Anatomy & Physiology: Male Reproductive System

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1. Acrosome 11. Dihydrotestosterone Dihydrotestosterone is a by-product of

testosterone and that binds to the
receptor molecules of specific organs
like the prostate gland in order to carry
out the function of the testosterone
hormone and stimulates the cells of the
prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and
male external accessory organs.
An acrosome is a small protrusion at the 12. Ductus deferens
anterior end of the sperm cell, contains
enzymes including hyaluronidase, that
functions to aid the sperm cell in
penetrating the cell layers surrounding the
oocyte during fertilization.
2. After puberty, After puberty, testosterone secretion
testosterone continues throughout the life of a male.
secretion ...
3. Androgens Androgens are male sex hormones and are
produced by interstitial cells and some are Each ductus deferens is a muscular tube
synthesized in the adrenal cortex. about 45 cm long that is lined with
pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
4. At puberty ... At puberty, testosterone secretion rises and
primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis, 13. During embryonic During embryonic development,
forming two secondary spermatocytes. development, what spermatogonia become active.
do spermatogonia
5. Bulbourethral The bulbourethral glands are two small
do?
glands structures, each about 1 cm in diameter that
are located inferior to the prostate gland 14. During puberty what During puberty, testosterone stimulates
lateral to the membraneous urethra and are does testosterone enlargement of the testes.
enclosed by muscle fibers of the urogenital stimulate?
diaphragm. 15. Each epididymis is Each epididymis is tightly coiled, and
6. Capacitation Capacitation is the weakening of the what? are threadlike tubes about 6 meters long
acrosomal membranes. and is connected to ducts in a testis.

7. Circumcision Circumcision is the removal of the prepuce. 16. Ejaculation Ejaculation is when semen is forcefully
expelled from the urethra.
8. Corpora Corpora cavernosa is a pair of dorsally
cavernosa located columns of erectile tissue in the 17. Emission Emission is the movement of sperm
body of the penis. cells from the testes and secretions from
the prostate gland and seminal vesicles
9. Corpus Corpus spongiosum is a single ventral
into the urethra, where they mix to form
spongiosum column of erectile tissue in the body of the
semen.
penis.
18. The epididymis is The epididymis is formed from the rete
10. Cryptorchidism Cryptorchidism is when the testes do not
formed from ... testis and how they give rise to several
descend into the scrotum and leads to the
ducts that join the epididymis.
cells that normally produce sperm cells
degenerate, causing infertility if untreated. 19. Erection Erection is when the penis enlargens and
They cannot produce sperm cells because stiffens and enables it to enter the
the temperature in the abdominal cavity is vagina during sexual intercourse.
too high. 20. Female sex cells are Eggs, or oocytes
called ...
21. Fertilization Fertilization is the union or joining of the
egg and the sperm resulting in a
fertilized egg.
22. Functions of The functions of the male reproductive 30. Mediastinum
male system are specialized to produce and testis
reproductive maintain the male sex cells, or sperm cells;
system are ... transport these cells and supporting fluids
to the outside; and secrete male sex
hormones.
23. Glans penis The glans penis is the enlarged distal end of
corpus spongiosum that forms the sensitive
and cone shaped glans penis.
24. Gubernaculum

The mediastinum testis is the mass along

the posterior border of the tunica
albuginea, the connective tissue thickens
and extends into the organ forming this
mass.

The gubernaculum is a fibromuscular cord 31. Orgasm Orgasm is a pleasurable feeling of

that functions to aid the movement of the physiological and psychological release.
testes. and in the male is accompaned by emission
and ejaculation.
25. Hormones Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus,
secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, and the testes 32. The penis The penis returns to a flaccid state due to
what control control male reproductive functions. returns to a sympathetic impulses constrict the arteries
the male flaccid state that supply erectile tissue, reducing the
reproductive due to what? inflow of blood. Smooth muscles in the
functions. walls of the vascular spaces partially
contract again, and the veins of the penis
26. How does Testosterone stimulates sexual activity by
carry excess blood out of these spaces.
testosterone affecting certain parts of the brain.
stimulate 33. Prepuce The prepuce is the foreskin that covers the
sexual skin of the glans.
activity? 34. Primary
27. In a male In a male fetus, the testes originate from spermatocytes
fetus, where masses of tissue posterior to the parietal
do the testes peritoneum, near the developing kidneys.
originate
from?
28. Inguinal Canal

