SCROTUM
- Contains the testis
- Acts as a temperature regulator and keeps testis 2-3 degrees lower than body
temperature
- Lower temp helps spermatogenesis (34 to 35 degrees)
- Protects testis
TESTIS
- 2 oval structures suspended out of body in scrotum
- Embryonic stage = in abdominal cavity below kidneys until birth when they
descend to scrotum
- Consist of seminiferous tubules
- Germinal epithelium lines these tubules
- Between tubules = endocrine cells, interstitial cells (cells of Leydig)
, - Testis produce: sperm by germinal layer and testosterone by interstitial cells
EPIDIDYMIS
- Stores and matures sperm
- Seminiferous tubules join to form epididymis
- Germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules = sperm
SPERM DUCT/VAS DEFERENS
- Vasectomy = cut vas deferens
- Muscular sperm duct is the continuation of epididymis
- Leaves the scrotum, passes through prostate gland and enters urethra
- It pushes mature sperm forward by peristalsis from epididymis to urethra
(ejaculation)
URETHRA
- Common excretory/urinary and ejaculatory duct
- The duct at the end of the uro-genital system leading to exterior
- Transports urine and semen (never occur together)
PROSTATE GLAND
- Plum-sized
- Surrounds urethra at base of bladder
- Secretes fluid that aids in transport of sperm and contains enzymes to make
sperm more active
- Makes up a third of seminal fluid
COWPERS GLAND
- 2 cowper's gland found at base of penis
- Bulbourethral
- Produces alkaline mucus-like fluid when sexually aroused
- This fluid neutralizes acidic urine and lubricates urethra and external urethral
opening to protect sperm from mechanical damage during ejaculation
, PENIS
- Urethra passes down to male external organ (penis)
- Penis consists of special spongy tissue (erectile tissue)
- Dorsal side of erectile tissue = corpus casanova
- Ventral side = corpus spongiosum
- Primary mechanism that brings about an erection is the dilation of dorsal and
ventral arteries supplying blood to penis
- Allows more blood to fill 3 spongy erectile tissue chambers causing penis to
stiffen and lengthen (erection)
- Without an erection, sperm cannot be transferred to females vagina during sexual
intercourse
- Penis deposits semen and sperm into vagina during copulation
DISTINCTIVE ABOUT THE HUMAN PENIS
- Only mammal without an erectile bone (baculum)
- It relies only on engorgement with blood
- Not attached to abdominal wall but hangs freely
SEMEN
- Semen consists of: sperm from testis and epididymis and seminal fluid from
accessory glands such as the prostate, seminal vesicles and cowper's gland
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller jennagertenbach. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R200,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
