27. Reproductive System

Mark the following statements about spermatogenesis as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

a. Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development. It begins at puberty and ends when a man reaches approximately 45–55 years of age.

Mark the following statements about spermatogenesis as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

b. Spermatogonia are the stem cells that begin the process of spermatogenesis and divide by mitosis.

Mark the following statements about spermatogenesis as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

c. Primary spermatocytes undergo the first meiotic division and form two smaller diploid cells called secondary spermatocytes.

Mark the following statements about spermatogenesis as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

d. Spermiogenesis is the maturation process of sperm cells and involves changing the size and shape of the cell.

Which of the following structures is the site of sperm maturation?

a. Epididymis

b. Ductus deferens

c. Ejaculatory duct

d. Urethra

e. Scrotum

Which of the following occurs in the testes?

a. Production of gametes

b. Secretion of testosterone

c. Production of semen

d. Both a and b

e. Both b and c

Number the sequence of events in the hormonal regulation of male reproduction, placing a 1 by the first event, a 2 by the second, and so forth

.________ Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates sustentacular cells to secrete inhibin and androgen-binding protein, which keeps some of the testosterone near the spermatogenic cells.

________Testosterone and inhibin both exert negative feedback controls on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

________ Androgen-binding protein binds testosterone.

________Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH.

________The hypothalamus releases GnRH.

Fill in the blanks: ________ is the enlargement and stiffening of the penis, which results when the tissue in the penis becomes engorged with blood, and ________ is the process by which semen is expelled from the penis.

A professional male athlete has been taking a synthetic testosterone supplement for several months. He and his wife have been trying to have a baby, with no success, and have decided to begin treatment for infertility. Before testing the man's sperm count, the doctor discovers that the man's LH level is very low. Why do you think his LH level is low? Would the low LH level affect sperm production?

A 60-year-old man has been taking an herbal medication for impotence. Recently, he has been having periods of dizziness when he is exercising and has started to check his blood pressure, which drops after he takes the medication. Why do you think a medication that prevents impotence also affects blood pressure? ​(Connects to Chapter 18)​