Gross Anatomy of the Human Male Reproductive System
1. List the two principal functions of the testis.
The two principal functions of the testis are;
Spermatogenesis: Production of Sperm
Steriodogenesis: Production of Testosterone
2. Identify all indicated structures or portions of structures on the diagrammatic view of the
male reproductive system below following:
3. A common part of any physical examination of the male is palpation of the prostate. How
is this accomplished?
The Palpation of the prostate is a digital rectal examination. The physician inserts a
lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland through the rectal
wall. The size, shape and consistency of the prostate can be assessed. By Digital rectal
examination (DRE).
4. How might enlargement of the prostate interfere with urination or the reproductive ability
of the male?
Prostate enlargement can compress the urethra, causing difficulty urinating ( weak
stream, frequency, urgency). While it doesn’t directly impact reproductive ability,
urinary symptoms can affect sexual function
5. Why are the testes located in the scrotum rather than inside the ventral body cavity?
The testes are located in the scrotum because sperm production requirs a
temperature lower than core body temperature. The scrotum helps regulate this
temperature.
6. Match the following terms to the descriptive statements. Write only the letter of your
choice.
a. bulbourethral glands
b. ductus (vas) deferens
c. epididymis
d. membranous urethra
e. penis
f. prepuce
g. prostate
h. prostatic urethra
i. scrotum
j. seminal vesicles
k. spongy urethra
E 1. copulatory organ/penetrating device
B 2. muscular passageway conveying sperm to the ejaculatory duct; in the spermatic cord
D 3. transports both sperm and urine
C 4. sperm maturation site
I 5. location of the testis in adult males
F 6. loose fold of skin encircling the glans penis
H 7. portion of the urethra between the prostate and the penis
G 8. empties a secretion into the prostatic urethra
A 9. empties a secretion into the membranous urethra
7. Describe the composition of semen, and name all structures contributing to its formation.
Semen is a complex fluid consisting of sperm and seminal plasma. SSeminal plasma is
a mixture of secretions from several structures;
● Testes: Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the states .
● Epididymis: Sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis
● Seminal Vesicles: These glands contribute a fructose energy source for sperm,
prostaglandins promote uterine contractions, and other substances are in the
seminal plasma.
● Prostate Gland: The prostate gland adds and alkaline fluid to neutralize the
acidity of the vagina, enhancing sperm survival. It also contributes enzymes and
other substances.
The combination of sperm and the secretions from these glands forms semen, which is
ejaculated during sexual intercourse.
8. Of what importance is the fact that seminal fluid is alkaline?
The alkaline nature of seminal fluid is important because it neutralizes the acidic
environment of the vagina. The acidic environment is hostile to sperm and the
alkalinity of the seminal fluid helps protect the sperm and allows them to survive and
move more effectively towrad the egg.
9. What structures compose the spermatic cord?
The spermatic cord is a bundle of structures that passes from the abdomen through
the inguinal canal to the scrotum. it contains
● Ducts deferens ( vas deferens)
● Testicular artery
● Pampinifrom plexus
● Nerves
● Lymphatics
Where is it located?
The spermatic cord is located in the inguinal canal and extends into the scrotum
10. Using the following terms, trace the pathway of sperm from the testes to the urethra:
rete testis, epididymis, seminiferous tubule, ductus deferens.
Seminiferous Tubule → Rete Testis → Epididymis→ Ductus deferens - Urethra
Gross Anatomy of the Human Female Reproductive System
11. Name the structures composing the external genitalia, or vulva, of the female.
The structures composing the external genitalia ( Vulva) of the female include
● Mons pubis
● Labia majora
● Clitoris
● Vestibule
● Vaginal orifice
● Hymen
12. On the diagram below of a frontal section of a portion of the female reproductive system,
identify all indicated structures.
13. Identify the female reproductive system structures described below.
Uterus 1. site of fetal development
Vagina 2. copulatory canal
Fallopian Tube/ Uterus 3. egg typically fertilized here
Clitoris 4. becomes erect during sexual excitement
Fallopian Tube 5. duct extending superolaterally from the uterus
Hymen 6. partially closes the vaginal canal; a membrane
Ovaries 7. produces oocytes, estrogens, and progesterone
Fimbrae 8. fingerlike ends of the uterine tube
14. Do any sperm enter the pelvic cavity of the female? Why or why not?
Not, sperm do not typically enter the pelvic cavity of the female. The sperm must
travel through the cervix, uterus, and into the fallopian tubes to reach the egg for
fertilization. The pelvic cavity is not part of the usual pathway for sperm.
16. Put the following vestibular-perineal structures in their proper order from the anterior to
the posterior aspect: vaginal orifice, anus, urethral opening, and clitoris.
Anterior limit: _Clitoris→ __Urethral Opening→ Vaginal Orifice→Anus
17. Assume a couple has just consummated the sex act and the male’s sperm have been
deposited in the woman’s vagina. Trace the pathway of the sperm through the female
reproductive tract.
The pathway of sperm through the female reproductive tract is as follows:
● Vagina
● Cervix
● Uterus
● Fallopian Tubes
18. Define ovulation.
Ovulation is the release of the a mature egg from the ovary. This usually occurs
approximately midway through the menstrual cycle and is crucial event for potential
Fertilization.
Microscopic Anatomy of Selected Male and Female Reproductive Organs
19. The testis is divided into a number of lobes by connective tissue. Each of these lobes
contains one to four Seminiferous tubules, which converge to empty sperm into another
set of tubules called the rete testis .
20. What is the function of the cavernous bodies seen in the male penis?
The cavernous bodies in the male penis are erectile tissues. Their function is to fill
with blood during sexual arousal, causing the penis to become erect.
21. Name the three layers of the uterine wall from the inside out.
Endometrium, Myometrium , Perimetrium
Which of these is sloughed during menses? Endometrium
Which contracts? Myometrium
22. What is the function of the stereocilia exhibited by the epithelial cells of the mucosa of
the epididymis?
The stereocilia on the epithelial cells of the epididymis increases the surface area for
absorption and secretion. They are involved in the maturation and transport of sperm
The Mammary Glands
23. Match the key term with the correct description.
Key:
_e_1. glands that produce milk during lactation a. alveoli
_a__2. subdivisions of mammary lobes that contain alveoli b. areola
_d__3. enlarged storage chambers for milk c. lactiferous duct
_c__4. ducts connecting alveoli to the storage chambers d. lactiferous sinus
_b__5. pigmented area surrounding the nipple e. lobule
_f__6. releases milk to the outside f. nipple
24. Describe the procedure for self-examination of the breasts.
One of the most important aspects of early breast cancer identification is self-
breast examination, or SBE. Regular SBEs can help women get to know their
breasts and identify any changes early, even if mammograms and clinical
breast exams are advised. These steps are typically included in the process:
1.Time: Do the examination once a month, preferably a few days following the
end of your menstrual cycle, when breasts are less likely to be sore or
swollen.
2.Position: Place your arms by your sides and stand in front of a mirror. Check
for any obvious changes in the size, shape, or texture of your breasts' skin
(dimpling, puckering, redness, swelling). Look for inversion or discharge of
the nipples.
3.Feel: Repeat the examination while raising your arms above your head.
After that, lay down with a cushion beneath your right shoulder.
This is a general description. Specific techniques may vary it is recommended
to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance and
instruction on proper SBE Techniques
