Male Reproductive System Quiz

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.