Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 46 - Animal Reproduction
Campbell - Campbell Biology 11th Edition
Urry11th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9789357423311Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 11th EditionCh. 46 - Animal ReproductionProblem 2
Chapter 46, Problem 2

In male mammals, excretory and reproductive systems share
a. The vas deferens.
b. The urethra.
c. The seminal vesicle.
d. The prostate.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the male mammalian reproductive and excretory systems. The reproductive system includes structures like the testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and urethra. The excretory system primarily involves the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Identify the function of each structure mentioned in the options: a) The vas deferens is a duct that transports sperm from the testes to the urethra. b) The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also serves as a passage for semen during ejaculation. c) The seminal vesicle is a gland that produces a significant portion of the fluid that becomes semen. d) The prostate is a gland that also contributes to the seminal fluid.
Determine which structure is shared by both systems. The urethra is part of both the excretory system (as it carries urine) and the reproductive system (as it carries semen).
Review the roles of the other structures to confirm they are not shared by both systems. The vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and prostate are exclusively part of the reproductive system.
Conclude that the correct answer is the structure that serves both functions, which is the urethra.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Excretory System

The excretory system in mammals is responsible for removing waste products from the body. It includes organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The urethra plays a dual role in males, serving as a passageway for urine from the bladder and sperm from the reproductive system.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:19
Immune System

Reproductive System in Male Mammals

The male reproductive system is designed to produce, maintain, and transport sperm and protective fluid (semen). Key components include the testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and urethra. The urethra is a shared structure with the excretory system, facilitating the expulsion of both urine and semen.
Recommended video:
Guided course
11:56
Male Reproductive Anatomy

Urethra

In male mammals, the urethra is a tube that serves as a common pathway for both the excretory and reproductive systems. It carries urine from the bladder to be expelled from the body and also transports semen during ejaculation. This dual function is unique to the male anatomy, distinguishing it from the female urethra, which only carries urine.
Recommended video:
Guided course
11:56
Male Reproductive Anatomy
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following characterizes parthenogenesis?

a. An individual may change its sex during its lifetime.

b. Specialized groups of cells grow into new individuals.

c. An organism is first a male and then a female.

d. An egg develops without being fertilized.

Textbook Question

Which of the following is not properly paired?

a. Seminiferous tubule—cervix

b. Vas deferens—oviduct

c. Testosterone—estradiol

d. Scrotum—labia majora

Textbook Question

Peaks of LH and FSH production occur during

a. The menstrual flow phase of the uterine cycle

b. The beginning of the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle

c. The period just before ovulation

d. The secretory phase of the uterine cycle

Textbook Question

During human gestation, rudiments of all organs develop

a. In the first trimester

b. In the second trimester

c. In the third trimester

d. During the blastocyst stage

1
views