These ( ____ _____) convey sperm outside the body and consist of the following:

pair of epididymides

pared vasa deferentia

pair of ejaculatory ducts

urethra

Accessory glands

consists of:

• pair of seminal vesicles
• prostrate
• pair of bulbourethral glands

Scrotum

Penis

Pair of spermatic cords

Small, ovoid glands; about 4-5 cm in length and weigh

10-15 g each; left testicle hangs approx. 1cm

lower than the right.

• support and regulate sperm-producing functions of the testis
• produce androgen-binding protein that binds to testosterone to make it more soluble and thus increase its concentration, supporting sperm production

Testosterone

Inhibin

Estrogen

• Type of androgen: maleness hormone
• Functions include, promoting primary and secondary male sexual characteristics and anabolism, affecting fluid and electrolyte balance.

What is the process called that a spermatozoa must under go before it is capable of fertilizing an ovum?

When does it occur?

Capacitation

Occurs after introduced into the vagina

Epididymis

Vas deferens

• Single tightly coiled tube enclosed in fibrous casing
• Approx. 20 ft long
• Lies along top and side of each testis
• Anatomical divisions include head, body, and tail

• Duct for seminal fluid
• Also secretes part of seminal fluid
• Contributes to maturation of sperm, which spend 1 to 3 weeks in this segment

• Tube, extension of epididymis
• Extends through inguinal canal, into abdominal cavity, over top and down posterior surface of bladder
• Enlarged terminal portion called ampulla; joins duct of seminal vesicle

• Excretory duct for seminal fluid
• Connects epididymis with ejaculatory duct

Seminal vesicles

Prostate gland

Bulbourethral gland

Describe the structure, location and function

of the seminal vesicles

• Convoluted pouches 5 to 7 cm long on posterior surface of bladder
• Secrete the viscous, nutrient-rich part of seminal fluid (60% of semen volume)

Describe the structure, location and function

of the bulbourethral glands

• Small, pea-shaped structures with approx. 2.5-cm (1") long ducts leading into urethra
• Lie below prostate gland
• Secretes alkaline fluid that is part of semen (5% of semen volume)

Testis

Epididymis

Lower part of a spermatic cord

Dartos and cremaster muscles

(ok now, this is getting a bit too detailed!)...lol

• Composed of 3-cylindrical masses of erectile tissue, one of which contains urethra
• Penis contains the urethra, the terminal duct for both urinary and reproductive tracts
• During sexual arousal, penis becomes erect, serving as a penetrating copulatory organ during sexual intercourse

Consists of secretions from testes,

epididymides (5%),

seminal vesicles (60%),

prostate (30%),

and bulbourethral glands (5%)

What is the most important factor(s) in

determining male fertility?

The number of sperm ejaculated but also their

size, shape, and motility

• Occurs when intestines push through the weak area of the abdominal wall that separates the abdominal cavity from the scrotum
• Intestinal protrude may cause swelling of the scrotum
• Result from heavy lifting, high internal pressure, and may be congenital

Hydrocele

(caused by accumulation of fluid)

Non-cancerous condition characterized by

an enlargement or hypertrophy of the prostate gland;

occurs in 75% of men older than 50

Disruption of the sperm producing function

of the seminiferous tubules resulting in

decreased sperm production

What are the lobules

(composed of seminiferous tubules and intertitial cells)

separated by?

Septa and encased in fibrous capsules

called the tunica albuginea

• Formed by union of vas deferens with duct from seminal vesicle
• Passes through prostate gland, terminating in urethra

I cannot find in the notes or PPT, but I looked it up on the internet.

The typical lifespan of sperm in a woman's body while fertile cervical fluid is present is three days, but in the right conditions sperm can even live up to five days. This is an incredible feat compared to the brief lifespan of a mere few hours when there is no cervical fluid present.

Be able to identify the epididymis and

seminal vesicle on an image