HISTO MALE Flashcards
An organ that is surrounded by a dense connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea, which thickens on the
posterior side to form the mediastinum testis
Testes
cells of the testes that produce the steroid hormone testosterone, which promotes
development of the secondary male sex characteristics
Leydig Cells
Testosterone secretion by interstitial cells is triggered
by the pituitary gonadotropin ___________________________
Luteinizing hormone/ Interstitial cell stimulating hormone
first part of sperm production involves mainly mitosis and meiosis
Spermatogenesis
final differentiation process occurring in the haploid male germ cells.
spermiogenesis
● Formed from Type B spermatogonia after mitosis.
● Spherical cells with euchromatic nuclei
Primary Spermatocytes
● Produced after the first meiotic division.
● Haploid (23 chromosomes, 2N DNA content).
● Short-lived (brief interphase before second meiotic division).
Secondary Spermatocytes
● Produced after second meiotic division.
● Haploid (23 chromosomes, 1N DNA content).
● Chromatids separate, reducing DNA content by half.
Spermatids
differentiation process where spermatids transform into mature spermatozoa
Spermiogenesis
Phase wherein:
● Centrioles migrate farthest from acrosomal cap
● Organizes axoneme of flagella
Golgi Phase
Phase wherein:
● Acrosomal cap spreads over half of condensing nucleus
● One of first steps in fertilization
● Hydrolytic enzymes are released in the acrosome
Cap Phase
What are the Hydrolytic enzymes that are released in the acrosome
Acrosin
Phase wherein:
● Head of developing sperm remains embedded in Sertoli cells
● Nuclei become more elongated, very highly condensed;
histones replaced by small basic peptides, protamines
● Flagellum growth continues in the tail; forms thickened middle piece, for
generation of ATP for flagellar movements
Acrosome Phase
Phase wherein:
● Excess cytoplasm is shed as residual body Intercellular bridges are lost
● Fully formed but not functional/mobile sperm are released into
seminiferous tubules
Maturation Phase
also known as low sperm count, is a condition where the
concentration of sperm in a man’s semen is below the normal range. This can
affect fertility, making it more challenging to conceive naturally
Oligospermia
specialized epithelial cells found in the seminiferous
tubules of the testes. They provide structural and metabolic support to developing
sperm cells during spermatogenesis
Sertoli cells
● These are short ducts lined with simple cuboidal epithelium.
● They connect the seminiferous tubules to the rete testis.
Tubuli Recti (Straight Tubules)
● A network of interconnecting tubules located in the mediastinum testis.
● Lined by simple cuboidal or low columnar epithelium.
● Facilitates the transport of sperm to the efferent ductules.
Rete Testis
● These are about 10-20 small ducts that connect the rete testis to the head of the
epididymis.
● Lined with alternating patches of ciliated columnar and non-ciliated cuboidal cells.
● Ciliated cells help move sperm, while cuboidal cells absorb excess fluid.
Efferent Ductules
a muscular tube that transports sperm from the
epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
Ductus or Vas Deferens
Secrete a fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperm and contributes
to semen volume.
Seminal Vesicles
Gland that Produces a slightly alkaline fluid containing enzymes that enhance
sperm motility and viability
Prostate Gland
gland that Releases a clear, mucus-like secretion that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acidity before ejaculation
Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands
a major energy source for sperm, as well as inositol, citrate, and
other metabolites
Fructose
