Which of the following terms is used to describe the male reproductive cell?

The male reproductive system contains the external genitals (the penis, testes and the scrotum) and internal parts, including the prostate gland, vas deferens and urethra. A man's fertility and sexual traits depend on the normal functioning of the male reproductive system, as well as hormones released from the brain.

Organs and functions

The male reproductive system is responsible for reproduction. It is made of the following parts:

  • Penis — the organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. It has spongy tissue which can fill with blood to cause an erection. It contains the urethra, which carries both urine and semen.
  • Scrotum — this is a loose bag of skin that hangs outside the body, behind the penis. It holds the testes in place.
  • Testes (or testicles) — these are a pair of egg-shaped glands that sit in the scrotum, on the outside of the body. They produce sperm and testosterone, which is the male sex hormone.
  • Epididymis — this is a highly coiled tube that lies at the back of the testes. All sperm from the testes must pass through the epididymis, where they mature and start to ‘swim’.
  • Vas deferens — this is a thick-walled tube joined to the epididymis. It carries sperm from the epididymis up to the prostate gland and urethra.
  • Prostate gland — this is a walnut-sized gland that sits in the middle of the pelvis. The urethra runs through the middle of it. It produces the fluid secretions that support and nourish the sperm.
  • Urethra — this is a tube that extends from the bladder to the external opening at the end of the penis. The urethra carries both urine and sperm.
  • Seminal vesicles — these are 2 small glands above the prostate gland that make up much of the fluid in semen.
Which of the following terms is used to describe the male reproductive cell?
Figure 16.1. Male Reproductive System. From Betts et al., 2013. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. [Image description.]

Physiology (Function) of the Male Reproductive System

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous tubules that form the bulk of each testis. The process begins at puberty, after which time sperm is produced constantly throughout a man’s life. One production cycle takes approximately 64 days. One production cycle is considered from spermatogonia through to formed sperm. A new cycle starts approximately every 16 days, although this timing is not synchronous across the seminiferous tubules.

Sperm

Sperm is smaller than most cells in the body; in fact, the volume of a sperm cell is 85,000 times less than that of the female gamete. Approximately 100 to 300 million sperm are produced each day, whereas women typically ovulate only one oocyte per month as is true for most cells in the body, the structure of sperm cells speaks to their function. Sperm have a distinctive head, mid-piece, and tail region (see Figure 16.2).

Which of the following terms is used to describe the male reproductive cell?
Figure 16.2. Structure of Sperm. Sperm cells are divided into a head, containing DNA; a mid-piece, containing mitochondria; and a tail, providing motility. The acrosome is oval and somewhat flattened. From Betts et al., 2013. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. [Image description.]

Sperm Transport

To fertilize an egg, sperm must be moved from the seminiferous tubules in the testes, through the epididymis, and—later during ejaculation—along the length of the penis and out into the female reproductive tract. It takes an average of 12 days for sperm to move through the coils of the epididymis, with the shortest recorded transit time in humans being one day.

Sperm counts slowly decline after age 35, and some studies suggest that smoking can lower sperm counts irrespective of age.

Epididymis

Sperm enter the head of the epididymis and are moved by the contraction of smooth muscles lining the epididymal tubes. As the sperm mature they acquire the ability to move under their own power. Once inside the female reproductive tract, they will use this ability to move independently toward the unfertilized egg. The more mature sperm are then stored in the tail of the epididymis until ejaculation occurs.

Ducts

During ejaculation, sperm exit the tail of the epididymis and are pushed by smooth muscle contraction to the vas deferens (also called the ductus deferens). The vas deferens is a thick, muscular tube that is bundled together inside the scrotum with connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves into a structure called the spermatic cord. From each epididymis, each vas deferens extends through the inguinal canal in the abdominal wall and continues to a region called the ampulla. The sperm is mixed with fluid from the paired seminal vesicles and moves into its associated ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory ducts transport the seminal fluid to the prostate gland.

Prostate Gland

The prostate gland secretes an alkaline, milky fluid to the passing seminal fluid (referred to as semen) to first coagulate and then decoagulate the semen following ejaculation. The temporary thickening of semen helps retain it within the female reproductive tract. Once decoagulated, the sperm can pass farther into the female reproductive tract.

Bulbourethral Glands

Bulbourethral glands release a thick, salty fluid that lubricates the end of the urethra and vagina, and helps to clean urine residues from the penile urethra.

  • Write or draw out the components of the pathway that sperm takes from the beginning until the end.
  • Consider fertility challenges that may be experienced if a large number of defective sperm are produced.

Anatomy Labeling Activity

Common Abbreviations for the Male Reproductive System

Many terms and phrases related to the male reproductive system are abbreviated. Learn these common abbreviations by expanding the list below.

Diseases and Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Erectile Dysfunction Disorder (EDD)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a male has difficulty either initiating or maintaining an erection. The combined prevalence of minimal, moderate, and complete ED is approximately 40% in men at age 40 and reaches nearly 70% by 70 years of age. In addition to aging, ED is associated with diabetes, vascular disease, psychiatric disorders, prostate disorders, the use of some drugs such as certain antidepressants, and problems with the testes resulting in low testosterone concentrations. These physical and emotional conditions can lead to disruptions in the vasodilation pathway and result in an inability to achieve an erection.

