ASCI 112 Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: Vas Deferens, Seminal Vesicle, Prostate
Document Summary
Reproduction is required fro propagation and continuation of a species" essential process in all species. A 3% improvement in birthrate would result in increases in production. Male anatomy: testis, scrotum, epididymus, ductus deferens, penis, retractor penis muscle, sigmoid flexure, prostate, vesicular and bulbourethral glands. Testis/ testicle: the testis is the primary reproductive organ (gonad) of male animals, healthy males have two testis, functions to produce sperm and male sex hormones (testosterone) Scrotum: an extension of the abdomen that holds the testes. Hormones of reproduction: hypothalamus - pituitary- gonadal (hpg) axis. The process of spermatogenesis is highly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. Optimal temperature is 2 c (man) - 8 c (mouse) below normal body. Counter current heat exchange causes cooling of artery blood entering testes from body veins (blood returning) surround artery (blood going to testis) and absorb heat. Thus cooling blood before it reaches testis. Countercurrent exchange: with countercurrent exchange small gradients in temperature can be maintained.
