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Male Reproductive System (Ch 27 part 1)

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  • Primary functions of the testes

    Sperm production and secretion of testosterone.

  • Cell types in seminiferous tubules

    Spermatogenic cells (sperm-forming) and sustentacular (Sertoli) cells that support sperm production.

  • Role of myoid cells in testes

    Muscle-like cells that contract to push sperm and testicular fluid through seminiferous tubules.

  • Function of the epididymis

    Site of sperm maturation and storage, located on the superior and posterior surface of each testis.

  • Ductus deferens pathway

    Begins at the tail of the epididymis, passes through the spermatic cord, and ends by joining the seminal gland to form the ejaculatory duct.

  • Components of the spermatic cord

    Includes the testicular artery, pampiniform venous plexus, and ductus deferens.

  • Three cylindrical erectile tissues of the penis

    Corpora cavernosa (paired dorsal bodies) and corpus spongiosum which surrounds the urethra and forms the glans penis.

  • Accessory sex glands and their secretions

    Seminal glands (seminal fluid), prostate (coagulating proteins and citrate), and bulbo-urethral glands (mucus before ejaculation).

  • Functions of seminal fluid components

    Fructose and citrate provide energy; prostaglandins stimulate smooth muscle contraction; coagulating proteins form semen clot; alkaline pH neutralizes acids; chemicals suppress female immune response.

  • Autonomic control of erection and ejaculation

    Erection is under parasympathetic control via nitric oxide-induced vasodilation; ejaculation is under sympathetic control via spinal reflex.

  • Definition of spermatogenesis

    Process of male gamete (sperm) development occurring in seminiferous tubules, starting at puberty and continuing throughout life.

  • Chromosome number in spermatogonia

    Diploid (46 chromosomes, 2n) stem cells that initiate spermatogenesis.

  • Stages of meiosis in spermatogenesis

    Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I to form secondary spermatocytes (haploid), which then undergo meiosis II to form spermatids.

  • Role of sustentacular (Sertoli) cells

    Form blood-testis barrier, provide nutrients, produce androgen-binding protein and inhibin, and support spermatogenesis.

  • Function of androgen-binding protein (ABP)

    Maintains high local testosterone levels in seminiferous tubules to support spermatogenesis.

  • Role of interstitial (Leydig) cells

    Produce testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary.

  • Spermiogenesis process

    Maturation of spermatids into sperm cells, developing head, midpiece, and tail, and shedding excess cytoplasm.

  • Duration of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis

    Approximately 60–70 days for complete sperm development and maturation.

  • Hormonal regulation of male reproduction

    Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis controls testosterone via GnRH, FSH, and LH; testosterone and inhibin provide negative feedback.

  • Effects of testosterone at puberty

    Triggers spermatogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics like body hair, deepened voice, oily skin, increased bone density, and muscle mass.

  • Andropause effects in aging males

    Decreased testosterone and sperm production, enlarged prostate, fatigue, depression, reduced muscle mass, and increased osteoporosis risk.