12.6 Critical Thinking Questions

Briefly explain why mature gametes carry only one set of chromosomes.

What special features are evident in sperm cells but not in somatic cells, and how do these specializations function?

What do each of the three male accessory glands contribute to the semen?

Describe how penile erection occurs.

While anabolic steroids (synthetic testosterone) bulk up muscles, they can also affect testosterone production in the testis. Using what you know about negative feedback, describe what would happen to testosterone production in the testis if a male takes large amounts of synthetic testosterone.

Identify the changes in sensitivity that occur in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads as a person approaches puberty. Explain how these changes lead to the increases of sex steroid hormone secretions that drive many pubertal changes.

Explain how the male reproductive structures develop from a duct system.

Explain what would occur during fetal development to an XY individual with a mutation causing a nonfunctional SRY gene.