CHAPTER 11: SEMEN Flashcards
What are the four fractions in the semen that are contributed by the testes
epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands
Function for the secretion of sperm
seminiferous tubules
This contributes to the lower scrotum
temperature that is optimal for sperm development
external location of the scrotum
Function for the production of spermatozoa and are located in the epithelial cells of the seminiferous tubules
Germ cells
Provide support and nutrients for the germ cells as they undergo mitosis and meiosis (spermatogenesis)
Specialized Sertoli cells
Percent of the spermatozoa in the semen
5%
Percent of the seminal vesicles in the semen
60-70%
Percent of the bulbourethral glands in the semen
5%
Percent of the prostate fluid in the semen
20% to 30%
Semen is composed of
-Spermatozoa
-Seminal fluid
-Prostate fluid
-Bulbourethral gland
When spermatogenesis is complete, the immature sperm (nonmotile) enter the?
epididymis
Where does the sperm mature and develop a flagella?
epididymis
The entire process of sperm maturation takes approximately how many days?
90 days
They receive both the sperm from the ductus deferens and fluid from the seminal vesicles
Ejaculatory ducts
They produce most of the fluid present in semen (60% to 70%)
seminal vesicles
The transport medium for the sperm and contains a high concentration of fructose and flavin
seminal vesicle fluid
Provides energy needed for
the flagella to propel them through the female reproductive tract
Fructose
Without this, sperm will not display motility in the semen analysis
Fructose
Responsible for the gray appearance of semen.
Flavin
Surrounds the upper urethra and aids in propelling the sperm through the urethra by contractions during ejaculation
muscular prostate gland
The muscular prostate gland is located at?
located just below the bladder
How many percent of the semen volume is acidic fluid?
Approximately 20% to 30%
Acidic fluid is produced by the?
prostate gland
The milky acidic fluid contains
high concentrations of?
acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc
proteolytic enzymes
The functions of acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc, and proteolytic enzymes are?
coagulation and
liquefaction of the semen following ejaculation
Contribute about 5% of the fluid volume in the form of a thick, alkaline mucus that helps to neutralize acidity from the prostate secretions and the vagina
bulbourethral glands
In order to neutralize the vaginal acidity present as a result
of normal bacterial vaginal flora the semen must be?
alkaline
Without ______, sperm motility would be diminished.
neutralization
Most of the sperm are contained in the?
first portion of the ejaculate
When part of the first portion of the ejaculate is missing
-sperm count will decreased
-the pH falsely increased
-specimen will not liquefy
When part of the last portion of ejaculate is missing
-semen volume is decreased
-sperm count is falsely increased
-pH is falsely decreased
-specimen will not clot
Specimens are collected following a period of sexual abstinence of?
at least 2 days and not more than 7 days
Specimens collected following prolonged abstinence tend to have
higher volumes and decreased motility
This organ is important for spermatogenesis
Seminiferous tubules of testes
Organ responsible for sperm maturation
Epididymis
They propel sperm to ejaculatory ducts
Ductus deferens
They provide nutrients for sperm and fluid
Seminal vesicles
Provide enzymes and proteins for coagulation and liquefaction
Prostate gland
These glands add alkaline mucus to neutralize prostatic acid and vaginal acidity
Bulbourethral
glands
Containers used for sperm collection should be
Prewarmed sterile glass or plastic containers
Specimens awaiting analysis should be kept at ______ and delivered to the laboratory within ______ of collection.
37°C & 1 hour, respectively
Ideal method for sperm collection
Masturbation
The only type of condom used for sperm collection
non-lubricant containing rubber or polyurethane condoms
Why are ordinary condoms not acceptable for specimen collection?
because they contain spermicides
This is not a reliable means of semen collection because the first portion of the ejaculate, which contains the highest number of spermatozoa, may be lost and the low pH of the vaginal fluid may affect sperm motility
Coitus interruptus
Why are standard precautions must be observed at all times during semen analysis?
Because all semen specimens are potential reservoirs for HIV, herpes virus, and hepatitis viruses
What type of materials and techniques must be used when semen culture is performed?
Sterile
Parameters reported for semen analysis include
-appearance
-volume
-viscosity
-pH
-sperm concentration and count
-motility
-morphology
Characteristics of a normal semen
gray-white color, appears translucent, and has a characteristic musty odor
The specimen may appear almost clear if?
sperm concentration is very low,