Male Reproductive System
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Describe the location and function of the scrotum
• Hangs outside the pelvic cavity at the root of the penis - Helps regulate the temperature of the testes
State the specific function of the cremaster & dartos muscles
Elevate the testes in cold weather (or water) moving the testes closer to the body and decreasing the surface area of the scrotum to retain heat.
Define spermatogenesis (include the specific cells)
• Formation of sperm by meiosis by Germ cells
State the 3 functions of the Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells
• Supports and provide nutrients for 70 days while the cells undergo meiosis and develop into sperm • Produce testicular fluid for transport of sperm • Control release of sperm into lumen of the seminiferous tubule
Describe the specific function of the acrosome
Acrosome is a cap-like vesicle containing enzymes to help the sperm penetrate the secondary oocyte for fertilisation
Describe the specific function of the mitochondria
Midpiece contains mitochondria which provide energy so that the tail can propel the sperm through the female reproductive tract
Describe the specific function of the tail of the sperm cell
The tail propels the sperm
Name the hormones involved in spermatogenesis beginning from the hypothalamus
• GnRH • LH • FSH
State 3 functions of testosterone
• Controls the growth, development, functioning and maintenance of sex organs • Stimulates sperm maturation, bone growth and protein synthesis • Stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty
Describe the location of the epididymis
Curves around the posterior surface of the testis
What are the functions of the epididymis?
• Site for sperm to mature and gain mobility over 14 days • Stores sperm • Propels sperm into ductus (vas) deferens by peristalsis during sexual arousal
State the function of the Ductus (vas) deferens
Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra by peristalsis where it can store sperm for several months
Name the structures located in the spermatic cord
• Testicular blood vessels • Autonomic nerves • Lymphatic vessels • Ductus (vas) deferens • Cremaster muscle
Describe the location of the seminal vesicles
Pair of pouch-like structures Lateral to the vas deferens, between the posterior surface of the bladder and the anterior surface of the rectum.
Describe the location the ejaculatory duct
Runs through the superior aspect of the prostate gland
Describe the location of the prostate gland
Golf-ball sized gland that encircles the urethra just inferior to the urinary bladder
State the function of the seminal vesicles
Secrete alkaline viscous fluid to the sperm. It contains fructose that sperm can use to produce ATP
State the function of the ejaculatory duct
The ejaculatory duct ejects sperm and seminal vesicle secretions into the urethra just before ejaculation
State the function of the prostate gland
During ejaculation smooth muscle contracts squeezing glandular secretions into the urethra via several ducts
What tissue type does the prostate gland have?
20-30 glands embedded in smooth muscle and connective tissue
Describe the location of the bulbourethral glands
Pea-sized glands located inferior to the prostatic apex in the urogenital diaphragm
State the function of the bulbourethral glands
Produce a thick, clear alkaline mucus which drains into the urethra and lubricates the male urethra during sexual excitement. Neutralises acidic urine
Describe the function of the urethra
Carries urine out of the bladder and propels semen along the length of the penis for discharge during ejaculation
Explain why a male doesn’t urinate during ejaculation
During ejaculation, a smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the urinary bladder closes (involuntary/reflex action) preventing urine from entering the urethra and preventing semen entering the urinary bladder