Chapter 10 – Production of Gametes
Gonads: Are the primary sex organs
Secondary sex organs: Everything else, e.g. Seminal Vesicles
Males
Spermatozoa (sperm): Male gametes
Scrotum: Single pouch of skin, divided into two sacs internally
Lobules: Compartments filled with fine tubes called seminiferous tubules
Seminiferous tubules: Fine tubes lined with cells that produce the male gametes. They eventually join together to form a short straight tubule.
Interstitial cells: Between the seminiferous tubules in clusters that secrete the male hormone testosterone.
Epididymis: A highly folded tubule that fits against the rear surface of each testis. Sperm from the testis enter the tubule of the epididymis. Sperm may be stored here for up to a month, during which time they mature.
Vas deferens (sperm duct): Where the tubule of the epididymis continues and then becomes, which carries the sperm away from testis. Extends upwards from the testis, passes into the abdominal cavity and crosses the upper surface of the bladder. It then turns downward, looping behind the bladder. Under the bladder, the two vasa differentia form, one from each testis, join the tube that leave the bladder.
Urethra: The tube that leaves the bladder and runs through the penis and is a duct for transporting both urine and sperm to the exterior.
Semen (seminal fluid): Nourishes and aids the transport of sperm. A mixture of secretions from three glands – the seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbo-urethral glands (Cowper’s glands)
Seminal vesicles: A pair of pouch-like organs located behind the urinary bladder. Secrete a thick fluid that is rich in sugars and makes up about 60% of the volume of semen.
Prostate gland: Where the two vasa differentia join the urethra, a single gland shaped like a doughnut surrounding the urethra just below the bladder. Secretes a thin, milky alkaline fluid.
Bulbo-urethral glands (Cowper’s gland): Two small yellow