Term | Definition |
scrotum | a pouch of skin outside of the body that keeps the testes close or far from the body at an optimal temperature for sperm development (usually 3 degrees lower than normal body temperature) |
testes | suspended outside the abdominal cavity by the scrotum and contains tubules in which sperm are produced |
seminiferous tubules | inside each testes and are where sperm are produced by meiosis; about 250 meters (850 feet) of tubules are packed into each testes |
epididymis | a tube that extends from the seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens; located outside and on top of the testes; secretes about 5% of the seminal fluid |
vas deferens | sperm duct which is one of the passageways of tubes the sperm travel through and connects to a short ejaculatory duct |
seminal vesicles | glands which secrete about 30% of seminal fluid and add fructose and to sperm as they pass |
prostate gland | secretes a milky alkaline fluid which composes about 60% of seminal fluid; is a donut shape |
ejaculatory duct | located in the prostate and connects to the vas deferens (sperm duct) to the urethra, temporary sperm storage before release though urethra |
urethra | passes through the penis and opens to the outside; carries semen and urine to the outside of the body (not all at the same time) |
bulbourethral gland | secretes a mucus- like fluid that provides lubrication for intercourse, composes about 5% of seminal fluid |
follicle- stimulation hormone | (brain) which stimulates development and maturation of sperm cells in the testes |
luteinizing hormone | brain-- stimulates cells in the seminiferous tubules (testes) to secrete testosterone |
testosterone | has a role in sperm production and developing male secondary sex characteristics (beard, deep voice, male musculature, public and axillary hair) |