156, 157. Anatomy of the male reproductive system

Question 1

What are the 3 types of accessory glands of the male reproductive system and how many of each are present?

Answer 1

1. Bulbourethral gland - 2
2. Prostate gland - 1
3. Seminal vesicles - 2

Question 2

List the layers of the scrotum, from skin to inner spermatic fascia

Answer 2

Skin
Dartos muscle
External spermatic fascia
Cremasteric muscle
Inner spermatic fascia

Question 3

What are the layers of the scrotum derived from?

Answer 3

Layers of the abdominal wall

Question 4

What type of muscle is the cremasteric muscle and what is its role?

Answer 4

Skeletal muscle
Deep to dermis
Runs in spermatic cord
Contracts to raise the testis in cold weather

Question 5

What type of muscle is the dartos muscle and what is its role?

Answer 5

Smooth muscle in the dermis

Contraction causes wrinkling of the scrotal skin

Question 6

What is the tunica vaginalis and what can arise from excess fluid present in it?

Answer 6

Is a closed sac of peritoneum which covers the testes
Consists of parietal and visceral layers
Contains thin film of peritoneal fluid

Excess fluid causes hydrocoele

Question 7

Outline the flow of sperm, starting from the seminiferous tubules

Answer 7

Seminiferous tubules
Straight tubules
Rete testis (form networks)
Efferent ductules
Epididymis
Ductus deferens
Ejaculatory duct
Prostatic urethra
Membranous urethra
Spongy urethra

Question 8

What type of epithelium lines the epididymis and how does this relate to its function?

Answer 8

pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia (like long microvilli)

Stereocilia increase the area for absorption from fluid
Can monitor and adjust the fluid composition

Question 9

For the testes, name the:

a) blood supply
b) venous drainage
c) lymphatic drainage

Answer 9

a) testicular artery
b) paminiform plexus -> testicular vein -> IVC on right side, left renal vein on left side
c) Para-aortic nodes

Question 10

Name the lymphatic drainage of the scrotum

Answer 10

Inguinal nodes

Question 11

What muscle composes the ductus deferens and what type of contraction does it do?

Answer 11

Smooth muscle, peristalsis on emission

Question 12

How long is the ductus deferens?

Answer 12

45cm long

Question 13

Outline where the ductus deferens runs

Answer 13

Runs in spermatic cord, through inguinal canal
Lies on side wall of pelvis
Turns medially to meet base of bladder (also attaches to seminal vesicles at end/ampulla region)

Question 14

Anatomically, what are the seminal vesicles?

Answer 14

Outpouchings of the ductus deferens

Question 15

What are the secretions of the seminal vesicles and their roles?

Answer 15

Alkaline viscous fluid - neutralise the acidic environment in the female tract

Fructose - Used for spermatic ATP production

Prostaglandins - aid sperm mobility and liability, may also stimulate muscle contraction in the female reproductive tract

Question 16

For the prostate gland, describe its:

a) shape & position
b) secretions & their role

Answer 16

a) Pyramidal in shape, shape and size like a chestnut
Surrounds the beginning of the urethra and secretes fluid into it via many prostatic ducts

b) Slightly acidic fluid containing citrate - used for sperm ATP production
Acid phosphatase & proteolytic enzymes - liquefies coagulated semen

Question 17

For the bulbourethral glands, describe:

a) size
b) secretion
c) where it opens

Answer 17

a) pea-sized
b) mucus-like secretion (pre-ejaculate)
c) opens into spongy urethra

Question 18

What does the spermatic cord consist of?

Answer 18

Genitofemoral nerve (from lumbar plexus)
Deferential artery & testicular artery
Ductus deferens
Paminiform plexus (of testicular vein)