Primary spermatocytes are one of the cells

(type B) that results from the mitosis of
spermatogenic cells.
35. Prostate gland The prostate gland is a chestnut-shaped
The inguinal canal is a part of the abdominal
structure that surrounds the proximal
wall the testes pass through.
portion of the urethra, just inferior to the
29. Male sex cells Sperm urinary bladder.
are called ...
36. Puberty Puberty is the phase in development, when 41. Seminiferous
and individual become reproductively tubules
functional.
37. Reproductive Reproductive organs produce and nurture sex
organs ... cells and transport them to sites of
fertilization.
38. Rete testis

Seminiferous tubules are contained in a

lobule, highly coiled and convuluted, these
tubules course posteriorly and unite to
form a complex network of channels.
42. The septa
divide

The rete testis is a complex network of

channels and is located in the mediastinum
The septa divide from the mediastinum
testis.
testis, these thin layers of connective tissue,
39. Semen Semen is the fluid the urethra conveys to the pass into the testis and subdivide it into 250
outside during ejaculation and consists of lobules.
sperm cells from the testes and secretions of
43. Sex cells ... Sex cells have one set of genetic
the seminal vesicles, prostate gland and
instructions carried on 23 chromosomes,
bulbourethral glands.
compared to two sets on 46 chromosomes
40. Seminal in other body cells.
vesicle
44. Some Some reproductive organs and glands
reproductive produce hormones vital to the
organs and development and maintenance of
glands ... secondary sex characteristics and the
regulation of the reproductive functions.
45. Spermatogonia

A seminal vesicle is a convoluted, saclike

structure about 5 cm long that is attached to
a ductus deferens near the base of the
urinary bladder.

Spermatogonia are undifferentiated

spermatogenic cells and contain 46
chromosomes.
46. Sperm cells Sperm cells cannot fertilize an egg cell 56. What are the The functions of the sustentacular cells
cannot fertilize until they enter the female reproductive functions of the are to support, nourish, and regulate the
an egg cell until tract. sustentacular spermatogenic cells.
when? cells?
47. The testes are The testes are ovoid structures 57. What are the The male internal accessory organs
what type of male internal include the two epididymides, two ductus
structure? accessory deferentia, two ejaculatory ducts, and
organs? urethra, as well as the two seminal
48. Tunica albuginea A tunica albuginea is a tough capsule of
vesicles, prostate gland, and two
white dense connective tissue
bulbourethral glands.
surrounding each column of the body of
the penis. 58. What are the The two testes.
primary organs
49. Tunic albuginea
of the male
reproductive
system?
59. What are the Secondary sex characteristics include
secondary sex increased growth of body hair,
characteristics? enlargement of larynx and thickening of
the vocal folds, thickening of the skin,
increasing muscular growth, broadening
of the shoulders, and narrowing of the
waist, thickening, and strengthening of the
bones.
60. What are the The secretions of the seminal vesicles are
The tunica albuginea is a tough, white, secretions of the a slightly alkaline fluid.
fibrous capsule that encloses each testis. seminal vesicle?

