Male Reproductive Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the epididymis in the male reproductive tract?

To regulate hormone levels

To transport sperm to the penis

To store and mature sperm (correct)

To produce seminal fluid

Which gland is NOT associated with adding secretions to moving sperm in the male reproductive tract?

Bulbo-urethral glands

Seminal glands

Pituitary gland (correct)

Prostate gland

What structure connects the tail of the epididymis to the ductus deferens?

Urethra

Efferent ductules

Head of the epididymis

Body of the epididymis (correct)

Which type of epithelium lines the epididymis, contributing to its ability to reabsorb degenerated sperm?

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant structural feature of the epididymis that aids in increasing surface area?

Stereocilia Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate volume of semen released per ejaculation?

2.5 to 5 ml Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is NOT contained in the secretions of the prostate gland?

Fructose Signup and view all the answers

What role do the bulbo-urethral glands serve in the male reproductive system?

Secrete thick, alkaline mucus Signup and view all the answers

Which component of semen helps protect sperm cells in the acidic vaginal environment after ejaculation?

Clotting proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the male reproductive tract?

Introduces semen into the vagina Signup and view all the answers

What is the total normal sperm count range per milliliter in semen?

50 to 150 million/ml Signup and view all the answers

What happens to semen within 5 minutes after ejaculation?

It coagulates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of the prostate gland?

Secret seminalplasmin Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium lines the epididymis?

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which gland produces approximately 60% of the semen volume?

Seminal glands (seminal vesicles) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ductus deferens?

To store sperm and propel them during ejaculation Signup and view all the answers

What are the three portions of the urethra?

Prostatic, membranous, and spongy Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of the alkaline secretion from seminal glands?

To neutralize vaginal and male urethral acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of meiosis I in spermatogenesis?

Two secondary spermatocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mitochondria in sperm structure?

To generate ATP for tail movement Signup and view all the answers

During spermiogenesis, what does the sperm cell change its shape from?

Spherical to elongated Signup and view all the answers

What defines the process of spermiation?

The release of sperm from sustentacular cells Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main steps involved in capacitation of sperm?

Mixing with seminal gland secretions and membrane changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the acrosome in sperm cells?

To penetrate the ovum during fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of sperm structure aids its function to deliver chromosomes to the female gamete?

Reduced size and lack of most organelles Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the maturation process of sperm in the male reproductive system?

Sperm become motile and functional Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of testosterone during prenatal development?

Initiates the descent of testes Signup and view all the answers

What effect does testosterone have during puberty?

Increases spermatogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is derived from testosterone that affects the development of external genitals?

DHT Signup and view all the answers

How is testosterone primarily controlled in the body?

Hormonal regulation through GnRH and LH Signup and view all the answers

What secondary sexual characteristic is influenced by testosterone during puberty?

Voice deepening Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key post-pubertal effect of testosterone?

Maintenance of bone density Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the male body?

Testosterone is converted to DHT, which can bind to androgen receptors. Signup and view all the answers

In which tissue is DHT more active than testosterone?

Prostate Signup and view all the answers

Which structure surrounds the external urethral orifice at the distal end of the penis?

Glans penis Signup and view all the answers

What happens to arterial branches in the resting state of the penis?

They become constricted, restricting blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which erectile tissue mass surrounds the penile urethra?

Corpus spongiosum Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the erection of the penis during arousal?

Dilation of arteries due to increased nitric oxide Signup and view all the answers

During the emission phase of male sexual response, where does sperm get pushed into?

Prostatic urethra Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is characteristic of the corpora cavernosa?

It is located on the dorsal surface of the penis. Signup and view all the answers

What role does sympathetic activation play in male sexual response?

Initiates contractions for ejaculation Signup and view all the answers

What causes veins to become compressed during the process of an erection?

Ingress of arterial blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Reproductive System Overview

The male reproductive system's primary functions are producing gametes (sperm) and hormones.
The reproductive structures include external genitalia and internal genitalia.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - External Genitalia

Penis: Contains erectile tissue, deposits sperm into the vagina.
Urethra: Conducts semen to the exterior.
Scrotum: Supports and surrounds the testes.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Internal Genitalia

Testes: Produce sperm and hormones.
Epididymis: Site of sperm maturation.
Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens): Conducts sperm between the epididymis and prostate.
Seminal Glands (Seminal Vesicles): Secrete fluid that makes up a large portion of semen volume.
Prostate: Secretes fluid and enzymes.
Bulbourethral Glands: Secretes fluids to lubricate the tip of the penis.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Path of Sperm

Sperm is produced in the testes.
It travels to the epididymis.
Then through the ductus deferens.
Through the ejaculatory duct to the urethra.
Accessory organs secrete fluids into the reproductive tract along the way.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Scrotum and Associated Structures

The scrotum is an outpouching of the abdomen that houses and supports the testes.
The scrotal septum separates the right and left cavities.
It's marked by a thickening called the raphe of the scrotum.
The dartos and cremaster muscles regulate testicular temperature.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Spermatic Cords

Spermatic cords extend through the inguinal canals.
They contain the ductus deferens, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels.
The superficial inguinal ring is the entrance into the inguinal canal.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Testes (Testicles)

Testes have a length of 5 cm, width of 3 cm and a thickness of 2.5 cm.
Each weighs 10-15 grams.
They develop within the abdominal cavity adjacent to the kidneys.
Connective tissue bands pull the testes into the scrotum during fetal development (about 7 months).
The tunica vaginalis is a serous membrane derived from the peritoneum that partially covers the testes.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Testes (Testicles) - Tunica Albuginea

A dense, white and irregular connective tissue capsule deep to tunica vaginalis.
It extends inward to form septa creating lobules.
Each lobule contains 2-3 seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis takes place.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Testes (Testicles) - Cells of the Seminiferous Tubules

Sustentacular Cells (Sertoli Cells): Extend from basement membrane to the lumen of seminiferous tubules; they protect, support, nourish, and phagocytize developing sperm. They also produce fluid that helps transport sperm, secrete hormone (inhibin) and form the blood-testis barrier.
Interstitial Endocrine Cells (Leydig cells): Produce androgens (like testosterone) and androstenedione (important sex hormones).

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Testes (Testicles) - Cells of the Seminiferous Tubules - Pathways of Sperm

Wall of the seminiferous tubules includes spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids - which develop into mature sperm cells.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Spermatogenesis

The development of sperm takes 65-75 days.
Millions of sperm are produced every day.
The four basic steps are:
- Creation of spermatogonia through mitosis
- Meiosis to make sperm
- Spermiogenesis to create functional sperm
- Spermiation (release from nurse cells into the tubule lumen).

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Structure of Sperm

Head: Contains the nucleus with 23 chromosomes and the acrosome which contains enzymes needed to penetrate the ovum.
Neck: Connects the head to the mid piece.
Middle Piece: Contains mitochondria needed for ATP for tail movement.
Tail: Whip-like organelle for sperm movement.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Spermatogenesis - Capacitation

This is the process enabling sperm to become fully motile and functional.
It usually occurs in two steps:
- Mixing sperm with seminal gland secretions makes them motile.
- Exposure to the female reproductive tract enables fertilization capability.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Recap - Male Reproductive Tract

The sperm travels through the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct and finally the urethra.
Along the pathway, seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands add fluids to become semen.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Histology of Epididymis

The epididymis is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia to increase surface area for sperm absorption.
A layer of smooth muscle propels sperm through peristaltic contractions.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Ductus Deferens

The ductus deferens is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium covered by a thick coating of muscle to propel sperm by peristaltic contractions.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Ejaculatory Ducts

These are the unions of seminal vesicle ducts and ductus deferens.
They eject sperm into the prostatic urethra.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Urethra

The urethra is the shared terminal duct of the reproductive and urinary systems.
It's the passageway for semen and urine.
It has three parts: prostatic, membranous, and spongy (cavernous).

