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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the prostate gland in semen production?
Which gland secretes mucus into the membranous urethra?
What fraction of semen by volume is contributed by the prostate gland?
The seminal vesicles primarily produce which of the following?
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Which structure serves as the conduit for sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?
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The bulbourethral gland is analogous to which gland in females?
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Which part of the urethra is also referred to as the penile or spongy urethra?
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What component is NOT part of the fluid secreted by the prostate gland?
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Where does the ejaculate ultimately exit the male reproductive system?
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Which part of the male reproductive anatomy is crucial for sperm maturation?
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Study Notes
Male Reproductive System Overview
- Scrotum regulates temperature, maintaining it 3°C below body temperature for optimal sperm production.
- Contains dartos and cremaster muscles; spermatic cord includes testicular artery, venous plexus, nerves, and vas deferens.
- Testes have a tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea for protection; septa divide them into lobules filled with seminiferous tubules.
Spermatogenesis
- Spermatogenesis occurs in seminiferous tubules, where spermatogonia undergo growth and differentiation.
- Sertoli cells nurture developing sperm and support a negative feedback loop through inhibin release to regulate hormone levels.
- Testosterone, produced by Leydig cells, supports spermatogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics.
Reproductive Ducts and Glands
- Vas deferens transports sperm from scrotum to pelvis, forming ejaculatory duct with seminal vesicle; has three layers of muscularis for propulsion during ejaculation.
- Ejaculatory duct merges with prostatic urethra; seminal vesicles contribute 60% and prostate gland 30% of semen volume.
- Prostate secretes milky fluid with citrate ions, phosphate ions, clotting enzymes, and profibrinolysin to enhance semen function.
Semen Composition and Function
- Seminal vesicles fluid includes fructose, citric acid, and prostaglandins, vital for sperm nourishment and mobility.
- Bulbourethral glands secrete mucus into the membranous urethra for lubrication during ejaculation.
- Final semen composition is expelled from the penile urethra during ejaculation into the vagina.
Flow of Sperm
- Sperm journey begins in seminiferous tubules, moves to rete testes, then efferent ductules, and matures in the epididymis.
- The vas deferens serves as a conduit, merging with seminal vesicle fluid to form the ejaculatory duct.
- Sperm undergo maturation and are stored in the epididymis before ejaculation, where they gain motility.
Hormonal Regulation
- Hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate anterior pituitary secretion of LH and FSH.
- LH prompts Leydig cells to produce testosterone, essential for spermatogenesis and male reproductive health.
- FSH encourages Sertoli cells to nurture sperm while maintaining feedback regulation to control overall reproductive hormone levels.
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Description
Explore the intricate structures and functions of the male reproductive system. This quiz covers key components such as the scrotum, testes, and the process of spermatogenesis. Test your knowledge on how these elements work together for optimal sperm production.
