1.4 - Male Reproductive Organs Flashcards
The reproductive organs can essentially be grouped into what 4 categories?
- External genitalia
- Gonads (where gametes or sex cells are produced, also the site for the production of important sex hormones)
- The tube system for conveying the sperm and ovum enabling them to unite with resultant zygote being implanted
- Accessory glands which support the gametes and the copulatory organs
What are the male internal reproductive organs? (6)
Testis Ductus deferens/vas deferens Seminal glands Prostate Epididymis Bulbourethral glands
In the male the gonads are located outside the abdominopelvic cavity, but remain intimately connected to the structures located there, what purpose does this serve?
The testis are outside of the body because they need to be at a cooler temperature to allow for sperm production
The testes migrate outside of the cavity and through the anterior abdominal wall during development, what structure does this create?
Inguinal canal
What comprises the inguinal canal?
Xxx
What are the contents of the spermatic cord? (5)
- Blood vessels: testicular artery, cremasteric artery and vein, artery to the vas deferens, pampiniform plexus of testicular veins
- Nerves: genital branch of genitofemoral nerve, autonomic nerves (sympathetic fibres on arteries on the vas deferens)
- Vas/ductus deferens
- Lymphatic vessels
- Vestige of the process is vaginalis
What are the 3 layers of fascia of the spermatic cord?
- External spermatic fascia – derived from deep subcutaneous fascia (fascia innominata)
- Cremaster muscle and fascia – derived from the internal oblique muscle and its fascial coverings
- Internal spermatic fascia – derived from the transversalis fascia
(3 layers also covered by superficial fascia which lies directly below scrotal skin)
What is the name of the tough outer fibrous layer of the testis?
Tunica albuginea
What is the name of the peritoneal sac covering the testis?
Tunics vaginalis
What are the 2 layers of the tunica vaginalis?
- Visceral lamina
- Parietal lamina
What material is present between the 2 layers of the tunica vaginalis?
Viscous fluid
What is a hydrocele?
The presence of excess fluid in a persistent processus vaginalis (in the tunica vaginalis)
What is a haematocele?
Collection of blood in the cavity of the tunica vaginalis
At what vertebral level do the testicular arteries arise from the abdominal aorta?
L2
What 2 important structures near the pelvic brim does the testicular artery fords before travelling through the inguinal canal?
Ureter
External iliac artery
What is the term used for the 8-12 anastomosing veins associated with the testes?
Pampiniform plexus
What is the function of the pampiniform plexus?
Thermoregulation
Venous drainage
Into which vein does the right testicular vein drain into?
IVC
Into which vein does the left testicular vein drain?
Left renal vein
What is a varicocele?
Gross dilation of veins draining the testis (pampiniform plexus)
- can be caused by renal vein stenosis or anything else that increases venous pressure
Which 2 lymph node groups receive lymph from the testis?
Left and right lumbar nodes
Para-aortic nodes
Where does the vas deferens arise and what structure does it traverse?
Arises from the tail of the epididymis, traverses the inguinal canal
How does the vas deferens enter the pelvis and how does it terminate?
Enters the pelvis by crossing over the external iliac vessels and terminated by joining the duct of the seminal gland to form the ejaculatory duct
Where are the seminal vesicles located?
Located on either side of the posterior surface of the bladder
What is contained in the secretions produced by the seminal vesicles?
Constituents of semen:
- Alkaline fluid (neutralise acid)
- Fructose (energy for sperm)
- Prostaglandins (suppress female immune system)
- Clotting factors (keeps semen in female reproductive tract)
Describe the location of the prostate
Fused to the inferior part (neck) of the bladder and surrounds the prostatic urethra
What secretions are produced by the prostate?
Proteolytic enzymes (Breaks down clotting factors in the semen to allow it to remain fluid)
Why might an enlarged prostate cause retention of urine?
Compresses urethra
What is the clinical significance of drainage from the prostatic venous plexus?
Suspected root of bony mets in prostate cancer - spreads to vertebral bodies
Where are the bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands located?
The urogenital diaphragm
Where do the bulbourethral glands empty into?
The penile/spongy urethra
What secretions are produced by these glands?
Lubricating mucous (enters into the urethra during sexual arousal; contributed to less than 1% of semen)
What is the lymphatic drainage of the prostate?
Internal iliac and sacral nodes
What is the lymphatic drainage of the seminal vesicles?
External (superior part) and internal (inferior part) iliac nodes
What is the lymphatic drainage of the scrotum?
Superficial inguinal nodes
What is the lymphatic drainage of the penis? (3)
- Deep inguinal and external iliac drains gland and distal sponges urethra
- Internal iliac drains cavernous bodies and proximal spongey urethra
- Superficial inguinal drains the skin
