Male Reproductive System Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the testes?

  • To regulate body temperature.
  • To produce urine and store sperm.
  • To secrete seminal fluid.
  • To produce sperm and male sex hormones. (correct)

Why are the testes located in the scrotum outside of the abdomen?

  • To facilitate the production of seminal fluid.
  • To maintain a temperature suitable for sperm development. (correct)
  • To allow for easier access during sexual activity.
  • To protect them from injury.

Where are immature sperm stored?

  • Prostate gland.
  • Ductus deferens.
  • Epididymis. (correct)
  • Seminal vesicles.

Which structure encloses the ductus deferens along with blood vessels and nerves?

<p>Spermatic cord. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ejaculatory duct?

<p>To propel sperm through the prostate to the urethra. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the urethra is surrounded by the corpus spongiosum?

<p>Spongy urethra. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of seminal fluid?

<p>Liquid medium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the secretion of the seminal glands?

<p>Thick and yellow. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is found in the secretion of the seminal glands?

<p>Fructose. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the prostate gland's secretion?

<p>To activate sperm. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the secretion produced by the Bulbo-urethral glands?

<p>Clear, alkaline, and lubricating. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the penis is covered by the foreskin?

<p>Glans penis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following erectile tissues surrounds the spongy urethra?

<p>Corpus spongiosum. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of interstitial endocrine cells located between the seminiferous tubules?

<p>Produce testosterone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures are contained within the tunica albuginea of the testicle?

<p>Seminiferous tubules. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of sperm transport from the site of production to the urethra?

<p>Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → ductus deferens. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gland contributes the largest volume of fluid to the semen?

<p>Seminal glands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the tunica albuginea?

<p>Protecting and encapsulating the testicle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately compares the secretions of the prostate gland and the bulbo-urethral glands?

<p>The prostate secretion is acidic and activates sperm, while the bulbo-urethral secretion is alkaline and neutralizes urine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spermatogenesis relies on a specific temperature range. What might happen to sperm production if the testes were unable to descend and remained inside the abdominal cavity?

<p>Spermatogenesis would be inhibited due to the higher temperature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural adaptation in the male reproductive system directly facilitates both urination and ejaculation?

<p>The urethra. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the composition of semen?

<p>A mixture of sperm, seminal fluid, prostatic fluid, and bulbourethral secretions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the likely outcome of a blockage in the ejaculatory duct?

<p>Infertility due to obstruction of sperm transport. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of PSA and enzymes in prostatic secretion?

<p>Activate and liquify sperm. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a male has seminal glands that do not produce fructose, what is the likely consequence?

<p>Sperm motility will be reduced. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A man experiences difficulty with lubrication prior to ejaculation. Which glands are most likely impaired?

<p>Bulbo-urethral glands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure contributes to regulating the temperature of the testes?

<p>Scrotum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the male reproductive system?

<p>Production of urine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a researcher discovers a new compound that selectively inhibits the function of interstitial cells. What direct effect would this compound have on male reproductive physiology?

<p>Lowered testosterone levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the seminal vesicles were surgically removed, what would be the most immediate and significant consequence?

<p>Significantly reduced semen volume. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a physical examination, it's noted that a male patient has an abnormally short ductus deferens. What immediate physiological consequence is most likely?

<p>Reduced ability to transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new drug is developed that selectively targets and impairs the function of the tunica albuginea. What direct effect would this drug have on the testes?

<p>Compromised structural support and protection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with a condition that impairs the ability of the cremaster muscle to function properly. What direct consequence would this have on the testes?

<p>Impaired temperature regulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A doctor finds that the seminal fluid of a patient lacks citric acid. What accessory gland is most likely dysfunctional?

<p>Prostate gland. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A man experiences consistent difficulty achieving an erection, and diagnostic tests reveal impaired function of the corpora cavernosa. What specific physiological process is most directly affected?

<p>Vasodilation and blood engorgement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST likely effect of damage to the interstitial cells?

<p>Reduced testosterone production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A man undergoes a vasectomy, a procedure that involves cutting and sealing the ductus deferens. Beyond preventing pregnancy, what direct physiological change results from this procedure?

