Podcast
Questions and Answers
What cells are produced during fetal life that are involved in spermatogenesis?
What cells are produced during fetal life that are involved in spermatogenesis?
What is the name of the process that reduces the number of chromosomes from 46 to 23 in sperm cells?
What is the name of the process that reduces the number of chromosomes from 46 to 23 in sperm cells?
What is the name of the process where sperm are produced and begin to mature?
What is the name of the process where sperm are produced and begin to mature?
What part of the male reproductive system is responsible for storing and maturing sperm?
What part of the male reproductive system is responsible for storing and maturing sperm?
Signup and view all the answers
How many sperm are produced per ml of semen in a man with normal sperm production?
How many sperm are produced per ml of semen in a man with normal sperm production?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the ideal body temperature for sperm production?
What is the ideal body temperature for sperm production?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following can dramatically reduce sperm production?
Which of the following can dramatically reduce sperm production?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following structures serves as a storage area for sperm?
Which of the following structures serves as a storage area for sperm?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the name of the procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis?
What is the name of the procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the seminal vesicle?
What is the function of the seminal vesicle?
Signup and view all the answers
Which structure is responsible for the production of sperm?
Which structure is responsible for the production of sperm?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the bulbourethral gland (Cowper’s gland)?
What is the function of the bulbourethral gland (Cowper’s gland)?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the pH of semen?
What is the pH of semen?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a component of semen?
Which of the following is NOT a component of semen?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main function of the male reproductive system?
What is the main function of the male reproductive system?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the name of the tube where spermatozoa mature?
What is the name of the tube where spermatozoa mature?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
The Male Reproductive System
- The male reproductive system has one primary function: producing the male genetic code (sperm) and delivering it to the female.
- Spermatogenesis is the production of sperm.
- The anatomy of the male reproductive system and the function of each organ are crucial to understanding this process.
Male Anatomy Terms
- Scrotum: The sac that holds the testes.
- Testes: Male reproductive organs that produce sperm (spermatogenesis).
- Epididymis: A tube (4-5 meters long) where sperm mature.
- Vas deferens: A storage area for sperm (a few hours to 42 days). Fertility isn't affected during storage.
- Seminal vesicle: Secretes an alkaline mucus containing fructose (food for sperm) and prostaglandins (hormone triggering uterine contractions).
- Ejaculatory duct: The area where the vas deferens and seminal vesicles empty during ejaculation.
- Prostate gland: The gland where the ejaculatory duct passes through the urethra; secretes an alkaline mucus to the ejaculate mix.
- Bulbourethral gland (Cowper's gland): Secretes an alkaline secretion to cleanse and lubricate the urethra and penis.
- Urethra: A tube carrying ejaculate out of the body (common to the reproductive and urinary systems).
- Penis: The organ for ejaculate delivery. Composed of two types of erectile tissue: corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. The corpus spongiosum forms the glans penis.
Semen
- Milky-white, viscous fluid ejaculated during sexual activity.
- Contains approximately 120 million sperm/ml and 1-5ml per sexual act.
- The pH is 7.5.
- Contains sperm, secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.
- Sperm need a pH (6.5-7.5) to be mobile. The alkaline nature of semen neutralises the acidic secretions of the female vagina (pH 3-4).
- Also contains nutrients, acid neutralisers, and agents stimulating uterine contractions.
Seminiferous Tubules
- Located within the testes, these are the sites of sperm formation and initial maturation.
Spermatogenesis
- The testicles (testes) are responsible for producing sperm via spermatogenesis.
- This process begins at ~age 13 and continues throughout a man's life.
- Cells called spermatogonia (singular = spermatogonium), formed during fetal life, begin to pass through stages producing mature sperm cells (spermatozooa).
Stages of Spermatogenesis
- Spermatogonium divides by mitosis to produce a primary spermatocyte and another spermatogonium.
- The primary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis I, reducing its DNA content to form two secondary spermatocytes.
- The secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II, leading to four spermatids.
- The spermatids mature into spermatozoa (mature sperm cells).
Meiosis
- Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II) to reduce the number of chromosomes to half of the original diploid state for offspring to have the correct number of chromosomes.
- Critical to spermatogenesis as it produces haploid (1N) gametes (sperm/ova).
Sperm Production and Fertility
- Normal sperm production involves approximately 120 million sperm per ml of semen.
- Fewer than 20 million per ml suggests possible infertility.
- Spermatogenesis takes ~74 days to complete. The ideal temperature is ~3-5°C below normal body temperature. This is why the testes are located outside the body.
- High temperature, excessive alcohol, X-rays, chemotherapy and certain drugs can drastically reduce sperm production.
Circumcision
- A controversial procedure involving the removal of the foreskin of the penis.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores the male reproductive system, focusing on its anatomy and functions. You'll learn about key structures such as the testes, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles, along with their roles in sperm production and delivery. Test your knowledge on spermatogenesis and the overall anatomy involved in male reproduction.
