Overview
This lecture covers the anatomy and pathway of the male reproductive (urogenital) system, focusing on the testes, accessory glands, and the route of sperm.
Male Urogenital System Overview
- The male reproductive and urinary systems are partially combined and called the urogenital system.
- In females, the reproductive and urinary systems are completely separated.
Primary and Accessory Organs
- The testes are the primary male reproductive organs responsible for producing gametes (sperm).
- Accessory organs include a tubular network and glands that help transport and support sperm.
- Accessory glands add fluids to sperm to create semen.
The Sperm Pathway
- Sperm are produced in the testes.
- Sperm first enter the epididymis (head, body, tail), maturing over ~21 days and can be stored for months.
- Upon ejaculation, sperm move from the epididymis through the vas deferens (ductus deferens).
- The vas deferens passes over the pubic symphysis and expands at the ampulla.
- Sperm enter the ejaculatory duct, formed where the vas deferens meets the seminal vesicle duct.
- The ejaculatory duct passes through the prostate gland and meets the prostatic urethra.
- The path continues through the membranous urethra (in the urogenital diaphragm).
- Finally, sperm travel through the spongy urethra (within the corpus spongiosum) and exit via the external urethral orifice.
Accessory Glands and Their Functions
- The seminal vesicle adds fluid to nourish sperm.
- The prostate gland contributes additional fluid to semen.
- The bulbourethral gland (at the bulb of the penis) adds lubricating fluid.
- Penile glands may add further secretions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Urogenital System — combined urinary and genital system, present only in males.
- Testes — primary male organ creating gametes (sperm).
- Gametes — sex cells; sperm in males.
- Epididymis — storage and maturation site for sperm.
- Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens) — tube that transports sperm from the epididymis.
- Ampulla — enlargement of vas deferens before it meets the seminal vesicle duct.
- Ejaculatory Duct — duct where sperm mixes with fluids from seminal vesicle.
- Prostatic Urethra — portion of urethra within the prostate gland.
- Membranous Urethra — urethra passing through the urogenital diaphragm.
- Spongy Urethra — urethra within the corpus spongiosum of the penis.
- Seminal Vesicle, Prostate Gland, Bulbourethral Gland — accessory glands contributing fluids to semen.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the structure of the testes in more detail (as referenced for a future video).
- Study the pathway sperm takes through the male reproductive system.
- Learn the functions of each accessory gland.