Glossary
Azoospermia
absence of sperm in the ejaculate
Down's syndrome
genetic disorder characterised by the presence of an extra chromosome 21; not all cases are associated with infertility
Epididymis
A coiled tube attached to the back of each testis where sperm begin to mature
Impotence
inability to produce and erection
Kallman’s syndrome
X-linked recessive disorder that prevents the testicles from maturing during puberty
Karyotype
photomicrograph of all the chromosomes in a cell, lined up in size order from 1 – 22, X and Y
Klinefelter syndrome
genetic disorder characterised by the presence of an extra female X chromosome, which prevents normal male sexual development and results in infertility
Leydig cells
cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone
Oligospermia
low sperm count (less than 20 million per ml) in ejaculate
Penis
one of the external organs of the male reproductive system; contains the urethra
Prader-Willi syndrome
genetic disorder characterised by deletions of all or part of chromosome 15; can be associated with reduced secretion of pituitary hormones required for fertility
Prostate gland
a gland that lies underneath the male bladder; secretions contribute to the seminal fluid
Retrograde ejaculation
where semen passes backwards into the bladder during ejaculation; frequently seen in diabetes and multiple sclerosis
Scrotum
loose sac of skin holding the testes outside the body
Semen
fluid released during ejaculation; contains sperm and fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands
Sertoli cells
supporting cells in the testes that stimulate germ cells to develop into sperm
Spermatogenic cells
cells that are destined to develop into sperm cells
Spermatogenesis
process of creating sperm from undifferentiated spermatogenic cells in the testes
Testes (singular testis)
paired glands that produce sperm and testosterone
Testicles
scrotum and testes are collectively known as testicles
Undescended testes
when the testes fail to descend into the scrotum during development
Urethra
narrow tube that carries urine and semen out of the body
Varicoceles
enlargement of the blood vessels in the testes
Vas deferens
a long, muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra, ready for ejaculation