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Male Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What is the function of the scrotum?
    The scrotum maintains a cooler temperature for sperm development, usually about 3 degrees cooler than body temperature.
  • What is cryptorchidism?
    A condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotal sac, increasing the risk of testicular cancer.
  • What is the median raphe?
    An external seam along the mid-sagittal line of the scrotum where the scrotal sac initially comes together.
  • What is the role of the dartos muscle in the scrotum?
    The dartos muscle is smooth muscle that contracts or relaxes to shrink or expand the scrotal sac to regulate temperature.
  • What covers the testes and divides them into lobules?
    The tunica albuginea is a dense fibrous connective tissue covering the testes and dividing them into lobules.
  • Where does sperm production occur?
    Sperm production occurs in the seminiferous tubules within the lobules of the testes.
  • Describe the sperm pathway from production to maturation.
    Sperm move from seminiferous tubules → straight tubule → rete tubule → efferent ducts → ductus epididymis where maturation begins.
  • What is the ductus epididymis and its function?
    A 20 ft. long tightly coiled tubule where sperm mature and are transported to the vas deferens by cilia and smooth muscle contractions.
  • What is the ductus deferens and its pathway?
    A 15-18 inch tube connecting the epididymis to the ampulla behind the bladder, passing through the inguinal canal and prostate.
  • What structures are contained in the spermatic cord?
    The spermatic cord contains the ductus deferens, autonomic nerves, veins and arteries (pampiniform plexus), and cremasteric muscle.
  • What is the function of the cremasteric muscle?
    It elevates or lowers the testes to maintain a constant temperature for sperm development.
  • What are the two parts of the male urethra?
    The prostatic urethra (passes through prostate) and the penile urethra (extends through the penis).
  • What are the three main compartments of the penis?
    Two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum which contains the urethra.
  • What causes an erection in the penis?
    Sexual stimulation causes vasodilation of arteries and vasoconstriction of veins, filling the corpora cavernosa and spongiosum with blood.
  • What is the function of the acrosome in spermatozoa?
    The acrosome contains enzymes that break down hyaluronic acid to help sperm penetrate the egg.
  • What cells produce testosterone in the testes?
    The interstitial cells of Leydig produce testosterone.
  • What is the role of Sertoli (sustentacular) cells?
    They support sperm development and protect sperm from autoimmune attack by separating them from the rest of the body.
  • Outline the stages of spermatogenesis.
    Spermatogonia → primary spermatocytes → secondary spermatocytes → spermatids → spermatozoa.
  • What do seminal vesicles secrete?
    An alkaline viscous fluid rich in fructose that makes up about 60% of seminal volume and neutralizes vaginal acidity.
  • What is the function of the prostate gland secretion?
    It secretes an alkaline fluid (13-33% of seminal volume) that helps neutralize acidity and supports sperm viability.
  • What is the role of bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands?
    They secrete mucus that lubricates the urethra and acts as a pre-ejaculatory fluid.
  • What hormones regulate male reproductive function?
    FSH initiates spermatogenesis; ICSH (LH) stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.
  • List the functions of testosterone.
    Controls growth and maintenance of sex organs, stimulates bone growth and protein anabolism, involved in sexual behavior, and develops secondary sex characteristics.
  • What is the effect of anabolic steroids on testes?
    Steroids decrease testicular size by suppressing natural testosterone production.