Male Reproductive System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the external male reproductive structures?

The penis, the scrotum and the testicles.

What is the main function of the penis?

The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse.

What is the function of the scrotum?

The scrotum is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. It contains the testicles, as well as nerves and blood vessels. It also serves as a climate control system for the testes to maintain the correct temperature needed for sperm production.

What is the erectile tissue in the penis made up of?

Erectile tissue is sponge-like tissue that contains thousands of large spaces that fill with blood when the man is sexually aroused. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ejaculate consist of?

Semen, which contains sperm, is expelled when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the testes?

They produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and sperm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the epididymis?

They store and carry sperm cells that are produced in the testes. They bring the sperm to maturity. Signup and view all the answers

What internal organs are involved in the male reproductive system?

The vas deferens, the ejaculatory ducts, the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vas deferens?

The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ejaculatory ducts?

The ejaculatory ducts are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles. They empty into the urethra. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

They produce a sugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperm with a source of energy and helps with their motility (ability to move). Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the prostate gland?

The prostate gland contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate and also helps to nourish the sperm. Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, pain while urinating, blood in the urine, leakage of water, difficulty getting an erection, constipation, back pain, peeing in the middle of the night, and blood in the semen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the bulbourethral glands?

The bulbourethral glands produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary hormones involved in the functioning of the male reproductive system?

The primary hormones involved in the functioning of the male reproductive system are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following completely describes the urethra?

It both serves as part of the reproductive and excretory system to carry out sperm and urine out of the body. Signup and view all the answers

The following choices are functions of seminal vesicle EXCEPT one. Which one is this?

It produces sperm cell. Signup and view all the answers

Which correctly differentiates testes from scrotum?

Testis can produce sperm cell while scrotum is a sac of skin that holds the testes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is/are correct function of oviduct?

b & c Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct functions of the uterus?

b & c Signup and view all the answers

Match the following male reproductive parts with their descriptions:

Testis = Produce testosterone and sperm Scrotum = Protects the testes and regulates their temperature Penis = Male organ for sexual intercourse Vas deferens = Transports mature sperm to the urethra Urethra = Carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also carries sperm during ejaculation Seminal vesicle = Produces a sugar-rich fluid that provides energy to sperm Prostate gland = Produces fluid that nourishes sperm Bulbourethral glands = Produces a clear, slippery fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes any acidity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is mostly located outside of the body cavity (abdominal or pelvic).
External structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles.
The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, body (shaft), and glans. The glans is also known as the head of the penis and contains the opening of the urethra.
The scrotum is a pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis, containing the testicles (testes). It acts as a climate control system for the testes, ensuring a temperature slightly cooler than the body temperature, optimal for sperm development. Special muscles allow the scrotum to adjust testicular position for temperature regulation.
Testicles (testes) produce sperm and testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. They are oval-shaped, similar to large olives. Inside are seminiferous tubules, responsible for spermatogenesis (sperm production).
Vas deferens are long muscular tubes that carry sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. The vas deferens travel to just behind the bladder.
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube located on the back of each testicle. It carries and stores sperm cells produced in the testes. Sperm mature in the epididymis becoming capable of fertilization. During sexual arousal, contractions force sperm into the vas deferens.
The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. In males, it also carries sperm to outside the body during ejaculation. During an erection, the flow of urine is blocked in the urethra, allowing only sperm to be ejaculated at orgasm.
Seminal vesicles are sac-like structures that produce a sugar-rich fluid (fructose) providing energy for sperm motility. This fluid makes up the majority of the volume in a man's ejaculate.
Prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure below the urinary bladder. The prostate contributes fluid to the ejaculate for nourishing sperm.
Bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands are pea-sized structures near the prostate. They produce a clear fluid to lubricate the urethra and neutralize any acidity.

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system includes the internal structures: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
Ovaries are oval-shaped glands that produce eggs (ova) and hormones.
Fallopian tubes are tunnels that carry the egg cell from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization happens in the fallopian tubes.
The uterus (womb) is a hollow organ that is the site of pregnancy; in it the fertilized egg implants and develops through pregnancy until birth.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
The vagina is a canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. It is also known as the birth canal.

Hormonal Regulation (Male)

Hormones (chemicals) regulate the male reproductive system.
Primary hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone.
FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
These hormones influence cell or organ activity in the reproductive system.

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Description

Explore the components and functions of the male reproductive system in this quiz. Learn about external structures like the penis, scrotum, and testicles, along with their roles in sperm production and hormone regulation. Test your knowledge on how temperature regulation impacts spermatogenesis.