25.3 Male Reproductive Flashcards
What is the spermatgonesesis pathway?
- Primordial germ cells
- Spermatogonia: in testes, mitotic at puberty
- Primary spermatocytes: complete 2nd half of mitosis
- Secondary spermatocytes: finish 2md half of mitosis
- Spermatids:undergo differentiation to become mature sperm
Where are Sertoli cells and what are their functions?
- Surround primary spermatocytes and help with spermatgonesesis.
- Form estrogens from testosterone
What role do the Sertoli cells have in the spermatgonesesis pathway?
- Surround primary spermatocytes.
2. Help regulate the rate and coordinating the process of spermatgonesesis
Where are the mitochondria located in the mature sperm?
- Spirally wrapped around the neck and body
What is the purpose of multiple mitochondria linked in the neck and body of the sperm?
Provide energy for the movement of microtbulules
What does the proacrosomal vesicle develop into and what is contained in this region?
- Acrosome
2. Contain hyaluronidase and proteolytic enzymes
What happens to the head of the sperm during spermatogenesis?
- Nucleus condenses and is capped by the acrosome
- Distal centrioles organize flagellum
- Mitochondria move to base around flagellum
- Excess cytoplasm is sloughed off
What begins to organize the flagellum?
- The distal centrioles that are on opposite side of acrosome
How long must sperm remain in the epididymis before they gain motility?
18-24 hours
Where are cells of leydig found?
Interstitial space of testes
What is the function of the leydig cells?
Secrete testosterone
What activates the cells of leydig to secrete testosterone?
- Leutinizing hormone (LH)
What signals are required for spermatogenesis?
LH, FSH, testosterone
What are the male accessory glands?
- Seminal vesicles
2. Prostate gland
Where are the seminal vesicles and what do they do?
- Behind prostate
2. secretory epithelium, releasing secretions at ejaculation
What is the mucoid material that is secreted from the seminal vesicles?
- Fructose
- Citric acid
- Prostaglandin
Fibrinogen
Where do the seminal vesicles empty?
Into ejaculatory ducts
How much of the content of semen is produced by the seminal vesicles?
60% total semen content
What is the action of prostaglandins being contained in high amounts in the semen?
- Promote sperm movement in cervical area
2. Induce retro-peristaltic contraction of uterus and Fallopian tubes
Why would prostaglandins inducing retro-peristaltic contraction of the uterus and Fallopian tubes be beneficial?
- Helps the sperm to migrate to the egg, for fertilization
How much of the semen content comes from the prostate gland?
30% of semen content
What does the prostate gland secrete during ejaculation?
- Calcium, citrate, phosphate ions.
2. Clotting enzyme, profibrinolysin
Where does the alkaline fluid in the semen come from?
The prostate gland. To neutralize the seminal fluids
What is an androgen?
Steroid hormone with masculinizing effect