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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the scrotum in the male reproductive system?
What is the main function of the scrotum in the male reproductive system?
Which muscle in the scrotum functions to wrinkle the skin?
Which muscle in the scrotum functions to wrinkle the skin?
What do the seminiferous tubules primarily produce?
What do the seminiferous tubules primarily produce?
Which structure connects the testes to the body and contains blood vessels and nerves?
Which structure connects the testes to the body and contains blood vessels and nerves?
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What percentage of semen is contributed by the seminal vesicles?
What percentage of semen is contributed by the seminal vesicles?
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Which of the following glands is the largest accessory gland in the male reproductive system?
Which of the following glands is the largest accessory gland in the male reproductive system?
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Which structure deep to the tunica vaginalis covers the testes and divides them into lobules?
Which structure deep to the tunica vaginalis covers the testes and divides them into lobules?
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What is the role of the alkaline fluid secreted by the seminal vesicles?
What is the role of the alkaline fluid secreted by the seminal vesicles?
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Study Notes
Male Reproductive System
- Gonads: Produce gametes (sex cells). Testes produce sperm in males.
- Scrotum: Pouch containing testes and epididymis. Maintains a temperature 3°C lower than normal body temperature to support sperm production.
- Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone. Internal structures include the tunica vaginalis, tunica albuginea, and seminiferous tubules.
- Spermatic Pathway: Includes seminiferous tubules, straight tubules, rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra. The epididymis stores sperm.
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Accessory Glands: Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands. They secrete fluids that form semen.
- Seminal vesicles contribute 60% of semen, containing fructose, ascorbic acid, and prostaglandins.
- Prostate gland contributes 35% of semen, with a fluid containing fibrinolysin, acid phosphatase, and citrate.
- Bulbourethral glands contribute less than 10% of semen and secrete mucus to neutralize any acidic urine.
- Semen: Mixture of glandular secretions, including: acid phosphatase, citrate, fructose, seminalplasmin, fibrinolysin, alkaline pH, and prostaglandins. Provides energy for sperm motility, protects from acidic environment, and increases viscosity of mucus (in the female reproductive tract).
Spermatogenesis
- Process of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules.
- Spermatogonia (germ cells) divide via mitosis, followed by differentiation into spermatocytes.
- Meiosis I and meiosis II converts spermatocytes to spermatids followed by spermiogenesis (maturation to spermatozoa).
Structure of Sperm
- Head: Contains DNA (haploid number of chromosomes) and acrosome (enzymes for penetrating the egg).
- Midpiece: Contains mitochondria for ATP (energy) production.
- Tail: Flagellum for sperm movement.
Cells of the Testis
- Interstitial (Leydig) cells: Produce testosterone, vital for the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system (including secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis and muscle/bone formation).
- Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells: Form blood-testis barrier. Nourish and protect developing sperm and secrete testicular fluid. Also produce hormones such as inhibin (inhibits FSH production when enough sperm are produced) and androgen-binding protein (ABP). Increases testosterone concentration in the testis to support sperm development.
Hormonal regulation
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone.
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates sustentacular cells to produce androgen-binding protein (ABP).
Penis
- Organ for delivering sperm to the female reproductive tract.
- Contains three erectile tissues: corpus spongiosum and two corpora cavernosa.
- Erection involves engorgement of these tissues with blood and happens via parasympathetic reflex. Ejaculation is via a sympathetic reflex.
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Description
This quiz covers key components of the male reproductive system, including the functions of gonads and the spermatic pathway. It also addresses the roles of accessory glands in semen formation. Test your knowledge about anatomy and physiology related to male reproductive health.
