Pair of glands located behind the bladder
- Produce seminal fluid, rich in fructose and other substances
- Contribute to about 60% of semen volume
Prostate Gland
- Located beneath the bladder
- Secretes a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm
- Contributes to about 30% of semen volume
Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands)
- Located at the base of the penis
- Produce a pre-ejaculatory fluid that lubricates the urethra
Ejaculatory Ducts
- Formed by the junction of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle
- Conduct sperm and seminal fluid to the urethra
Urethra
- Final duct for both urine and semen
- Runs through the penis and opens at the urethral orifice
- Divided into prostatic, membranous, and spongy sections

Key Functions

Sperm Production: Testes are primarily responsible for generating sperm.
Hormone Production: Testes produce testosterone, essential for male characteristics and reproductive functions.
Sperm Transport: The epididymis and vas deferens are critical for transporting sperm to the ejaculatory duct.
Seminal Fluid Production: Seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands produce fluids that support and transport sperm during ejaculation.

Male Internal Genitalia

Testes
- Function as primary reproductive organs responsible for sperm and testosterone production.
- Located within the scrotum to maintain an optimal temperature for sperm development.
Epididymis
- Coiled structure attached to each testis where sperm undergo maturation and are stored.
- Site where sperm acquire motility, essential for successful fertilization.
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
- Muscular tube facilitating sperm transport from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
- Navigates through the spermatic cord and into the pelvic cavity, connecting reproductive and urinary systems.
Seminal Vesicles
- Pair of glands positioned behind the bladder, producing seminal fluid rich in fructose.
- Contribute roughly 60% to the total volume of semen, enhancing sperm vitality and motility.
Prostate Gland
- Situated beneath the bladder, this gland secretes a fluid vital for nourishing and protecting sperm.
- Accounts for approximately 30% of semen volume, playing a crucial role in reproductive health.
Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands)
- Located at the base of the penis, these glands produce pre-ejaculatory fluid.
- This fluid serves to lubricate the urethra, aiding in the passage of sperm during ejaculation.
Ejaculatory Ducts
- Created at the intersection of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle duct.
- Serve as the channel for sperm and seminal fluid, guiding them to the urethra for ejaculation.
Urethra
- Functions as the final duct for both urine and semen, integral to the reproductive and urinary systems.
- Extends through the penis and terminates at the urethral orifice, divided into three sections: prostatic, membranous, and spongy.

Key Functions

Sperm Production: The testes are primarily responsible for generating sperm necessary for reproduction.
Hormone Production: Testes produce testosterone, crucial for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive functions.
Sperm Transport: The transport system involving the epididymis and vas deferens is essential for delivering sperm to the ejaculatory duct.
Seminal Fluid Production: The seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands produce fluids that not only nourish sperm but also play critical roles in the overall function and delivery of semen during ejaculation.

Description

Explore the essential components of male internal genitalia, including the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles. This quiz will test your knowledge on their functions, locations, and roles in reproduction. Perfect for biology students or anyone interested in human anatomy.