Male Reproductive System Notes PDF

Chapter 25: Male Reproductive System Mon, Wed 25 Nov, 4 Dec 2024 Gonads – organs that produce gametes (sex cells)  testes produce sperm cells in men Male Anatomy (Fig. T-557) Scrotum – “pouch” that hangs down beneath & in front of lower vent...

Chapter 25: Male Reproductive System Mon, Wed 25 Nov, 4 Dec 2024 Gonads – organs that produce gametes (sex cells)  testes produce sperm cells in men Male Anatomy (Fig. T-557) Scrotum – “pouch” that hangs down beneath & in front of lower ventral surface of trunk -- contains testes and epididymis (Fig. T-564) ** Functions to maintain intrascrotal temp 3C (~ 5F) below normal body temp.  necessary for sperm production to occur -- also contains two muscles; both function in thermoregulation by preventing excessive heat loss in testes Dartos muscle: thin muscle layer in superficial scrotum  ‘wrinkles’ skin Cremaster muscle: elevates scrotum (& testes) closer to abdominal wall Testes  produce sperm and testosterone Anatomy (Fig. T-558) -- tunica vaginalis lines the inside of the scrotum and covers the testes; deep to this is the tunica albuginea, a dense, white, fibrous layer of C.T. that also extends into the testes, dividing them into lobules; each lobule contains seminiferous tubules with developing sperm cells; testes are connected to the body by the spermatic cord (contains vas deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics)  enters abdomen through inguinal canal (T-564) Spermatic Pathway (T-558, T-557) Accessory Glands (Fig. T-565) Seminiferous Tubules ** produce sperm 1) Seminal Vesicles – two small glands located  posterior to bladder; secrete an alkaline fluid Straight Tubules containing fructose, ascorbic acid, and  prostaglandins; contribute 60% of semen Rete Testis  2) Prostate Gland – largest access. gland, found Efferent Ductules inferior to the bladder; secretes an acidic  fluid with fibrinolysin, acid phosphatase Epididymis (head  body  tail) & citrate; contributes 35% of semen  ** stores sperm  3) Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands – two tiny  glands located just beneath urogenital Vas (ductus) Deferens ** transports sperm membrane; secrete mucus just prior to  ejaculation (neutralizes any acidic urine);  (enters abdomen through inguinal canal) smallest accessory glands (