Male Reproductive System

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Gonads Noun

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[goh-nadz]

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Gonads

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The primary reproductive organs, such as the testes in males, that are responsible for producing gametes or sex cells.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of a testicle, the primary male gonad, revealing the internal structures like seminiferous tubules responsible for sperm production.

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Gametes Noun

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[gam-eets]

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Gametes

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The reproductive cells produced by the gonads, such as sperm cells in males, which unite during sexual reproduction.

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Example: This image shows the two types of gametes, or reproductive cells: the male gamete (sperm) and the female gamete (ovum).

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Scrotum Noun

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[skroh-tuhm]

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Scrotum

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The external pouch of skin that contains the testicles and regulates their temperature for optimal sperm production and viability.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of the scrotum, the external sac of skin that holds and protects the testicles.

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Testes Noun

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[tes-teez]

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Testes

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The male gonads, located in the scrotum, responsible for producing both sperm and the primary male hormone, testosterone.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of the testis, the male reproductive organ that produces sperm, located within the scrotum and connected to the epididymis.

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Testosterone Noun

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[tes-tos-tuh-rohn]

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Testosterone

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The primary male sex hormone that stimulates sperm production and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

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Example: This chart shows that testosterone levels in men, shown in red, are highest in young adulthood and gradually decrease as they get older.

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Spermatogenesis Noun

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[sper-mat-uh-jen-uh-sis]

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Spermatogenesis

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The specific biological process of producing mature sperm cells, which takes place within the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

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Example: This diagram shows the entire process of spermatogenesis, where a single starting cell (spermatogonium) divides multiple times through meiosis to produce four sperm cells (spermatids).

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Epididymis Noun

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[ep-i-did-uh-mis]

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Epididymis

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A long, coiled tube located on the posterior side of each testicle where sperm mature and are temporarily stored.

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Example: This diagram shows the epididymis, a coiled tube attached to the back of the testis, where sperm mature and are stored before moving to the vas deferens.

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Vas Deferens Noun

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[vas def-uh-renz]

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Vas Deferens

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The muscular tube that transports mature sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.

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Example: This diagram shows the vas deferens as a tube that carries sperm from the epididymis, around the bladder, and towards the urethra for ejaculation.

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Seminal Vesicles Noun

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[sem-uh-nl ves-i-kuhlz]

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Seminal Vesicles

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A pair of glands that produce a sugar-rich fluid providing energy for sperm and composing a large part of semen.

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Example: This diagram shows the seminal vesicle's location in the male reproductive system, situated near the bladder and connecting to the vas deferens.

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Prostate Gland Noun

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[pros-teyt gland]

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Prostate Gland

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A gland surrounding the urethra below the bladder that produces a milky, alkaline fluid which helps to activate sperm.

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Example: This diagram shows the prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra tube.