Why does sterility occur if the testes do not descend? - -Sterility occurs because normal sperm production is inhibited at body temperature. A cooler
... [Show More] temperature is needed for sperm to produce.
-Where do sperm spend their maturation time and how long is this period? Why is this maturation time needed by sperm? - -Sperm maturation is required for the sperm to gain the ability to swim. This process last about 20 days.
-Trace the path of sperm from their site of production to the outside of the body. - -Sperm is produced by the testes and mature within the epididymis. Once the sperm has matured, they are propelled into the vas deferens by muscular contractions. The vas deferens connects to the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct then connects to the urethra to provide a means for the sperm to exit the body.
-Describe a vasectomy and how it prevents fertilization. - -A vasectomy is performed as a permanent birth control. In this procedure, the vas deferens is cut and tied off which permanently prevents sperm from exiting the body to fertilize an egg.
-List and describe the location of the 3 sections of the male urethra. - -The urethra consist of 3 sections: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra.
-Prostatic urethra: surrounded by the prostate gland.
-Membranous urethra: Begins at the end of prostatic urethra and travels to the penis
-Spongy urethra: runs through the penis and opens to the outside at the external orifice.
-What is semen? - -Semen is a thick, whitish fluid that contains sperm and accessory gland secretions.
-Describe the 3 glands which contribute materials to semen and one material contributed by each. - -The three glands are: the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands. The paired seminal vesicles contribute nutrients (fructose, vitamin C, and prostaglandis), the rpostate gland contributtes a milky alkaline fluid that bulborethral glands [Show Less]