Male Reproductive System: Prostate Gland Function

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What is the function of the dartos muscle in the scrotum?

To divide the scrotum into two compartments

To produce sperm

To cover each testis like a muscular net

To elevate the testes in cold weather or water (correct)

Why is the scrotum important for sperm production?

It regulates hormone production

It houses the seminal vesicles

It aids in menstruation

It keeps the testes 2 to 4°C below core body temperature (correct)

How does the scrotum respond to cold weather?

It relaxes to retain heat

It elevates the testes towards the body (correct)

It promotes heat loss

It decreases scrotal surface area

What is the role of the cremaster muscles in the scrotum?

To contract and elevate the testes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the raphae on the scrotum?

To assist in heat loss Signup and view all the answers

How do the dartos and cremaster muscles react to environmental temperature changes?

They contract to elevate the testes in cold weather Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are Sertoli cells?

Supporting cells Signup and view all the answers

Where do sperm move into from the lumens of the seminiferous tubules?

Straight tubules Signup and view all the answers

How many different cell types are found inside the seminiferous tubules?

Six Signup and view all the answers

Where do germ cells develop from in the seminiferous tubules?

Basement membrane Signup and view all the answers

What type of meshwork of tubules do sperm move into from the straight tubules?

Rete testes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?

Secrete signaling molecules that promote sperm production Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the tail of the sperm?

To give the sperm cell movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the tail of a sperm cell?

50 micrometres Signup and view all the answers

What process suppresses the activation of tail movement in sperm until they are close to the egg?

Capacitation Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the intracellular pH levels during capacitation of sperm?

They increase Signup and view all the answers

How many sperm are contained in an average ejaculation?

300,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the middle portion of the sperm called?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system?

Production of a thin milky fluid to enhance sperm fertility Signup and view all the answers

Which structure produces substances that provide nourishment for spermatozoa?

Seminal vesicle Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the prostatic fluid to be slightly basic?

Slightly basic environment enhances fertility of sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the bulbourethral gland (Cowper’s gland) in the male reproductive system?

Lubrication of the head of the penis during erection and ejaculation Signup and view all the answers

Which structure expels its secretion into the ejaculatory ducts during ejaculation?

Seminal vesicle Signup and view all the answers

How does the prostatic fluid impact the pH level in the male reproductive system?

Raises it to optimal levels for sperm fertility Signup and view all the answers

What physiological process results in penile erections?

Relaxation of smooth muscles surrounding penile arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the process of penile erection?

Inducing vasodilation by relaxing smooth muscles around penile arteries Signup and view all the answers

Male Reproductive System: Prostate Gland Function

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