7) Male Reproductive Tract

Question 1

What does the scrotum develop from?

Answer 1

Labioscrotal folds (genital swellings)

Question 2

What are the layers of the scrotum? (2)

Answer 2

Cutaneous layer and superficial layer containing Dartos muscle (SM)

Question 3

What is contained within the scrotum?

Answer 3

Testis, epididymis and first part of spermatic cord

Question 4

Describe the structure of the testis:

Answer 4

Compound tubular gland enclosed by a thick, fibrous capsule called the tunica albuginea. Also surrounded by tunica vaginalis

Question 5

What is the arterial supply to the testis?

Answer 5

Testicular arteries from abdominal aorta

Question 6

What is the venous drainage of the testis?

Answer 6

R - right testicular vein into IVC

L - left testicular vein into left renal vein

Question 7

What is oligozoospermia?

Answer 7

Low number of sperm in semen

Question 8

What is cryptorchid testis?

What is it associated with?

Answer 8

Spermatogenesis impaired because of elevated temperature due to maldescended testis
Associated with increased incidence of malignant testicular tumours

Question 9

What is orchitis?

Answer 9

Inflammation of testis, due to mumps after puberty, impaired spermatogenesis

Question 10

What is the epididymis located?

Answer 10

Superior and posterolateral surface of testis

Question 11

What are the sections of the epididymis?

Answer 11

Head, body, tail

Question 12

Describe the route of the spermatic cord:

Answer 12

Inferior abdomen through inguinal canal to posterior border of testis

Question 13

What is contained within the spermatic cord?

Answer 13

Testicular artery, cremasteric artery and artery to vas
Pampiniform plexus
Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
Vas deferens and lymphatics

Question 14

Describe the structure of the pampiniform plexus:

Answer 14

Meshwork of veins that wrap around testicular artery

Question 15

What is the function of the pampiniform plexus?

Answer 15

Cool blood entering testis so ensure optimum temperature for gametogenesis

Question 16

What forms the ejaculatory duct?

Answer 16

Duct of seminal vesicle and terminal portion of vas deferens

Question 17

Describe the vas deferens:

Answer 17

Straight muscular tube transporting sperm to prostatic urethra
Rich autonomic innervation of SM to allow contraction

Question 18

What are the coverings of the spermatic cord?

Answer 18

External spermatic fascia (aponeurosis of external oblique)
Cremasteric muscle and fascia (internal oblique)
Internal spermatic fascia (transversalis fascia )

Question 19

What is hydrocoele?

Answer 19

Serous fluid in tunica vaginalis

Question 20

What is haemtaocoele?

Answer 20

Blood in tunica vaginalis (trauma)

Question 21

What is varicocoele?

Why is it more likely on the left?

Answer 21

Varicosities (enlarged veins) of pampiniform plexus

More likely on left due to vertical course

Question 22

What is spermatocoele?

Answer 22

Epididymal cyst, collection of products of testes in epididymis e.g. developing spermatozoa

Question 23

What is trans-illumination?

Answer 23

Light can pass through fluid but not solid mass so used in diagnosis

Question 24

What is testicular torsion?

Answer 24

Twisting above upper pole, risk of necrosis

Question 25

What is the innervation to anterior surface of the male repro tract?

Answer 25

Lumbar plexus

Question 26

What is the innervation to posterior and inferior surface of the male repro tract?

Answer 26

Sacral plexus

Question 27

What is the lymphatic drainage of the testis?

Answer 27

Para-aortic nodes

Question 28

What is the lymphatic drainage of the scrotum?

Answer 28

Superficial inguinal nodes

Question 29

Where are the seminal vesicles located?

Answer 29

Between bladder and rectum, posterior to prostate

Question 30

Describe the prostate gland:

Answer 30

Fibromuscular gland with central and peripheral zones

Question 31

Why does malignancy of the prostate gland present late?

Answer 31

Affects peripheral zone

Question 32

How can prostate cancer metastasise?

Answer 32

Via lymphatics (internal iliac/sacral nodes) and venous route (internal vertebral plexus)

Question 33

What are the parts of the penis?

Answer 33

Root, body and glans

Question 34

Describe the internal structure of the penis:

Answer 34

Pair of corpora cavernosa dorsally and single corpus spongiosum ventrally (contains urethra)

Question 35

What is the arterial supply to the penis?

Answer 35

Internal pudendal artery (anterior branch of internal iliac)

Question 36

What two muscles are found on the male perineum?

Answer 36

Bulbospongiosus | Ischiocavernosus

Question 37

What is the function of bulbospongiosus?

Answer 37

Helps expel urine and maintain erection

Question 38

What is the function of ischiocavernosus?

Answer 38

Compresses veins and helps maintain erection

Question 39

What is the least distensible part of the male urethra?

Answer 39

Membranous

Question 40

What is the cremasteric reflex?

Answer 40

Stroking of superior medial thigh causes elevation of testis on same side (ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve)