Histology of Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Role of testis
production of spermatozoa and secretion of male sex hormones
4 parts of male reproductive system
testis, genital ducts, accessory glands, penis
Role of genital ducts
collect, store, conduct spermatozoa from each testis
Role of accessory glands
secrete nutritive and lubricating fluid called seminal fluid
Most notable difference between gametogenesis in males/females.
For each primary spermatocytes entering meiosis, you get 4 haploid gametes (x or y) vs. in females, for each oocyte, you get 1 gamete (and remaining polar bodies)
First division is called ____ and involves separation of homologs.
reduction of primary spermatocyte
Production process of sperm (n)
2n –> 4n (diploid)–> 2 x 2n (haploid)–> 4 x 1n (haploid)
The testis is surrounded by a fibrous capsule called the ______ which divides testis into lobules.
tunica albuginea
Where does spermatogenesis take place?
250 pyramidal lobules –> 1-4 u-shaped tubules/lobule –> 300-900m total length/testis
Each tubule in the testis empty into what structure?
rete testis
What cells exist between tubules?
macrophages, interstitial leydig cells,
Where are myoid cells in tubules?
at the basal lamina/membrane of the tubule (nonluminal side)
____ layers of ____ cells contain components of smooth muscle and provide contractile propulsion of immotile germ cells from tubules into lumen.
3-5 layers of myoid cells
T/F myoid cells respond to testosterone.
T –> they have androgen binding proteins in their membranes
The _____ artery provides the blood for the testis via the _____.
testicular artery via the tunica
The _____ is a classic steroid secreting cell
leydig –> large cell with peripheral nucleus –> testosterone production + maintenance of seminiferous epithelium
Reductional division takes how long?
3 weeks
2nd division of spermatogonia produce _______.
spermatids
Why are spermatids connected during differentiation?
to share proteins (because y spermatids can’t produce all they need) and to synchronize development
______ protein is essential for formation of intercellular bridges and fertility.
TEX14 = testis expressed gene 14
Where do sperm gain motility?
In the ductus deferens
Type A spermatogonia
least mature: round, dark staining, nucleus condensed
Type B spermatogonia
still mitotic, visible nucleoli, dispersed chromatin, begin to enter meiosis –> duplicate
Primary spermatocytes
duplicated DNA, condensed chromatin, lined up
Secondary spermatocytes
are the products of reductional division and divide quickly to form spermatids –> hard to find