The testes contain seminiferous tubules, composed of several hundred tightly coiled tubules lined with germs cells. These tubules serve as the site of sperm production. Inside of these tubules spermatogonia progress to spermatocytes, then spermatids, and finally sperm. Also inside, sustentacular cells serve as a means of support. These cells control the environment by removing wastes, providing nutrients, and providing antibody protection as well as regulating sperm production. Interstitial cells outside of the tubules secrete testosterone and stimulates spermatogenesis.
Describe the structure and function of the epididymis, ductus (vas) deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra. Relate the location and storage of sperm to a vasectomy. 1. Epididymis - a tightly coiled, comma shaped, tube that lies along the side of the testis. It serves as the site of sperm maturation, contains a nutrient rich fluid, and increases the motility of sperm. Sperm are stored inside the epididymis until ejaculation occurs and the smooth muscle contracts. 2. Ductus (Vas) Deferens - a roughly 18 inch tube running from the epididymis to the urethra. Its wall is composed of three layers of smooth muscle that contract with ejaculation and helps to propel sperm. 3. Ejaculatory Duct - a short, 2 cm, duct where the ductus deferens and seminal vesicles meet. This allows for sperm and seminal fluid to mix. The duct enters the prostate gland and helps to propel sperm into the urethra during ejaculation. 4. Urethra - a roughly 15 cm long tube running from the urinary bladder to the body's exit. It serves as a common pathway for urine and semen. State the initial location of the testes as they form in the embryo. …show more content…
Describe how the testes “relocate” during development, including the role of the inguinal canal and the resulting structure and function of the spermatic cord. Describe a common medical problem associated with the inguinal canal. Describe the structure and function of the scrotum, and state the advantages of having the testes descend out of the body cavity. The testes initially develop in the abdominal cavity while contained in the embryo. They then descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. This forms the spermatic cord between the testes and abdominal wall. This cord contains the testicular artery, vein, lymphatic vessel, nerve, and the ductus deferens and is composed of smooth muscle. An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestine protrude through the inguinal canal. The scrotum is a pouch outside of the body, holding the testes. This provides an environment that is a few degrees cooler than the body to aid sperm production.
There are 3 accessory glands that contribute to the formation of semen. Discuss each gland including A) name and location, B) contents and role of the fluid produced by each gland, and C) percentage of semen volume contributed by each. Explain how and why the prostate gland causes problems for aging males. 1. Seminal Vesicles - A. location - pair of vesicles behind the urinary bladder that empty into the ejaculatory duct B. contents and role of fluid produced - seminal fluid serves as an alkaline buffer (mobilizes sperm), provides fructose (energy for propulsion), gelling agents (provides a better chance of fertilization), and prostaglandins (helps to thin cervical mucus and causes the contraction of the female reproductive tract). C. percentage
Describe the structure and function of the epididymis, ductus (vas) deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra. Relate the location and storage of sperm to a vasectomy. 1. Epididymis - a tightly coiled, comma shaped, tube that lies along the side of the testis. It serves as the site of sperm maturation, contains a nutrient rich fluid, and increases the motility of sperm. Sperm are stored inside the epididymis until ejaculation occurs and the smooth muscle contracts. 2. Ductus (Vas) Deferens - a roughly 18 inch tube running from the epididymis to the urethra. Its wall is composed of three layers of smooth muscle that contract with ejaculation and helps to propel sperm. 3. Ejaculatory Duct - a short, 2 cm, duct where the ductus deferens and seminal vesicles meet. This allows for sperm and seminal fluid to mix. The duct enters the prostate gland and helps to propel sperm into the urethra during ejaculation. 4. Urethra - a roughly 15 cm long tube running from the urinary bladder to the body's exit. It serves as a common pathway for urine and semen. State the initial location of the testes as they form in the embryo. …show more content…
Describe how the testes “relocate” during development, including the role of the inguinal canal and the resulting structure and function of the spermatic cord. Describe a common medical problem associated with the inguinal canal. Describe the structure and function of the scrotum, and state the advantages of having the testes descend out of the body cavity. The testes initially develop in the abdominal cavity while contained in the embryo. They then descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. This forms the spermatic cord between the testes and abdominal wall. This cord contains the testicular artery, vein, lymphatic vessel, nerve, and the ductus deferens and is composed of smooth muscle. An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestine protrude through the inguinal canal. The scrotum is a pouch outside of the body, holding the testes. This provides an environment that is a few degrees cooler than the body to aid sperm production.
There are 3 accessory glands that contribute to the formation of semen. Discuss each gland including A) name and location, B) contents and role of the fluid produced by each gland, and C) percentage of semen volume contributed by each. Explain how and why the prostate gland causes problems for aging males. 1. Seminal Vesicles - A. location - pair of vesicles behind the urinary bladder that empty into the ejaculatory duct B. contents and role of fluid produced - seminal fluid serves as an alkaline buffer (mobilizes sperm), provides fructose (energy for propulsion), gelling agents (provides a better chance of fertilization), and prostaglandins (helps to thin cervical mucus and causes the contraction of the female reproductive tract). C. percentage