Male Reproductive System Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary function of the male reproductive system, beyond reproduction?

  • Excretion of liquid waste from the body (correct)
  • Filtration of toxins from the blood
  • Production of digestive enzymes
  • Regulation of blood sugar levels

The scrotum and penis are classified as which type of organs in the male reproductive system?

  • Urinary tract organs
  • External genital organs (correct)
  • Accessory reproductive glands
  • Internal genital organs

What is the primary physiological response of the scrotum to a decrease in ambient temperature?

  • Relaxation and loosening to dissipate heat
  • Contraction and wrinkling to conserve heat (correct)
  • Swelling due to increased blood flow
  • Increased production of lubricating fluids

Which set of organs is primarily housed within the scrotum?

<p>Testes and epididymis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is located within the penis and serves a dual function in both reproduction and urination?

<p>Urethra (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prostate gland is strategically positioned in which location relative to other organs?

<p>Between the bladder and the penis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of fertilization, where a sperm cell unites with an ovum, is directly dependent on the function of which component of the male reproductive system?

<p>Sperm cell production and ejaculation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Beyond reproduction, the male reproductive system plays a role in the development of typically masculine features. This secondary function is primarily mediated by the release of:

<p>Reproductive hormones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the sequence of events leading to an erection?

<p>Stimulation of neurotransmitters → relaxation of smooth muscles → dilation of arterioles → increased blood flow → erection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a male is experiencing difficulties with muscle growth, voice deepening, and facial hair development, which hormone produced by the testicles is MOST likely deficient?

<p>Testosterone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the cremasteric reflex important for male fertility?

<p>It regulates the temperature of the testicles for optimal sperm production. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a vasectomy, which structure is cut or ligated to prevent sperm from being ejaculated?

<p>Vas deferens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of semen provides energy for sperm and stimulates sperm motility?

<p>Fructose from the seminal vesicles and prostaglandin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the roles of both the urethra and the vas deferens in the male reproductive system?

<p>The urethra transports both urine and semen, while the vas deferens only transports sperm. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A doctor discovers that a patient's testicles are not producing sufficient lubricant, causing friction and discomfort within the scrotum. Which layer of the testicles is MOST likely malfunctioning?

<p>Tunica vaginalis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Male Reproductive System

Organ system responsible for sperm production, hormone release, and urination.

Conception

Process where a sperm cell fertilizes an egg (ovum).

Male Anatomy Components

External: penis and scrotum; Internal: testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, urethra, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland.

Penis

External male organ used for reproduction and urination.

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Scrotum

Pouch of skin that contains testicles.

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Testicles (Testes)

Male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone.

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Epididymis

Structure where sperm matures and is stored.

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Vas Deferens

Tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.

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Penis Anatomy

The male organ consisting of the glans, shaft, and root; location of the urethra.

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Testicles

Paired organs in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone.

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Tunica Vaginalis

Layer surrounding the testicles, providing lubrication and protection.

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Cremasteric Reflex

Reflex where stroking the inner thigh causes the testicles to elevate, aiding in thermoregulation and protection.

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Prostate

Gland between the bladder and urethra that secretes fluid to help sperm survive.

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Study Notes

  • The male reproductive system is responsible for the production, storage, and ejaculation of semen, which contains sperm cells
  • Sperm cells fertilize an ovum (egg) to produce offspring, which is called conception
  • The male reproductive system releases hormones for development of sexual function and masculine features.
  • Parts of the reproductive tract permit urination.

Male Anatomy Components

  • External genitals: scrotum and penis
  • Inside the scrotum: testes (testicles), epididymis, and vas deferens.
  • Inside the penis: urethra and seminal vesicles
  • Prostate gland: Located between the bladder and the penis

External Anatomy

Scrotum

  • A skin bag that holds and protects the testicles
  • Maintains the temperature for sperm production and survival
  • Shrinks and wrinkles in the cold to increase temperature
  • Relaxes and loosens in high temperatures to reduce temperature

Penis

  • Consists of the glans, shaft, and root
  • Glans: the tip of the penis, covered by foreskin in newborns
  • Shaft: main part, contains the urethra and spongy tissue for erection
  • Root: base, linked to the pelvis by connective tissues

Erection Process

  • Arousal stimulates neurotransmitter release
  • Smooth muscles relax, causing dilation of arterioles and arteries
  • Blood flows into blood vessels
  • Arteries relax to allow more blood flow while veins close
  • Pressure traps blood within spongy tissue, causing expansion and erection

Internal Anatomy

Testicles

  • Located inside the scrotum and surrounded by the tunica vaginalis layer
  • Tunica vaginalis produces lubricant to allow free movement of the testicles
  • Produces sperm and testosterone
  • Testosterone: crucial for muscle growth, voice deepening, and body hair growth

Nitric Oxide (NO) Production

  • Testicles can produce nitric oxide (NO) through endothelial cells
  • Nitric oxide maintains the tension of testicular arterioles
  • Nitric oxide regulates testosterone secretion and affects sperm development
  • Nitric oxide regulates smooth muscle relaxation

Cremasteric Reflex

  • Stroking the inner thighs causes the cremaster muscle to contract and elevate the testis
  • Protects the testicles and helps with thermoregulation
  • Lifts and lowers testicles to regulate warmth
  • Moves testicles closer to the body during fight or flight and sexual desire

Epididymis

  • Long tube located at the back of each testicle
  • Spermatozoa mature here
  • The lower portion (epididymis tail) stores mature sperms

Vas Deferens

  • Also known as the sperm duct
  • Connects the epididymis and the urethra
  • Carries sperm out of the scrotal sac
  • Muscle contractions propel sperm out during orgasm
  • Combines with fluids to produce semen
  • Cut or ligated during a vasectomy to stop sperm from leaving

Prostate

  • Walnut-sized gland between the bladder and the urethra
  • Secretes prostatic fluid to help sperm survive
  • Prostatic fluid forms part of the seminal fluid

Seminal Vesicles

  • Located behind the bladder
  • Secrete fluids containing fructose to nourish sperm
  • Contain prostaglandin to trigger the motility of the sperm
  • Together with prostatic fluid, it forms semen

Urethra

  • Drains urine from the bladder
  • Channel for semen release during ejaculation

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