8-E Male Reproductive Histology Flashcards
Name 3 functions of the male reproductive tract
synthesize sperm, store sperm and deliver sperm to the female tract
Describe the path of a sperm as it develops, is stored and later ejaculated.
testes, efferent ductules, epipdiymis, vas defrens, ejacultory duct, membranous urethra, penile urethra (assessors glands: prostate gland, seminal vesicles bulbourethral gland)
Name the irregular connective tissue that surrounds the testis
tunica albuginea
What is the mediastinum at the hilus?
the thickening of the capsule at the hilus
Name the extensions of the capsule that divide the testes into lobules
septa
What are found could among the septa?
seminiferous tubules
Distinguish between the endocrine and exocrine functions of the male reproductive system
exocrine (spermatogenesis) endocrine (steroidogenesis)
Seminiferous tubules are lined by ____ or ________ epithelium that produce sperm.
germinal or seminiferous epithelium
Spermatogenic cells differentiate as the move form the _____ of the epithelium toward the ______ where they are shed
base to the apex
Name the cells in the spermatogenic lineage.
spermatogonium, (move to adluminal compartment) primary spermatocyte (meiosis I complete) secondary spermatocyte, early spermatids (meiosis II is complete) and late spermatids, spermatozoa (in lumen)
True or False: all four sperm derived from a primary spermatocyte are genetically identical?
they are genetically identical until undergoing cross over, so neither.
Where is the first haploid version of the sperm?
as early spermatids
What is the is meant by spermiogensis vs. spermatogenesis?
spermiogenesis is the latest portion of spermatogenesis (dramatic morphological changes occur that are required of mature sperm) where spermatogenesis is the entire maturation process of sperm
Discuss the developmental steps of spermiogenesis.
the acrosome forms containing lysosomal-like enzymes, flagellum forms providing motility and excess organelles and cytoplasm are sloughed, chromatin condense making the nucleus more streamlined
What is the function of sertoli cells?
nurse cells which deliver nutrients to the spermatogenic cells and phagocytose residual bodies; they respond to FSH by secreting ABP to increase testosterone in the epithelium; form the blood-testis barrier
What two compartments are formed by the blood-testis barrier? What separates these two components?
basal and adluminal compartments are separated by tight junctions to keep immune cells away from the maturing germ cells
What are myoid cells?
non muscle contractile cells that lie outside the basement membrane to move the developing gametes along (contract rhythmically to force the immotile sperm from the tubule)
What is the function of interstitial Leydig cells
as the endocrine cells of the testes, they are stimulated by LH from the anterior pituitary gland and secrete testosterone that stimulates spermatogenesis and produce secondary sexual characteristics
What is the role of inhibin in the hormone feedback loop of testosterone?
inhibin is produced by sertoli cells and inhibits the release of FSH
How does the histology of the end of seminiferous tubules change?
transition with a section of only sertoli cells which transitions to columnar and then cuboidal cells suggesting the end of tissue that produce sperm
Discuss the histology of the efferent ductules.
lined by serrated epithelium with both ciliated columnar cells and cuboidal cells (reabsorb much of the fluid secreted by sertoli cells and phagocytose residual bodies
Describe the position and function of the epididymis.
single coiled tubule on the posterior of the testis which is lined by pseudo stratified columnar epithelium with sterocilia; serves as a site of sperm maturation (swimming lessons)
Discuss features that are found within the spermatic cord. (muscle, tubule, vessels, connective tissue)
cremaster m. pampiniform plexus (cools blood before the testis) and spermatic fascia
