Jones Ch.16

Seminiferous Tubules

Each testicle consists of specialized coils of tiny tubules responsible for production of sperm. The specialized interstitial tissue located between the tubules of the testes is responsible for secreting the male hormone testosterone

Semen

a combination of sperm and various excretions expelled from the body through the urethra during ejaculation ( the process of ejecting or expelling semen from the male urethra. Each ejaculatory duct passes through the prostate gland.

Testosterone

responsible for the secondary sex characteristic changes that occur in the male w/onset of puberty. These changes include growth of facial hair, pubic hair, and deepening of the voices

Epididymis

when sperm leaves the seminiferous tubules they pass through the epididymis (tightly coiled tubule that resembles a comma). It is here that the sperm mature, becoming fertile and motile. Mature sperm are lowered in the bottom part of the epididymis.

Vas Deferens pt.2

At this location just before the prostate gland the vas deferens enlarges to form an ampulla, it then merges w/the adjacent seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct

Glans Penis

covered by a loose retractable fold called the prepuce/foreskin, shortly after birth it can be removed (circumcision).

Vas Deferens

epididymis leads to the vans deferens (ductus deferens). This straight tube takes a sharp upward turn and ascents through the scrotum into the abdominopelvic cavity. Passing along the the lateral pelvic wall, the vas deferens crosses over the top of the ureter and then descends along the posterior surface of the urinary bladder toward the prostate gland.

Prostate gland

gland that surrounds the base of the urethra, which secretes a milky-colored secretion into the urethra during ejaculation. This secretion enhances the motility of the sperm and helps to neutralize the secretions within the vagina. ducts from prostate gland empty into the urethra.it constitutes a large part of the volume of semen.

Primary Organs of Male Reproductive Sytem

gonads/male sex glands (testes), they are responsible for production of spermatozoa (male germ cell) and for the secretion of testosterone.

Penis

male organ of sex. Consists of a base that attaches it o the pubic arch, a body that is visible pendant portion, and a tip called the glans penis.

Bulbouretheal Glands

pair of pea sized glands that empty into the urethra just before it extends through the penis; also known as the Cowper's glands.During sex the glands are stimulated to secrete an alkaline mucous like fluid that provides lubrication during sex. it constitutes a large part of the volume of semen.

Scrotum

sac located posterior to the penis and suspended from the perineum, it houses the testicles, they remain suspended there by a spermatic cord that contains blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves and the vas deferens. Divided in 2 compartments, each sac contains one testicle.

Seminal Vesicles

secrete a thick yellow ish fluid known as seminal fluid, it constitutes a large part of the volume of semen, gives largest amount.

Urethra

serves both the urinary and male reproductive system. it transports urine from the bladder and the semen to the outside of the body.

Volume of Semen during sex

single ejaculation may vary from 1.5 to 6.0 ml with each milliliter if semen containing between 50 and 150 million sperm. Sperm counts below 10 to 20 million per milliliter may indicate fertility problems.

Testicles

small ovoid glands that begin their development high in the abdominal cavity near the kidneys, during gestational period. After a month or two before or shortly after birth they descent through the inguinal canal into the scrotum where they remain. If they are to function correctly they must remain suspended in the scrotal sac.

Functions of Male Reproductive System

to produce, sustain, and transport sperm; to propel sperm from penis into female vagina during copulation; and to produce the male hormone testosterone.