Cancer

Prostate Cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prostate cancer is the second most common cancer occurring in men. However, some forms of prostate cancer grow very slowly and may not require treatment. Aggressive forms of prostate cancer, in contrast, involve metastasis to organs like the lungs and brain. There is no link between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, but the symptoms are similar. Prostate cancer is detected by medical history, a blood test, and a digital rectal exam that allows physicians to palpate the prostate and check for unusual masses. If a mass is detected, the cancer diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy of the cells (Betts et al., 2013; Centers for Disease Control, n.d-a.).

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer begins in the testicle or testis. It is most often found in men aged 20 to 35 years old, although it can occur at any age. Common signs and symptoms include a painless lump in the testicle, swelling, and a build-up of fluid in the scrotum. Testicular cancer is treatable when diagnosed early. An orchiectomy may be required for diagnosing and treating testicular cancer (National Cancer Institute, 2021a). For more information, visit the Cleveland Clinic’s web page on testicular cancer.

Family history is a common risk factor for testicular cancer.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases (STIs and STDs)

Although the terms sexually transmitted infections (STI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. STIs refer to infections caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite via sexual contact. STDs refer to the disease state that develops as a result of infection (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which infects the urethra and prostate in men. Chlamydia spreads through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex with an infected person. Many people with chlamydia do not have any symptoms and unknowingly pass the infection to their sexual partner(s). If symptoms develop, they may not appear for several weeks after sexual contact with an infected person. Males may have penile discharge, itching around the urethra, and pain in or swelling of the testicles. Chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics and can be cured. However, until a patient finishes their treatment, they continue to have the infection and can continue to pass it to others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-b).

Gonorrhea (Gonococcus)

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the urethra in men. Infections can also infect the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected person. Many people infected with gonorrhea have no symptoms and can unknowingly pass the infection on to their sexual partner(s). Symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is infected. Males may have yellowish-white discharge from the penis or dysuria. Gonorrhea infection from oral sex may lead to a sore throat, whereas infection from anal sex may cause itchiness and discharge from the anus. Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with antibiotics in combination with an intramuscular (IM) injection. However, until the patient finishes their treatment, they continue to have the infection and can pass it to others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-c).

Notifiable and Reportable Diseases

In every state in the United States, chlamydia and gonorrhea are notifiable and reportable diseases. This means that when a person tests positive for either of the STIs, public health departments and the CDC are informed so that they may monitor trends, identify outbreaks, and take the necessary steps to prevent further spread of the disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-d, n.d.-e).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is another common STI. Both males and females can be infected with HPV. There are over 200 strains of HPV. Some strains can cause visible genital warts, while others cause genital, anal, throat, and cervical cancers. HPV spreads through sexual activity and skin-to-skin contact in the genital area with an infected person. Since some people are asymptomatic, they don’t know they have the virus and consequently pass the virus to their sexual partners. Treatments are available for genital warts, but there is no cure for HPV. However, in the United States, a vaccine called Gardasil® 9 is available, which prevents infection with HPV (MedlinePlus, 2021; National Cancer Institute, 2021b). For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s web page on HPV.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex viruses:

  • Type 1- oral herpes or cold sores (HSV-1)
  • Type 2- genital herpes (HSV-2)

Signs and symptoms might include dysuria, enlarged glands, myalgia, and fever. Once a patient is infected with HSV, the virus remains in their body even after the symptoms are gone and can cause recurring outbreaks. When the virus becomes active again, the symptoms return but are usually less painful and heal faster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-f).

Herpes is spread through direct contact with the sores or blisters of an infected person. Contact (and transfer of the virus) can occur from genitals-to-genitals, mouth-to-genitals, or mouth-to-mouth. Herpes can also be passed to the anal area. Herpes spreads easily during sexual contact while symptoms are present or just before an outbreak of symptoms. An infected person may spread herpes even when they have no symptoms; this is called asymptomatic shedding. One can spread the herpes virus to other parts of their body after touching the sores. The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way. Hand washing after touching sores and blisters is recommended to prevent spreading the virus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-f).

There is no cure for herpes. Antiviral pills help to reduce symptoms and speed the healing of blisters or sores and are prescribed by a doctor. All sexual partner(s) should be informed. The only way to reduce the risk of transmission of herpes is to avoid direct contact with the sores and to use condoms. Condoms will reduce but not eliminate risk, as the virus can be present and shed from the skin in the genital area (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.-f).

Common Abbreviations for Reproductive Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Medical Terms in Context

Urology

Urology is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical repair of the urinary tract. To learn more about urology as a specialty, visit the American College of Surgeons’ web page.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a procedure in which a small section of the ductus (vas) deferens is removed from the scrotum. This cuts off the path taken by sperm through the ductus deferens. Although it can be reversed, clinicians consider it permanent and advise men to undergo it only if they are certain that they no longer wish to father children. For more information, view this video from MedlinePlus on vasectomies.

Male Reproductive Vocabulary

Ablation

The removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radiofrequency, heat, or other methods.

Arthralgia

Joint pain.

Aspermia

Condition of the complete absence of sperm.

Balanitis

Inflammation of the glans penis.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

A benign condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands that secrete a lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation; also called Cowper’s glands (Betts et al., 2013)

What is the male reproductive called?

Testicles (testes) The testes are oval organs about the size of very large olives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most men have two testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for producing sperm.

What are male reproductive cells called quizlet?

Definition. 1 / 56. -The male sex cell is called a spermatozoon, or sperm cell.

What is reproduction describe in detail the male reproductive system?

The male reproductive system includes the testes, scrotum, spermatic ducts, male accessory glands, and penis. All these organs work together to produce sperms, the male gamete, male sex hormones and other components of semen. Penis and Urethra are a part of both the reproductive and urinary systems.