Vocabulary & Check Your Knowledge
Male Reproductive Vocabulary
Arthralgia
Joint pain.
Bulbourethral glands
(Also, Cowper’s glands) glands that secrete a lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation.
Ductus deferens
(also, vas deferens) duct that transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord and into the ejaculatory duct; also referred as the vas deferens.
Dysuria
Painful urination.
Ejaculatory duct
Duct that connects the ampulla of the ductus deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle at the prostatic urethra.
Epididymis
(plural = epididymides) coiled tubular structure in which sperm start to mature and are stored until ejaculation.
Epididymitis
Inflammation/swelling of the epididymis.
Gamete
Haploid reproductive cell that contributes genetic material to form an offspring.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Hormone released by the hypothalamus that regulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland.
Gonads
Reproductive organs (testes in men and ovaries in women) that produce gametes and reproductive hormones.
Inguinal canal
Opening in abdominal wall that connects the testes to the abdominal cavity.
Leydig cells
Cells between the seminiferous tubules of the testes that produce testosterone, a type of interstitial cell.
Myalgia
Muscle pain.
Penis
Male organ of copulation.
Polyuria
Frequent urination.
Prepuce
(Also, foreskin) flap of skin that forms a collar around, and thus protects and lubricates, the glans penis; also referred as the foreskin.
Prostate gland
Doughnut-shaped gland at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra and contributing fluid to semen during ejaculation.
Scrotum
External pouch of skin and muscle that houses the testes.
Semen
Ejaculatory fluid composed of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.
Seminal vesicle
Gland that produces seminal fluid, which contributes to semen.
Seminiferous tubules
Tube structures within the testes where spermatogenesis occurs.
Sertoli cells
Cells that support germ cells through the process of spermatogenesis; a type of sustentacular cell.
Sperm
(Also, spermatozoon) male gamete.
Spermatic cord
Bundle of nerves and blood vessels that supplies the testes; contains ductus deferens.
Spermatid
Immature sperm cells produced by meiosis II of secondary spermatocytes.
Spermatocyte
Cell that results from the division of spermatogonium and undergoes meiosis I and meiosis II to form spermatids.
Spermatogenesis
Formation of new sperm, occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
Spermatogonia
Diploid precursor cells that become sperm (singular = spermatogonium).
Spermiogenesis
Transformation of spermatids to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis.
Testes
Male gonads (singular = testis).
Testitis
Inflammation of the testicles.
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra.
Test Yourself
Male Reproductive System Glossary Reinforcement Activity (Te