Male Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
A CIBT Lab Exercise in Reproduction and Development
Students will observe the numbers and motility of sperm by examining wet mounts of bull semen. Students will develop an understanding of the process of spermatogenesis by gross dissection and microscopic examination of the testes. An optional demonstration of the bovine male reproductive tract is described that will show students the organization of male reproductive structures and how this contributes to some common medical problems and contraceptive methods in the male. This lab is divided into several modular components that can be included or removed to accommodate students of different levels and the time available.
Life Science, Biology, Honors, AP, and Tech prep, depending upon the level of discussion and types of questions asked.
Teacher preparation time: The acquisition of fresh semen, testes, and reproductive tracts requires prior coordination with suppliers. Frozen testes can be thawed in warm water in less than an hour.
In class time: Two 40 minute periods would be required to complete all exercises described. Any two of the exercises may be completed in one 40 minute period.
- bull semen and semen extender
- commercial spermaticide (available over the counter at any pharmacy)
- microscopes and slides
- prepared slides of testes
- pipettes or eyedroppers
- colored pens or pencils and drawing paper
- testes (1 per student group)
- latex or rubber gloves
- dissecting pan and blunt dissecting instruments
- male reproductive tract (1 per class, optional)
Price: No Charge
Nancy Wright, Honeoye Central School, Honeoye, NY
Mark Baustian, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY