Question

A. Draw a labeled diagrammatic view of the human male reproductive system.
B. Differentiate between:
i) Vas deferens and vasa efferentia
ii) Spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis

Answer 1

Humans pass their certain characteristics to the next generation through their genes, which are the special carriers of human traits. The genes of parents pass along to their offspring make their kids similar to others in the family, but it also makes each child unique. These genes come from the mother’s egg and the father’s sperm, which are produced by the female and male reproductive systems.

Complete answer:
The organs of the male reproductive system have the following functions:
-To produce, maintain and transport the male reproductive cells or sperms and protective fluid called semen.
-To secrete sperm in the female reproductive tract
-Production and secretion male sex hormones
The male reproductive anatomy includes external and internal structures. Internal structures are: penis, scrotum, testicles or testes and epididymis. Internal structures are: vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate glands and bulbourethral glands. The male reproductive system is dependent on the hormones that stimulate or regulate the activity of organs or cells. The primary hormones involved are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. The pituitary gland produces LH and FSH. FSH is a necessary hormone for sperm production, and LH stimulates the production of testosterone. Testosterone also is important in the development of male characteristics, including muscle strength and mass, fat distribution, bone mass and sex drive.

B. (i)

Vas deferens1. It is a tubular structure and carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Also it receives secretions from the seminal vesicle and prostate gland.2. It is located outside the testis.3. Its inner wall is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue. And the middle layer is made up of visceral muscle and a connective tissue, and outer layer of adventitia.4. A pair of vas deferens is present in males, with one duct carrying from each testis to the right and left ejaculatory ducts.

Vasa efferentia1. It is a thin structure and it connects the rete testis with the initial secretion of epididymis.2. It is located inside the testis hence known as intratesticular.3. It is a thin tubular structure which is composed of columnar nonciliated and ciliated cells. The forward movement of semen is facilitated by the stereocilia.4. There are approximately 15-20 vasa efferentia present in humans.

B. (ii)

Spermatogenesis1. Spermatogenesis is the formation of motile sperms from spermatogonium.2. During spermatogenesis, four functional spermatozoa are produced from the spermatogonium.3. It consists of a growth phase, maturation phase, multiplication phase and a differentiation phase. 4. It is mainly a process of the production of mature sperm cells from the primordial germ cells.5. During the spermatogenesis, the diploid germ cells become haploid gametes 6. During the early stages of this process, the number of cells that are capable of differentiating into spermatozoa is increased.

Spermiogenesis1. Spermiogenesis is the production of mature sperms from spermatids.2. During the spermiogenesis a spermatozoon is produced from a spermatid.3. It consists of only the differentiation process.4. It has a final differentiation phase where mature spermatozoa are produced.5. It occurs in the haploid cells, hence, there is no change in the amount of genetic material.6. During this process, the number of cells does not change.

Note: The female reproductive system has organs located inside the body and around the pelvic region. It contains three main parts: the vagina, vulva, the vaginal opening to the uterus and the ovaries (produce the ova). The breasts are usually not considered as part of the female reproductive system.