What is the epididymis?
A highly convoluted tube about 6 metres long resting on and beside the testis.
How many parts does the epididymis have?
Three parts: head, body, and tail.
What happens to sperm during passage through the epididymis?
They mature, become motile and physiologically active, then are stored in the tail.
Where are sperm temporarily stored before entering the vas deferens?
In the tail of the epididymis.
How does the head of the epididymis receive sperm?
From the rete testis through the vasa efferentia.
What is the function of the body of the epididymis?
It allows sperm to pass onward.
What is the role of the tail of the epididymis?
It stores sperm before they enter the vas deferens.
What is the vas deferens?
A partially coiled, thick muscular tube conducting sperm from epididymis to bladder base.
How many vas deferens are there in the male reproductive system?
There are two vas deferens, one from each epididymis.
What forms the ejaculatory duct at the base of the urinary bladder?
Each vas deferens joins a seminal vesicle duct to form the ejaculatory duct.
How long is the ejaculatory duct?
The ejaculatory duct is about 2 centimetres long.
Where does the ejaculatory duct open?
It opens into the prostatic urethra.
What is the length of the male urethra?
It is 20 centimetres long.
What fluids does the male urethra carry?
It carries both urine and semen.
Which urethra segment carries only urine?
The prostatic urethra.
Which urethra segment carries both urine and semen?
The membranous urethra.
Which urethra segment passes through the penis?
The penile urethra.
Where does the penile urethra open externally?
Through the urethral meatus.
Which glands make up the male accessory glands?
One prostate gland, two seminal vesicles, and two bulbourethral glands.
How many prostate glands are in the male accessory glands?
One prostate gland.
How many seminal vesicles are in the male accessory glands?
Two seminal vesicles.
Where is the prostate gland located relative to the urinary bladder?
Below the urinary bladder.
What percentage of semen does prostatic secretion form?
30%.
What is the pH nature of prostatic secretion?
Slightly alkaline.
Name three enzymes found in prostatic fluid.
Acid phosphatase, amylase, and protease.
What acids and ions are present in prostatic fluid?
A small amount of citric acid and bicarbonate.
What effect does prostatic secretion have on sperm?
It nourishes sperm and increases their motility.
What urinary problem can prostate enlargement cause in older persons?
Compression of the urethra causing urine retention.
What is a seminal vesicle structurally described as?
A sac-like mass that is a convoluted tube.
What does seminal-vesicle secretion contribute to semen volume?
It forms 60% of semen.
How is seminal-vesicle secretion expelled during ejaculation?
By contraction of the vesicle's smooth muscle.
Which substances are contained in seminal-vesicle fluid?
Citrate, fructose, hyaluronidase, and prostaglandins.
What role does fructose in seminal-vesicle fluid play?
It supplies energy to sperm.
How does hyaluronidase in seminal-vesicle fluid aid reproduction?
It helps fertilization.
What effect do prostaglandins in seminal-vesicle fluid have?
They stimulate vaginal contractions aiding sperm movement.
What are the bulbourethral glands?
A pair of yellow, pea-sized glands attached to the urethra below the prostate.
Where do the ducts of the bulbourethral glands join?
They join the proximal urethra.
What do bulbourethral glands secrete before ejaculation?
A clear, alkaline, viscous mucus.
What is the function of the mucus secreted by bulbourethral glands?
It lubricates the urethra and removes acidic urine that could damage sperm.
What is the penis in male anatomy?
The male external genital organ.
Where is the penis located relative to the scrotum?
Just in front of the scrotum.
What two substances pass through the penis?
Semen and urine.
What is the primary reproductive function of the penis?
To transfer sperm to the female reproductive tract.
What causes the penis to become rigid and erect?
Blood filling its vascular spaces within erectile tissue.
Test your knowledge with 9 questions on Male Reproductive Ducts and Glands.
1. Regarding the structure and function of the epididymis, which statements are correct?
2. Which statements accurately describe ejaculatory duct formation and termination?
Review the complete course in the study sheet for Male Reproductive Ducts and Glands.
See study sheet →Import your course and AI generates flashcards in 30 seconds.
Flashcard generator