<p>Sperm are still produced but cannot exit the body. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Testes

Primary male reproductive organs; produce sperm and male sex hormones.

Epididymis

Sperm will mature here. Runs along the posterior lateral aspect of the testicle. Caps at the top.

Ductus Deferens

Goes from superior epididymis, passes superiorly over the bladder, enclosed with blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Ejaculatory Duct

Contraction leads to propelling sperm through prostate and to urethra.

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Urethra

Carries sperm and urine to the exterior. Has prostatic, intermediate, and spongy portions.

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Accessory Glands Role

Produce seminal fluid, the liquid medium for sperm. Seminal fluid + sperm = semen.

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Seminal Glands

Paired and posterior to the urinary bladder. Merges with Ductus Deferens. Secretes thick, yellow, alkaline fluid with fructose.

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Prostate Gland

Inferior to the bladder, encircles the prostatic urethra. Contains PSA, enzymes, activates sperm, slightly acidic, contains citric acid.

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Bulbo-urethral Glands

Paired, drains into intermediate part of urethra; secretes clear and alkaline fluid, neutralizes urine, lubricates tip of penis.

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Penis

Male copulatory organ; terminates with glans penis (enlarged tip covered by foreskin); contains 3 cylinders of erectile tissue.

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Corpus Spongiosum

Single cylinder surrounding the spongy urethra.

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Corpora Cavernosa

Paired cylinders within the penis.

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Tunica Albuginea

Dense connective tissue capsule covering the testicle.

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Seminiferous Tubules

Sperm forming factories within the tunica albuginea.

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Interstitial Endocrine Cells

Produce testosterone; located between seminiferous tubules.

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Study Notes

  • The testes are the primary male reproductive organs
  • They produce sperm and male sex hormones
  • The testes lie in the scrotum outside of the abdomen
  • This provides a lower temperature which is better for sperm development at around 94 degrees F.

Duct System

  • All other structures besides the testes are ducts or provide secretions.
  • The epididymis runs along the posterior lateral aspect of the testicle and caps at the top
  • Immature sperm are stored here
  • The ductus deferens goes from superior epididymis and passes superiorly over the bladder
  • Is enclosed along with blood vessels, nerves and a connective tissue sheath, called the spermatic cord
  • The ejaculatory duct propels sperm through the prostate and to the urethra through contraction
  • The urethra carries sperm and urine to the exterior
  • It has 3 portions: prostatic, intermediate, and spongy

Accessory Glands

  • Accessory glands produce seminal fluid, which is the liquid medium that sperm is in
  • Seminal fluid plus sperm is called semen
  • Seminal glands are paired and posterior to the urinary bladder
  • They merge with the ductus deferens to form the ejaculatory duct
  • Secretion is thick, yellow, alkaline, contains fructose and nourishes and enhances sperm motility
  • They are the largest contributor to semen volume
  • The prostate is inferior to the bladder and encircles the prostatic urethra
  • Prostate secretion contains PSA, enzymes, activates sperm, and is slightly acidic due to citric acid
  • PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen, activates and liquifies sperm, and helps break down mucus of the cervix
  • Enlarged prostate compresses Urethra, otherwise known as Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia
  • Bulbo-urethral glands are paired and drain into intermediate part of urethra
  • Secrete a clear alkaline substance that neutralizes traces of urine and lubricates the tip of the penis prior to ejaculation

Penis

  • The penis is the male copulatory organ, covered by the foreskin
  • Terminates with the glans penis, which is an enlarged tip
  • The penis contains 3 cylinders of erectile tissue:
  • A single cylinder surrounding the spongy urethra called the corpus spongiosum
  • Paired cylinders called the corpora cavernosa

Testicle

  • The testicle is covered by a dense connective tissue capsule called the tunica albuginea
  • Within the tunica albuginea are the seminiferous tubules, organized into lobes
  • Seminiferous tubules are the sperm forming factories
  • The tubules contain seminiferous tubules which empty into the rete testis, which will converge and empty into the epididymis
  • Between seminiferous tubules are interstitial endocrine cells
  • These cells produce testosterone
  • Spermatogenic cells: before puberty devclope & divide via mitosis (sperm precurser)

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