Video Transcript
Why are the secretions from the
exocrine glands of the male reproductive system alkaline? (A) To neutralize acidity in the
urethra and vagina, increasing sperm survival. (B) To provide energy for the
movement of the sperm as it swims to the egg. (C) To stimulate the acrosome
reaction and promote fertilization. (D) To increase the efficiency of
sperm production in the testes. (E) To provide a fluid medium for
the sperm to move through.
Here is a diagram of the male
reproductive system. Sperm are produced in the testes,
which are then transported by the vas deferens to eventually exit through the
urethra during ejaculation. The sperm are mixed with different
secretions to form semen. The glands that produce these
secretions are the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and Cowper’s glands.
The secretions are alkaline in
order to neutralize the acidic environment of the urethra that the sperm will travel
through. In addition, these secretions also
help to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina. The sperm need to be protected from
these acidic environments, so this is why the secretions are alkaline.
Therefore, the correct answer is
(A), to neutralize acidity in the urethra and vagina, increasing sperm survival.
