During meiosis (gametogenesis) the chromosome numbers half from diploid to haploid
Thus gametes have haploid chromosome number
Two haploid gametes fuse (sperm and egg) to form a diploid zygote
The zygote then forms a multicellular diploid organism
, Male Reproductive system
Testes
**1. Testes Overview:**
- Male reproductive organs.
- Primary function: Production of sperm and male sex hormone (testosterone).
- Play a crucial role in reproduction and secondary sexual characteristics.
**2. Location and Shape:**
- Located in the scrotum, external to the body.
- Ovoid shape; each testis is about 4-5 cm in length.
**3. Scrotum and Temperature Regulation:**
- Scrotum: External sac that holds the testes.
- Important for temperature regulation: Sperm development requires a lower temperature
than body temperature.
- Position outside the body helps maintain an optimal temperature for spermatogenesis.
**4. Lobules and Seminiferous Tubules:**
- Testes divided into lobules, each containing seminiferous tubules.
- Seminiferous tubules: Long, coiled structures where spermatogenesis occurs.
- Numerous tubules per testis.
,**5. Germinal Epithelium:**
- Inner lining of seminiferous tubules.
- Composed of Sertoli cells and germ cells (spermatogonia).
- Sertoli cells support and nourish developing germ cells.
**6. Sertoli Cells:**
- Found within seminiferous tubules.
- Provide physical and nutritional support to developing sperm.
- Secrete fluids that aid in sperm transport and nourishment.
**7. Leydig Cells:**
- Found in the connective tissue between seminiferous tubules.
- Produce testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation.
- Testosterone is essential for male reproductive development and secondary sexual
characteristics.
**8. Testosterone:**
- Male sex hormone produced by Leydig cells.
- Regulates the development of male reproductive tissues.
- Stimulates spermatogenesis and influences secondary sexual characteristics like facial
hair, muscle development, and deepening of the voice.
**9. Spermatogenesis:**
- Process of sperm formation within seminiferous tubules.
- Involves mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis.
- Spermatozoa mature from spermatogonia to sperm cells.
**10. Steps of Spermatogenesis:**
1. Spermatogonia: Diploid germ cells.
2. Primary Spermatocytes: Result from mitosis of spermatogonia.
3. Secondary Spermatocytes: Formed through meiosis I of primary spermatocytes.
4. Spermatids: Result from meiosis II of secondary spermatocytes.
5. Spermiogenesis: Maturation of spermatids into sperm cells.
**11. Function of Testes:**
- Sperm Production: Generates sperm cells through spermatogenesis.
- Hormone Production: Synthesizes testosterone for male reproductive development and
maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics.
**12. Role in Reproduction:**
- Spermatozoa are released into the epididymis, mature there, and then move to the vas
deferens for storage and transport during ejaculation.
- Sperm fertilizes the egg during sexual reproduction.
**14. Importance of Testes:**
- Central to the male reproductive system, contributing to both fertility and masculinity.
- Vital role in the perpetuation of the species through successful reproduction.
, Tubules for the transport of sperm
**1. Introduction:**
- After spermatogenesis in the testes, sperm undergo a series of tubular passages for
maturation, storage, and transport before ejaculation.
- Several structures play key roles in this process.
**2. Epididymis:**
- Structure: Coiled tube located on the posterior surface of each testis.
- Function:
- Maturation: Sperm gain motility and ability to fertilize during their passage through the
epididymis.
- Storage: Mature sperm are stored in the epididymis until ejaculation.
- Concentration: Sperm are concentrated as they move through the epididymis.
**3. Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens):**
- Structure: Long muscular tube extending from the epididymis through the inguinal canal
into the pelvic cavity.
- Function:
- Transport: Propels mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
- Store and Mix: Also stores sperm temporarily and can mix it with seminal fluids before
ejaculation.
**4. Ejaculatory Duct:**
- Structure: Short duct formed by the union of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicle duct.
- Function:
- Transport: Moves sperm and seminal fluid from the vas deferens to the prostatic urethra.
- Adds Fluid: Secretions from seminal vesicles contribute to seminal fluid, providing
nutrients and enhancing sperm viability.
**5. Urethra:**
- Structure: Tube extending from the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis.
- Function:
- Dual Role: Serves both the urinary and reproductive systems.
- Sperm Exit: During ejaculation, sperm and seminal fluid enter the prostatic urethra, then
move through the penile urethra and exit the body.
**6. Function of Tubules in Sperm Transport:**
- Maturation: The epididymis allows sperm to acquire motility and fertilization capability.
- Concentration: The epididymis and vas deferens concentrate sperm by reabsorbing fluid.
- Storage: The epididymis and vas deferens store mature sperm for release during
ejaculation.
- Mixing: The vas deferens and ejaculatory duct can mix sperm with seminal fluid to form
semen.
- Passage: The ejaculatory duct and urethra provide a route for sperm and semen to exit the
body.
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