PHYSIOLOGY 1021: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
What is the function of the male reproductive system? - answer -- produces hormones
(mainly testosterone) and sperm
Is the reproductive system essential for maintaining homeostasis? - answer -- no,
instead it is crucial for producing an offspring
What is the site of sperm and hormone production in males? - answer -- testis
What is the testis? - answer -- located inside the scrotum
- found externally in humans
- must have a temperature that is approx 2 degrees below normal body temperature
What is vas deferens? - answer -- important for sperm and fluid release
What is epididymis? - answer -- coiled up tissue
- responsible for sperm storage and maturation
- here is where sperm's gain the ability to swim
- capable of storing a month's supply of sperm (if over a month, the body will reabsorb)
How long does it take the sperm to reach the epdidymis? - answer -- 70 days
What is seminiferous tubules? - answer -- sperm and fluid production
What are the components of seminiferous tubule? - answer -- spermatocytes
- sertoli cells
- leydig cells
What is spermatocytes? - answer -- developing sperm cells
- develop in between the plasma membrane of 2 sertoli cells
What is sertoli cells? - answer -- forms walls of seminiferous tubules
- support and regulate spermatogenesis
What is leydig cells? - answer -- produces testosterone
- found on the outside wall of seminiferous tubule
What is spermatogenesis? - answer -- initiated at puberty
- enabled by sufficient testosterone
- process of sperm production
Where does testosterone diffuse? - answer -- into the sertoli cells (into bloodstream to
affect other target tissues)
