Term | Description |
Male gonads | the testes produce sperm by spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules and secrete testosterone from the Leydig cells (interstitial cells) |
Testes | paired organs containing seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells; covered with dense connective tissue called tunica albuginea |
Tunica albuginea | dense connective tissue that covers the testes |
Leydig cells | secrete testosterone from stimulation of LH from the anterior pituitary |
Sertoli cells | : located between the developing sperm in the seminiferous tubules are stimulated by FSH to begin spermatogenesis and inhibin secretion |
Cremaster muscle | : the skeletal muscle that arise from the internal oblique muscle and elevates the testes |
Testes descent | during the last half of the 7th month male fetus under the influence of testosterone through the inguinal canal into the scrotum |
Scrotum temperature | is ~ 3 degrees F less than core body temperature; is necessary for the survival and development of sperm cells |
penis | contains the spongy urethra and three long cylindrical bodies (corpora) of erectile tissue, each bound by fibrous tunica albuginea |
Erectile tissue | composed of a corpus spongiosum that surrounds the urethra and distally forms the glans and two dorsal erectile bodies call the corpora cavernosa |
Bulb of the penis | is formed at the proximal end of the corpus spongiosum to secure to the urogenital diaphragm |
Crura of the penis | is formed at the proximal ends of the corpora cavernosa to anchor to the pubic arch |
Urethra | has three regions, the prostatic portion surrounded by the prostate gland, the membranous in the urogenital diaphragm and the spongy (penile) which runs through the length of the penis |
Cremaster muscle | the skeletal muscle that arise from the internal oblique muscle and elevates the testes |
Epididymis | tightly coiled tube along the posterior border of each testis,the site of sperm maturation and storage |
Vas deferens | (also called ductus deferens) from the epididymis, sperm pass into the vas deferens which transports sperm through the inguinal canal into the pelvic cavity then loops over and down the back of the urinary bladder and empties into the prostatic urethra. |
Accessory glands | : include the paired seminal vesicles, paired bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands) and the single prostate gland. These glands produce the bulk of semen. |
Seminal vesicles | pair of glands at the base of the urinary bladder that secrete an alkaline fluid rich in fructose into the ejaculatory duct |
Prostate gland | lies below the bladder and surrounds the superior portion of the urethra and secretes a slightly acid, enzyme-containing fluid into the prostatic urethra |
Cowper’s glands (bulbourethral glands) | pair of glands in the urogenital diaphragm that secretes an alkaline, mucus-containing fluid into the spongy urethra |
Seminal fluid (semen) | a mixture of sperm and secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate and Cowper’s glands |
Pathway of sperm | seminiferous tubules, straight tubules, rete testis (within testes), then, epididymis, ductus (vas) deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra |
Ejaculation | the propulsion of semen from the male duct system |
Semen | sperm plus accessory gland secretions |
Dartos muscle | a layer of smooth muscle in the superficial fascia that wrinkles the scrotal skin |