Histo- males Flashcards
the essential organ of the reproductive system:
the gonads
components of male reproductive system
1) testes
2) passageways
3) accessory glands
4) penis
endocrine function of the testes
the testes produce testosterone; steroidogenesis
Exocrine function of the testes
produce sperm- spermatogenisis
spermatocytogenesis
formation of spermatogonia to spermatocytes to spermatids
steps of spermatocytogenesis
a) spermatogonial phase- mitosis
b) spermatocyte phase- meiosis
spermiogenesis
maturation process- spermatids becoming spermatozoa
aka the “spermatid phase”
what are seminiferous tubules lined with?
complex of stratified epithelium
2 types of cells found in seminiferous tubules
1) sertoli cells
2) spermatogenic cells
types of Spermatagonia
Type A dark spermatogonia
Type A pale spermatogonia
Type B spermatogonia
name all the classes of spermatogenic cells
- Spermatagonia
- Primary spermatocytes
- Secondary spermatocytes
- Spermatids
what is the function of myogenic cells?
Move spermatids into straight tubules
where are sertoli cells found?
Stretches entire length of seminiferous tubule
what are intratesticular ducts?
1) straight tubules
2) rete testis
3) efferent ductules
straight tubules:
lined only with Sertoli cells; at very end switch to cuboidal epithelium with underlying dense connective tissue.
Rete testis
1) lined with cuboidal epithelium
2) cells have single apical cilium
efferent ductules
1) lined with pseudo stratified columnar epithelium
- groups of non ciliated cuboidal cells
2) some circularly oriented smooth muscle
what are the microvilli in the efferent ductules responsible for?
fluid absorption
what structures are classified as “excretory ducts”?
1) epididymis
2) ductus deferens (vas deferens)
3) urethra
Epididymis
A) HIGHLY coiled
B) lined with pseudo stratified columnar
C) 4-5 meters in length
Vas Deferens (ductus deferens)
A) pseudostratified columnar epithelium
B) sparse sterocilia
C) narrow lumen with thick, muscular wall
D) long, straight tube thats part of spermatic cord
parts of urethra
A) prostatic urethra
B) membranous urethra
C) spongy urethra
gross anatomical divisions of the epididymis
Head, body and tail sections
what produces a majority of seminal fluid?
seminal vesicles
whats the prostates role in seminal fluid?
helps “activate the sperm
Bulbourethral gland
produce ALKALINE mucus to reduce acid from urine
- its found within the prostate
the male accessory glands:
produce seminal fluid
A) seminal vesicles
B) prostate gland
C) bulbourethral gland
the seminal vesicles
2, highly tortuous glands
- simple columnar epithelium
- secratory granules
joins with ampulla of ductus deferens
the prostate gland
- 30 to 50 tubuloaveolar glands
- covered by a fibroelastic capsule
- contains corpora amylacea (prostratic concretions)
- empties into prostatic urethra
the bulbourethral gland
A.K.A the cowper’s glands
- compound tubuloalveolar glands
- lined with mucous-secreting simple columnar epithelium
- empty into proximal part of penile urethra
the penis
3 cylinders of erective tissue
lined with tunica albuginea
