30 Questions
Which cells in the testes secrete testosterone?
Leydig cells
What is the purpose of meiosis in the gonads?
To reduce the number of chromosomes by one-half
What is the final stage of spermatogenesis?
Spermiogenesis
What is the function of mature sperm?
To fertilize a secondary oocyte
Which hormone initiates spermatogenesis?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Which duct stores sperm and propels them toward the urethra during ejaculation?
Ductus (vas) deferens
Which structures are included in the male reproductive system?
Testes, epididymides, penis, and ducts and glands
What is the function of the scrotum?
To support the testes
How is the temperature of the testes regulated?
By the cremaster muscle
What is the function of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland?
To add fluids to the sperm to create semen
Where are sperm cells made?
In the testes
What is the function of Sertoli cells in the testes?
To form the blood-testis barrier
Which of the following is a function of the vagina?
Receptacle of the penis during sexual intercourse
What is the term for the external genitalia of the female?
Vulva
What is the main function of the mammary glands?
Synthesis of milk and secretion and ejection of milk
Which hormone inhibits the secretion of FSH and GnRH?
Inhibin
What is the function of estrogens?
Promotion of the development and maintenance of female reproductive structures, secondary sex characteristics, and the breasts
What is the main function of progesterone?
Prepare the endometrium for implantation and the mammary glands for milk synthesis
During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the corpus luteum secrete estrogens and progesterone?
Postovulatory phase
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization and implantation do not occur?
It forms the corpus albicans
What triggers ovulation in a 28-day menstrual cycle?
LH surge
What is the role of the corpus luteum during pregnancy?
To secrete estrogens and progesterone to support pregnancy
What is the function of oral contraceptives?
To prevent fertilization
What is the postovulatory phase also known as?
Luteal phase
Which of the following is true about the inguinal canal?
It is where the spermatic cord passes through
What is the function of the ejaculatory ducts?
To eject spermatozoa into the prostatic urethra
What is the male urethra used for?
To eject spermatozoa into the prostatic urethra
What is the main function of the seminal vesicles?
To secrete an alkaline fluid
What is the main function of the prostate gland?
To neutralize acid in the male urethra
What is the main function of the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands?
To secrete mucus for lubrication
Study Notes
Male Reproductive System
- Leydig cells in the testes secrete testosterone.
- Meiosis in the gonads produces gametes (sperm or ova) with a unique combination of chromosomes.
- The final stage of spermatogenesis is the formation of mature sperm.
- The function of mature sperm is to fertilize an egg cell.
- The hormone that initiates spermatogenesis is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- The vas deferens stores sperm and propels them toward the urethra during ejaculation.
- The male reproductive system includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra, and penis.
Scrotum and Temperature Regulation
- The function of the scrotum is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is essential for spermatogenesis.
- The temperature of the testes is regulated by the scrotum, which can move closer to or farther from the body to maintain a cooler temperature than the rest of the body.
Sertoli Cells and Seminal Vesicles
- Sertoli cells in the testes provide support and nourishment to developing sperm cells.
- The seminal vesicles and prostate gland produce fluids that make up semen, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.
Female Reproductive System
- Sperm cells are made in the testes, but egg cells are made in the ovaries.
- The vagina is the external genitalia of the female, and its function is to receive sperm during sexual intercourse.
- The term for the external genitalia of the female is the vulva.
- The main function of the mammary glands is to produce milk for nursing infants.
Hormones
- Inhibin inhibits the secretion of FSH and GnRH.
- Estrogens are hormones produced by the ovaries that stimulate female secondary sex characteristics and regulate the menstrual cycle.
- The main function of progesterone is to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Menstrual Cycle
- During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the corpus luteum secretes estrogens and progesterone.
- If fertilization and implantation do not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates.
- The surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation in a 28-day menstrual cycle.
- During pregnancy, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone to maintain the pregnancy.
- Oral contraceptives prevent ovulation by inhibiting the surge of LH.
- The postovulatory phase is also known as the luteal phase.
Other Reproductive Structures
- The inguinal canal is a passageway for the spermatic cord in males.
- The ejaculatory ducts connect the seminal vesicles and vas deferens.
- The male urethra is used for both urination and ejaculation.
- The main function of the seminal vesicles is to produce fluids that make up semen.
- The main function of the prostate gland is to produce fluids that make up semen.
- The main function of the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands is to produce fluids that make up semen.
Test your knowledge of the male reproductive system! Learn about the inguinal canal, ejaculatory ducts, and male urethra in this quiz.
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