The functions of things like the seminal vesicles, fallopian tubes, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, mammary glands, vas deferens, dartos and cremaster muscles, pampiform plexus, epididymis, etc...
Cremaster muscle
strips of the internal abdominal oblique muscle that enmesh the spermatic cord. when cold, cremaster contracts pulling testis close to body.
Semenogelin is broken down by the prostatic fluid serine protease, effectively
liquefying the semen.
Uterus
Has a fundus, body, and cylindrical inferior end called the cervix. The uterus measures about 3 inches from cervix to fundus, 2 inches wide at its broadest point, and 1inch thick.
Ductus Deferens
a muscular tube that unites with the duct of the seminal vesicle. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is cut and ligated.
Dartos muscle
a subcutaneous layer of smooth muscle.
The prostate glands produce
a thin, milky white fluid containing calcium, citrate, and a phosphate ions, a clotting enzyme and a protein hydrolyzing enyzme called serine protease.
Two requirements that must be met for sperm motility:
an elevated pH and an energy source. the elevated pH is obtained by the prostatic fluid which buffers the vaginal acidity. The energy is obtained from the fructose and other sugars contributed by the seminal vesicles.
Function of the pampiniform plexus
an extensive network of veins from the testis that surround the testicular artery in the spermatic cord. helps cool arterial blood for the cooler temperature needs of the testis. countercurrent heat exchanger.
Fallopian tubes
canals about 4 inches long, leading from each ovary to the uterus. the middle of the tube is called the ampulla, and near the uterus it forms a narrower isthmus.
The cervical canal contains _______ glands that secrete mucus
cervical glands that are to help keep microorganisms from the vagina entering the uterus. Near the time of ovulation the mucus becomes thinner than usual to allow the passageway for sperm.
Function of seminal vesicles
contribute a viscous yellowish fluid, which is the last component of the semen to emerge. Contains fructose and other carbohydrates, citrate, prostaglandins, and a protein called prosemenogelin.
bulbourethral gland
during sexual arousal they produce a clear slippery fluid that lubricates the head of the penis in preparation for intercourse. Also protects the sperm by neutralizing the acidity of the residual urine in the urethra
the superior opening of the cervical canal into the body of the uterus is called the _______, while it's opening intot the vagina is the ____
internal os. and external os.
Semenogelin
entangles the sperm, sticks to the walls of the inner vagina and cervix, and ensures that the semen does not simply drain back out of the vagina.
prosemenogelin of the seminal vesicles is activated by the clotting enzyme produced by the prostate into a sticky fibrinlike protein:
semenogelin.
male accessory glands
seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands.
Ductus Epididymis
site of sperm maturation and storage reabsorbs about 90% of the fluid secreted by the testis. Sperm are physiologically immature when they leave the testis but mature here. sperm stored in the tail of the epididymis. Stored sperm remain fertile for 40-60 days. if stored too long the epididymis degrades and reabsorbs them.
