Chapter 38, Problem 1.1BGL

Summary Introduction

To label: The structures of the testes and scrotum in the given diagrams.

Introduction: Reproduction is the biological process involved in the production of a new offspring. The male reproductive organ consists of a number of internal and external sex organs that function to produce, support, and transport sperm.

Answer to Problem 1.1BGL

Pictorial representation: Fig.1 and Fig.2 show structures of the testes and scrotum, respectively.

Fig.1: Structures of the testes

Fig.2: Structures of the scrotum

Explanation of Solution

Structures of the testes that are depicted in the diagram are as follows:

1. 1. Cremaster muscle: It is a paired structure found in the spermatic cords superior to the testes.
2. 2. Dartos muscle: The scrotum wall is composed of a thin layer of superficial fascia present at the internal part to the skin, an external layer of skin, and a smooth muscle layer called dartos muscle.
3. 3. Scrotum: A skin-covered sac present between the thighs is known as the scrotum.
4. 4. Tunica albuginea: It is a whitish, thick, fibrous capsule that covers the testis. The tunica albuginea is situated deep to the visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis.

Structures of the scrotum that are depicted in the diagram are as follows:

1. 1. Efferent duct: This duct connects the rete testis to the epididymis.
2. 2. Seminiferous tubules: These tubules are located in the testes and are responsible for the production of spermatozoa, which are further differentiated to form sperm cells.
3. 3. Straight tubule: It connects the convoluted part of the seminiferous tubules to the rete testis.
4. 4. Rete testis: The rete testis forms a meshwork of interconnected channels present in the mediastinum testis (mass of connective tissue at the back of the testis).
5. 5. Tunica albuginea: It covers the testes.
6. 6. Lobule: The testicle is divided into different parts known as lobules.
7. 7. Septum: It splits the scrotal sac.