Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The correct answer is
(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
Understanding the Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system consists of primary sex organs (testes), accessory ducts, accessory glands, and the external genitalia. This question asks us to match specific parts of the male reproductive system with their correct functions or classifications.
Matching Male Reproductive Parts and Functions
Let's analyze each item in List I and find its corresponding match in List II.
(A) Prostate gland:
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system.
It is one of the major accessory glands that contribute fluid to the semen.
Looking at List II, option (III) "Male accessory gland" directly describes the prostate gland's classification.
(B) Leydig cells:
Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells, are located in the interstitial spaces between the seminiferous tubules in the testes.
These cells are responsible for synthesizing and secreting testicular hormones, primarily androgens like testosterone.
Looking at List II, option (IV) "Testicular hormones" is directly associated with the function of Leydig cells.
(C) Ejaculatory duct:
The ejaculatory duct is formed by the joining of the duct from the seminal vesicle and the vas deferens (ductus deferens).
These ducts pass through the prostate gland and empty into the urethra.
Their main function is to transport sperm and seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles and vas deferens into the urethra for ejaculation. While storage mainly occurs in the epididymis, the ejaculatory duct is directly involved in the transport phase just before ejaculation. Option (I) "Store and transport sperms" fits the transport role, especially in the context of connecting storage areas (indirectly via vas deferens from epididymis) to the point of exit.
(D) Penis:
The penis is the external reproductive organ in males.
It is considered the male external genitalia.
Looking at List II, option (II) "Male external genitilia" correctly identifies the penis.
Summary of Matching
Based on the analysis:
(A) Prostate gland matches with (III) Male accessory gland.
(B) Leydig cells match with (IV) Testicular hormones.
(C) Ejaculatory duct matches with (I) Store and transport sperms.
(D) Penis matches with (II) Male external genitilia.
Let's represent this matching in a table:
List - I
List - II
Match
(A) Prostate gland
(I) Store and transport sperms
(A) - (III)
(B) Leydig cells
(II) Male external genitilia
(B) - (IV)
(C) Ejaculatory duct
(III) Male accessory gland
(C) - (I)
(D) Penis
(IV) Testicular hormones
(D) - (II)
The correct combination of matches is (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II).
Revision Table: Male Reproductive System Components
Component
Classification/Function
Prostate gland
Male accessory gland; adds fluid to semen.
Leydig cells (Interstitial cells)
Located in testes; produce testicular hormones (e.g., testosterone).
Ejaculatory duct
Formed by vas deferens and seminal vesicle duct; transports sperm and fluid to urethra.
Penis
Male external genitalia; organ for copulation.
Testes
Primary male sex organ; produces sperm and hormones.
Epididymis
Located on testes; stores and matures sperm.
Vas deferens (Ductus deferens)
Tube transporting sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct.
Seminal vesicles
Male accessory gland; produce fluid component of semen.
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands)
Male accessory gland; secrete pre-ejaculate fluid.
Urethra
Tube carrying urine and semen out of the body.
Additional Information: Male Reproductive System Physiology
The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs responsible for producing sperm and male hormones, and for delivering sperm for fertilization.
Hormonal Control: The functions of the testes and accessory glands are regulated by hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, as well as testicular hormones produced by the Leydig cells. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH acts on Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production, while FSH acts on Sertoli cells (located in seminiferous tubules) to support sperm production (spermatogenesis).
Accessory Glands: The seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands are the male accessory glands. Their secretions contribute to the seminal fluid, which carries and nourishes sperm and provides lubrication. Seminal vesicles contribute the largest volume, containing fructose (energy for sperm), prostaglandins, and clotting factors. The prostate gland adds a milky fluid with citrate, enzymes, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Bulbourethral glands secrete a clear mucus that neutralizes acidic urine residue in the urethra.
Sperm Pathway: Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, mature and are stored in the epididymis, then travel through the vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and finally the urethra during ejaculation.
External Genitalia: The scrotum houses the testes, maintaining a slightly lower temperature necessary for spermatogenesis. The penis is the organ used for delivering sperm into the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse.
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Important Questions from Human Reproduction
Which part of the sperm help in its entry into the cytoplasm of the ovum?