This diagram is of part of the male reproductive system. A doctor used it while discussing a vasectomy with an adult patient. During this operation, the spe...
Question 1 Report
This diagram is of part of the male reproductive system. A doctor used it while discussing a vasectomy with an adult patient. During this operation, the sperm ducts are cut or sealed. The testes still produce sperm cells and also make testosterone. Seminal fluid is added to sperm as it travels through the reproductive system. The patient asks how the operation prevents a pregnancy and whether it stops the production of male sex hormones.
(a) What is produced in structure Y? [1]
(b) Give the name of the tube labelled X. [1]
(c) Describe the route taken by sperm from a testis to the penis, using the labels in Fig. 1. [2]
(d) Explain how cutting X can prevent fertilisation. [2]
(e) Explain why testosterone production can continue after a vasectomy. [2]
(f) Give two ways, apart from vasectomy, that a couple can reduce the chance of pregnancy. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Structure Y, a testis, produces sperm cells or testosterone. [1]
(b) Tube X is the sperm duct, also called the vas deferens. [1]
(c) Sperm travel from testis Y into sperm duct X [1], then through the urethra and penis [1].
(d) Cutting or sealing the sperm duct means sperm cannot pass into semen [1]. Sperm therefore cannot reach or fertilise an egg cell [1].
(e) Testosterone is produced by the testes [1]. A vasectomy seals the sperm ducts but does not remove or damage the testes [1], so testosterone production continues.
(f) Accept any two: condom, oral contraceptive pill, implant, intrauterine device, or abstinence. [2]
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