50. What are the The internal reproductive organs and the 61. What are the The seminiferous tubules are lined with a
accessory organs external reproductive organs. seminiferous specialized stratified epithelium, which
of the male tubules lined includes the spermatogenic cells that
reproductive with? give rise to sperm cells.
system? 62. What are the The sequence of events during emission
51. What are the The bulbourethral glands are composed sequence of and ejaculation are the fluid from the
bulbourethral of many tubes whose epithelial linings events during bulbourethral glands is expelled first. This
glands composed secrete a mucus like fluid. emission and is followed by the release of fluid from
of? ejaculation? the prostate gland, the passage of the
sperm cells, and finally, the ejection of
52. What are the The external male reproductive organs
fluid from the seminal vesicles.
external male are the scrotum.
reproductive 63. What are the The testes are suspended by a spermatic
organs? tested cord.
suspended by?
53. What are the The functions of the penis are to convey
functions of the urine and semen through the urethra to 64. What cavity are The testes are contained within the cavity
penis? the outside. the testes of the saclike scrotum.
contained
54. What are the The functions of the secretions of the
within?
functions of the prostate gland are to give nutrients to
secretions of the the sperm (citrate) and help liquefy 65. What do cells do As spermatogenesis occurs, cells in more
prostate gland? semen following ejaculation (enzyme). as advanced stages are pushed along the
spermatogenesis sides of sustentacular cells toward the
55. What are the The functions of the secretions of the
occurs? lumen of the seminiferous tubule.
functions of the seminal vesicle are to help regulate the
secretions of the pH of the tubular contents as the sperm 66. What does a A mature sperm cell consists of a
seminal vesicle? travel to the outside. mature sperm flattened head, a cylindrical midpiece
cell consist of? (body), and an elongated tail (flagellum).
67. What does Each primary spermatocyte that undergoes 77. What does the The hypothalamus secretes gonoadotropin-
each primary meiosis produces two secondary hypothalamus releasing hormone (GnRH) which causes the
spermatocyte spermatocytes and four spermatids with 46 secrete? anterior pituitary to release gonadotropins.
that chromosomes each.
78. What does the The lining of the seminiferous tubules
undergoes
lining of the consists of a specialized stratified
meiosis
seminiferous epithelium and the epithelium consists of
produce?
consist of? supporting cells called sustentacular cells
68. What does Each secondary spermatocyte divides to and spermatogonia cells.
each form two spermatids.
79. What does the The presence of FSH and testosterone
secondary
presence of causes the sustentacular cells to stimulate
spermatocyte
FSH and the spermatogenic cells to undergo
divide to
testosterone spermatogenesis, giving rise to sperm cells.
form?
cause?
69. What does During descent, each testis carries a
80. What does the The scrotum consists of a pouch of skin and
each testis developing ductus (vas) deferens, blood
scrotum subcutaneous tissue and is located hanging
carry during vessels, and nerves.
consist of? from the lower abdominal region posterior
its descent?
to the penis.
70. What does Emission occurs in response to sympathetic
81. What do Spermatids mature into sperm cells.
emission impulses from the spinal cord, which
spermatids
occur in stimulate peristaltic contractions in smooth
mature into?
response to? muscles in the walls of the testicular ducts,
epididymides, ductus deferentia, and 82. What do Spermatogenic cells give rise to sperm
ejaculatory ducts. Other sympathetic spermatogenic cells.
impulses stimulate rhythmic contractions of cells give rise
the seminal vesicles and prostate gland. to?

71. What does FSH stimulates the sustentacular cells of the 83. What do the The bulbourethral glands secrete a
FSH seminiferous tubules to proliferate, grow, bulbourethral mucuslike fluid which functions to lubricate
stimulate? mature, and respond to the effects of the glands the end of the penis in preparation for
male sex hormone testosterone. secrete? sexual intercourse.

72. What does LH LH promotes the development of the 84. What do the The ducts of the prostate gland open into
promote? interstitial cells of the testes, and they, in ducts of the the urethra.
turn, secrete male sex hormones. prostate gland
open into?
73. What does Testosterone increases the rate of cellular
testosterone metabolism and red blood cell production 85. What do the Hormones from these glands initiate and
increase the by stimulating the release of erythropoletin. hormones maintain sperm cell production and oversee
rate of? from these the development and maintenance of male
glands do? sex characteristics.
74. What does During embryonic development
testosterone testosterone stimulates the formation of the 86. What do the The secretions of the prostate gland include
stimulate male reproductive organs, including the secretions of a thin milky fluid. This slightly acidic
during penis, scrotum, prostate gland, seminal the prostate secretion also contains citrate, a nutrient for
embryonic vesicles, and ducts. gland include? the sperm, and prostate-specific antigen, an
development? enzyme.

