Name: _____________________________ Date: ______________

Pages: 416-419
BIOLOGY 12
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

1) Label the following diagrams:

1) Rectum

2) Urinary bladder

3) Seminal Vesicle

4) Prostate gland

5) Bulbourethral gland (Cowper’s)

6) Epididymis

7) Testis (testes = plural)

8) Scrotum

9) Penis

10) Urethra

11) Vas deferens

Male Reproductive System↑

1) Urinary bladder

2) seminal vesicle

3) vas deferens

4) prostate gland

5) bulbourethral gland

6) urethra

7) epididymis

8) seminiferous tubules

9) interstitial cells

10) penis

11) testis

12) scrotum Male Reproductive/Urinary System↑

13) epididymis

W) head (contains chromosomes)

X) acrosome (enzymes for entering egg)

Sperm→ Y) midpiece (mitochondria for energy)

Z) tail (movement)
2) What is the difference between semen and seminal fluid? List the contents of semen in a
chart that indicates the function of each component and the gland or structure that
produces it.

Seminal fluid = secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral gland
Semen = sperm + seminal fluid

GLAND/ CONTENT FUNCTION

STRUCTURE

testes sperm Fertilize the egg

fructose nourish sperm

seminal
vesicles
milky alkaline helps sperm survive in the acidic vaginal canal
prostate fluid
gland
lubricant aids in sperm motility
bulbourethral
gland

3) Describe the process of spermatogenesis. Be sure to indicate precisely where it occurs in

the testes, and the functions of the hormones LH, FSH and testosterone in its production.

Within the seminiferous tubules the spermatagonia divide by mitosis and become primary
spermatocytes. Primary spermatocytes divide by meiosis (46 chromosomes
23
chromosomes) to become spermatids (immature sperm). Spermatids are nourished by
the seritoli cells and develop to become functional sperm. Mature sperm are stored in
the epididymis.

FSH acts on spermatogenic cells within the seminiferous tubules to causing them to take in
testosterone.
LH act on the interstitial cells causing them to produce testosterone
Testosterone acts on spermatogenic cells causing them to produce sperm (promotes
spermatogenesis)

4) List in order the path of a single sperm cell from a seminiferous tubule to the urethral
opening.

Seminiferous tubule
interstitial cells
epididymis
vas deferens
urethra
urethral

opening

5) Create a flow chart which summarizes hormonal control of the testes. Then, in a concise but
thorough paragraph, describe the control of testosterone levels by the endocrine system.
Be sure, in your description, to explain the roles of the hypothalamus, pituitary, GnRH,
LH(ICSH), FSH, interstitial cells, testosterone, and inhibin. Be sure to clearly indicate how
negative feedback operates in this loop.

See Notes p. 3 and text book p. 419

 6) What is the location, structure and function of the following parts of the Male
Reproductive System?
PART LOCATION STRUC- FUNCTION
TURE
Testis In scrotum Ball Male gonads which produce sperm
and testosterone

Scrotum Hang Sac Hold testes away from body (body

underneath temperature is too high for sperm)
penis outside
male’s body

Seminiferous Within each 3 coiled Where sperm is produced

tubules
testis tubules (meiosis)
Interstitial cells Lie between Cells Produce testosterone
the
seminiferous
tubules
Sertoli cells In the Cells Support, nourish and regulate the
seminiferous spermatogenic cells
tubules
Epididymis On top of Tubular Where sperm mature
each testis storage
sac
Vas deferens From Tube Carries sperm from epididymis to
epididymis to urethra during ejaculation
urethra

Seminal vesicles Join to each Tube Pair of organs that that each have
vas deferens a duct to join to each vas deferens
Produce secretion containing
fructose to nourish sperm
Prostate gland Surround Doughn Secretes a milky alkaline fluid that
upper part of ut helps sperm survive in the acidic
urethra just shaped vaginal canal
below bladder organ
Urethra From urinary Tube Carries urine from bladder during
bladder; urination
within penis Carries semen during ejaculation
(never both at same time)
Bulbourethral Below the Pea- Supplies lubricant to seminal fluid/
glands
prostate gland sized semen
on either side organ
of urethra

Penis Cylindrical Hangs Sexual intercourse

shaped organ in front Increased blood flow causes it to
of become erect
scrotum
Hypothalamus Part of brain Controls release of sex hormones
Releases GnRH to anterior
pituitary
Anterior Part of brain Releases FSH and LH/ICSH for
pituitary gland
spermatogenesis