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Questions and Answers
What is the function of the thin layer of smooth muscle around the duct in the epididymis?
What is the function of the thin layer of smooth muscle around the duct in the epididymis?
What is the primary function of the epididymis?
What is the primary function of the epididymis?
What is the name of the tube that connects the epididymis to the vas deferens?
What is the name of the tube that connects the epididymis to the vas deferens?
What is the function of the epididymis head?
What is the function of the epididymis head?
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What is the name of the glands that produce about 60% of semen volume?
What is the name of the glands that produce about 60% of semen volume?
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What is the function of the prostate gland?
What is the function of the prostate gland?
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What is the name of the passageway that empties into the urethra?
What is the name of the passageway that empties into the urethra?
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What is the name of the layer of cells that surrounds the duct in the epididymis?
What is the name of the layer of cells that surrounds the duct in the epididymis?
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What is the function of the microvilli in the epididymis?
What is the function of the microvilli in the epididymis?
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What is the length of the vas deferens?
What is the length of the vas deferens?
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What is the primary function of the seminiferous tubules?
What is the primary function of the seminiferous tubules?
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What is the role of the Leydig cells in the testis?
What is the role of the Leydig cells in the testis?
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What is the function of the acrosome in sperm?
What is the function of the acrosome in sperm?
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What is the main difference between the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and the rete testis?
What is the main difference between the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and the rete testis?
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What is the role of the scrotum in the male reproductive system?
What is the role of the scrotum in the male reproductive system?
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What is the function of the efferent ductules?
What is the function of the efferent ductules?
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What is the function of the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?
What is the function of the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?
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What is the main function of the epididymis?
What is the main function of the epididymis?
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What is the function of the mitochondria in the midpiece of the sperm?
What is the function of the mitochondria in the midpiece of the sperm?
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What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
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Study Notes
The Male Reproductive System
- The main task of the reproductive system is the production of reproductive cells and the secretion of hormones
- The endocrine glands and the nervous system have a direct influence on the work of the reproductive system
Testis
- Egg-shaped, 5 cm long, 3 cm wide, and 2.5 cm thick, each weighing 10-15 grams
- Hangs in the scrotum
- Produces sperm and contains endocrine cells that secrete hormones like testosterone
- Testosterone drives male reproductive physiology, is important for spermatogenesis, sexual differentiation, and control of gonadotropin secretion in the pituitary
Scrotum
- A sac of skin and superficial fascia that hangs outside the abdominopelvic cavity at the root of the penis
- Contains paired testicles separated by a midline septum
- External positioning keeps the testes 3°C lower than core body temperature
Seminiferous Tubules
- Contain Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids
- Sertoli cells provide support and nutrition for developing sperm
- Interstitial cells (Leydig cells) secrete testosterone
Spermatogenesis
- Occurs in three phases: Golgi, acrosomal, and maturation
- Results in the formation of spermatozoa
Sperm
- Have three major regions: head, midpiece, and tail
- Head contains DNA and has a helmet-like acrosome containing hydrolytic enzymes
- Midpiece contains mitochondria spiraled around the tail filaments
- Tail is a typical flagellum produced by a centriole
Epididymis
- Has three functions: monitors and adjusts fluid produced by seminiferous tubules, recycles damaged spermatozoa, and stores and protects spermatozoa
- Divided into head, body, and tail
- Head receives spermatozoa from efferent ductules, body is where maturation occurs, and tail is the primary storage location of spermatozoa
Ductus Epididymis
- Begins at the tail of the epididymis and forms the vas deferens
- Has a pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia (microvilli) and a layer of smooth muscle
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
- Is 40-45 cm long and begins at the tail of the epididymis
- Ascends through the inguinal canal and curves inferiorly along the urinary bladder
- Lumen enlarges into an ampulla and empties into the prostatic urethra
- Wall contains a thick layer of smooth muscle
Ejaculatory Duct
- A short passageway (2 cm) at the junction of the ampulla and seminal gland duct
- Penetrates the wall of the prostate gland and empties into the urethra
Accessory Genital Glands
- Seminal vesicle and prostate gland
- Produce alkaline mucus prior to ejaculation that neutralizes traces of acidic urine in the urethra
Seminal Vesicle
- A tubular gland that is about 15 cm long with short side branches from the body
- Produces about 60% of semen volume
- Secretes fructose, fibrinogen, and prostaglandins
Prostate Gland
- A small, muscular organ, about 4 cm in diameter
- Encircles the proximal portion of the urethra
- Consists of 30-50 compound tubuloalveolar glands
- Surrounded by smooth muscle fibers and produces alkaline mucus
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Description
Learn about the male reproductive system, including the testis, its functions, and the hormones it produces. Discover how the endocrine glands and nervous system influence the reproductive system.