75. What does the The blood-testis barrier helps maintain a 87. What do tight Tight junctions fuse the membranous
blood testis favorable environment for development of junctions fuse? processes of adjacent sustentacular cells.
barrier help? sperm cells by isolating developing sperm These tightly-packed cells and their
from the male's immune system. attachments form the blood-testis barrier,
which prevents some substances from
76. What does the The ejaculatory duct passes through the
reaching the developing sperm.
ejaculatory prostate gland and empties into the urethra
duct pass through a slitlike opening.
through?
88. What happens as As sperm move through the ductus 100. What is the crura The crura of the penis is the diverging
the sperm move deferens into the ejaculatory duct the of the penis? parts of the corpora cavernosa in the
through the contents of the seminal vesicles empty perineum.
ductus deferens? into the ejaculatory ducts.
101. What is the The ejaculatory duct is formed by the
89. What happens During spermatogenesis, primary ejaculatory duct ductus deferens becoming slender again
during spermatocytes divide to become two formed by? and unites with the duct of a seminal
spermatogenesis? secondary spermatocytes. vesicle.
90. What happens in The sperm cells and the male sex 102. What is the The function of the dartos muscle is to
the testes? hormones are formed. function of the keep the scrotum warm.
dartos muscle?
91. What happens When immature sperm cells reach the
when immature epididymis, they are nonmotile. 103. What is the head The head of a sperm cell is composed of
sperm cells reach of a sperm cell a nucleus and contains highly
the epididymis? composed of? compacted chromatin consisting of 23
chromosomes.
92. What hormone Testosterone stimulates the testes to
stimulates the descend. 104. What is the inner The inner lining of the epididymis is
testes to lining of the composed of pseudostratified columnar
descend? epididymis cells that secrete glycogen and other
composed of? substances that bear nonmotile cilia that
93. What is an An erection is produced by blood
support sperm cells and promote their
erection accumulating in the vascular spaces
maturation.
produced by? within the erectile tissues of the penis.
105. What is the The midpiece of a sperm is composed of
94. What is each Each chamber of the scrotum is lined
midpiece of a a central, filamentous core and many
chamber of the with a serous membrane, which functions
sperm mitochondria organized in a spiral.
scrotum lined to help ensure that the testis and the
composed of?
with? epididymis move smoothly within the
scrotum. 106. What is the most The most important androgen is
important testosterone.
95. What is inhibin Inhibin is secreted by the sustentacular
androgen?
secreted by? cells and functions to inhibit the anterior
pituitary gland by negative feedback. 107. What is the The prostate gland is composed of many
This action prevents oversecretion fo prostate gland branched tubular glands enclosed in
FSH. composed of? connective tissue.
96. What is the The ampulla of a ductus deferens is a 108. What is the The scrotum dived into two chambers,
ampulla of a small bladder-like enlargement. scrotum divided each of which encloses a testis.
ductus deferens? into?
97. What is the The average number of sperm cells in 109. What is the tail The tail of a sperm is several
average number semen is 120 million per mL of a sperm? microtubules enclosed in an extension of
of sperm cells in the cell membrane which provides ATP
semen? for the lashing movement of the tail that
propels the sperm cell through fluid.
98. What is the body The body of the penis is composed of
of the penis three columns of erectile tissue, which 110. What passes The urethra passes through the penis.
composed of? include a pair of dorsally located through the
corpora cavernosa and a single, ventral penis?
corpus spongiosum. A tough capsule of
111. When does Spermatogenesis occurs continually in a
white dense connective tissue called a
spermatogenesis male, starting at puberty.
tunica albuginea surrounds each
occur?
column.
112. When does Testosterone secretion begins during
99. What is the bulb The bulb of the penis is the single
testosterone fetal development then ceases during
of the penis? corpus spongiosum being enlarged
secretion begin? childhood.
between the crura attached to the
membranes of the perineum. 113. Where are Interstitial cells are located between the
interstitial cells seminiferous tubules and produce and
located? secrete male sex hormones.
114. Where are Spermatogonia are located near the base of the seminiferous tubules adjacent to the inside surface of the
spermatogonia surrounding basement membrane.
located?
115. Where are the Each ductus defersns is located at the lower end of the epididymis and passes upward along the medial side of a
ductus testis to become part of the spermatic cord. It passes through the inguinal canal, enters the abdominal cavity
deferentia outside the parietal peritoneum, and courses over the pelvic brim. From there, it extends backward and medially
located? into the pelvic cavity, where it ends behind the urinary bladder.
116. Where are the Epididymides are located emerging from the top of the testis, and descends along its posterior surface, and then
epididymides courses upward to become the ductus deferens.
located?
117. Where does Each ductus deferens ends behind the urinary bladder.
each ductus
deferens end?
118. Where do the The resulting sperm cells collect i the lumen of each seminiferous tubule then pass through the rete testis to the
resulting epididymis, where they accumulate and mature.
sperm cells
collect?
119. Where do the Usually before birth, the testes descend to the lower abdominal cavity and pass through the abdominal.
testes
descend to
before birth?