Male Reproductive System Overview

The primary reproductive organ that produces gametes.

The gonad produces the gametes.

These ducts develop into male reproductive structures like the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.

<p>The presence of testosterone promotes the development of the mesonephric ducts, while the presence of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) causes the regression of the paramesonephric ducts in males. In females, the absence of AMH allows the paramesonephric ducts to develop.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The penis develops from the genital tubercle, and the urethra forms from the urogenital folds in males.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The scrotum develops from the labioscrotal folds in males.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the male gonad (testes) descends from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum during fetal development. This journey passes through the inguinal canal and is guided by the gubernaculum, a fibrous cord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A fibrous cord that helps guide the descent of the testes into the scrotum during fetal development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cremaster muscle: Found in the spermatic cord, it elevates or lowers the testes to regulate temperature. Dartos muscle: Found in the scrotal wall, it contracts to wrinkle the scrotum, helping to reduce heat loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sertoli cells (Nurse cells): Located in the seminiferous tubules, they nourish and support developing sperm cells. Leydig cells (Interstitial cells): Located in the spaces between the seminiferous tubules, they produce testosterone. Spermatogonia: Located in the seminiferous tubules, these are the stem cells that divide to produce sperm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seminiferous tubules, Rete testis, Efferent ductules, Epididymis, Vas deferens, Ejaculatory ducts, Urethra</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seminal vesicles: Located behind the bladder, they secrete a thick fluid rich in fructose that provides energy for sperm and makes up about 60% of semen. Prostate gland: Located beneath the bladder, it produces a milky fluid that neutralizes the acidity of the vaginal tract, aiding sperm survival. Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands): Located near the base of the penis, they secrete a clear fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes traces of acidic urine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Corpora cavernosa: Paired erectile tissues located on the dorsal (top) side of the penis. They are responsible for most of the penile erection. Corpus spongiosum: The single erectile tissue located along the ventral (bottom) side of the penis, surrounding the urethra. It helps keep the urethra open during erection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The acrosome contains enzymes like hyaluronidase and acrosin, which are essential for breaking down the outer layers of the egg to allow fertilization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Source: Hypothalamus Target organ: Anterior pituitary gland Effect: Stimulates the release of FSH and LH, which regulate the function of the gonads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Target cells: Sertoli cells in the testes Effect: Stimulates sperm production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seminal vesicles: Contribute fructose, prostaglandins, and proteins that nourish sperm and promote their motility. Prostate: Contributes a milky fluid containing citric acid, zinc, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which help maintain sperm motility and viability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Spermatogenesis: The process of sperm production that occurs in the seminiferous tubules. It begins with spermatogonia (stem cells) that undergo mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis to form haploid spermatids. These spermatids then mature into sperm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>During sexual arousal, parasympathetic stimulation causes the dilation of the arterioles supplying blood to the erectile tissues. This increases blood flow into the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, causing them to expand and stiffen, resulting in an erection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parasympathetic nervous system: Responsible for initiating and maintaining an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. Sympathetic nervous system: Controls ejaculation by stimulating the contraction of smooth muscles in the ducts and accessory glands. Somatic nervous system: Controls the contraction of the bulbocavernosus muscle to help expel semen during ejaculation.</p> Signup and view all the answers