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Seminal Glands

These glands are located between the posterior wall of the urinary bladder and the rectum.
Their secretion is alkaline, neutralizing the vagina and male urethra.
The secretions include fructose, prostaglandins, and other components to facilitate sperm viability and motility.
They produce roughly 60% of the semen volume.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Prostate Gland

The prostate encircles the urethra as it leaves the bladder.
It's roughly the size of a golf ball.
Secretions contain seminalplasmin, proteolytic enzymes, citric acid, and sperm ATP production.
It contributes about 20-30% of the semen volume.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview -

The bulbourethral glands are located at the base of the penis.
Each gland's duct empties into the urethra.
They secrete an alkaline mucus, neutralising acids in the urethra and lubricating the tip of the penis.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Semen

Semen contains sperm and seminal fluid from the accessory glands.
It's slightly alkaline and milky in appearance.
A normal ejaculate contains 50-150 million sperm per ml.
Immediately after ejaculation, semen coagulates, liquefies after 10 - 20 minutes.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Penis - Two Functions

Transports urine out of the body.
Delivers semen into the vagina during intercourse.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Penis - Structure of the Penis

The penis includes a root, a body (shaft), and a glans (head).

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Penis - Erectile Tissue

The penis's body (shaft) has three erectile tissue masses (corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum) filled with vascular spaces (sinusoids).
In a relaxed state, this restricts blood flow.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Penis - Phases of Sexual Response (Arousal)

Erotic thoughts or stimulation increase parasympathetic stimulation, releasing nitric oxide.
This causes arterial dilation, increased blood flow, and engorging and compressing the vascular channels.
Blood is trapped, resulting in an erection.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Penis - Emission or Ejaculation

Sympathetic activation triggers peristaltic contractions in the ductus deferens.
Sperm is pushed into the prostatic urethra.
Contractions in the seminal glands and prostate mix secretions with sperm to form semen.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Penis - Impotence (ED)

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Possible causes are vascular changes, interference with neural commands, psychological factors, and certain medications.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Hypothalamic Regulation

The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at a steady pace.
GnRH targets the anterior pituitary gland.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Anterior Pituitary

Responds by producing two gonadotropins: luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH targets the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) in the testes.
Leydig cells secrete testosterone and other androgens.
Testosterone levels are controlled by negative feedback, with high testosterone inhibiting GnRH release.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH targets nurse cells (Sertoli cells) in the seminiferous tubules
Sertoli cells promote spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis.
Release of androgen-binding protein (ABP), which binds testosterone and keeps it in area of developing sperm.
Sertoli cells secrete inhibin which inhibits FSH.
The whole process provides feedback control of spermatogenesis.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Testosterone

The principal androgen.
Synthesized from cholesterol in interstitial cells (Leydig cells).
Lipid-soluble, released by interstitial cells to interstitial fluid and blood.
Controlled by negative feedback.
External genitalia and prostate transform testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Prenatally

Testosterone stimulates the development of the male reproductive system and the descent of testes.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates the development of external genitalia.
Brain testosterone converts to estrogen, supporting some brain development.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - After Puberty

Maintains libido and behaviors related to it.
Stimulates bone and muscle growth.
Maintains male secondary characteristics.
Keeps accessory glands and organs of the male reproductive system functioning.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview - Hormones and the Male Reproductive System - Effects of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Testosterone converts to DHT; only ~10% circulating testosterone.
DHT acts on the same receptors as testosterone in certain tissues which are more sensitive to DHT (external genitalia and prostate).

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Description

Test your knowledge about the male reproductive system, specifically focusing on the epididymis and its functions. This quiz includes questions about the anatomy and the secretory glands involved in the male reproductive tract.