Histology Of The Male Reproductive Tract Flashcards
What is the average testis
15-19g
What makes up the tunica vaginalis
Flattened layer of mesothelial cells
What is tunica albuginea made up of
Collagen fibres with some fibroblasts, myocytes and nerve fibres
What makes up the tunica vasculosa
Loose connective tissue containing blood vessels and lymphatics
What is testicular parenchyma divided into
Lobules by a septa originating from the capsule
What do seminiferous tubules contain
Germ cells in varying stages of maturation and Sertoli cells
What are the characteristics of a type B differentiating progenitor cells
Spherical nucleus
Densely stained masses of chromatin
What are the characteristics of a type A differentiating progenitor cells
Darkly stained stem cells
Pale stained cells
What are the characteristics of Sertoli cells
Columnar cells on the basement membrane of the tubule
Send cytoplasmic projections around germ cells
Nuclei are irregular shape
Folded
Prominent nucleolus
What functions do Sertoli cells have
Supportive
Phagocytic
Secretory
What makes up a spermatozoa
Head containing acrosomal cap and nucleus
Midpiece containing spiral mitochondria
Tail containing neck with centrioles, axoneme and plasma membrane
Where are leydig cells found
They present singly and in clusters in the interstitium between the tubules
What is the function of leydig cells
Produce testosterone
What is rete testis
Anastomosing network of tubules at the hilum of the testis
What tissue type lines the rete testis
Simple squamous or low columnar epithelium on a thick basement membrane
What is present in the rete testis luminal surface
Cilia
Where do convoluted tubules empty into
The epididymis
What tissue are the efferent ducts lined by
Ciliated and non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium with inter spread cuboidal basal cells which give a pseudostratified appearance
What is the epididymis
A tubular structure which is about 4-5cm long
What tissue lines the epididymis
Tall columnar cells with atypical cilia supported by a thick basement membrane
Where can you find the vas deferens
Arises from the caudal portion of epididymis
What tissue lines the vas deferens
Pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium comprised of columnar and basal cells
What is a characteristic of the vas deferens
Thick muscular wall made up of 3 layers
What is the prostate
A pear shaped glandular organ
What does an average prostate weigh
20g
Where is the prostate located
Surrounds the neck of the bladder and the prostatic urethra
What lobes make up the prostate
Anterior, middle, posterior and 2 lateral lobes
What are acini
Tubuloalveolar glands with convoluted edges
What lines the acini
They are lined by the secretory cells, basal cells and neuroendocrine cells
Where are the secretory cells located in the acini
They are located in the luminal side of the glands
What makes up the stroma of the prostate
Smooth muscle
Fibroelastic fibres
Blood vessels
Nerves
What are and where are seminal vesicles located
Paired highly coiled tubular structures found posterolateral to the bladder
Where do seminal vesicles empty into
Ejaculatory ducts
What tissue lines the seminal vesicles
Tall non-ciliated columnar epithelium
The erectile tissue is arrange into 3 components what are they
Left and right corpora cavernosa on the dorsal side and the corpus spongiosum on the inferior side
What does erectile tissue comprise of
Irregular vascular spaces seperated by fibroelastic tissue and smooth muscle with a rich nerve supply
Where is the bulk of the seminal fluid produced
Prostate, seminal vesicles and coppers glands produce most of the seminal fluid
What tissue is this
Testicular parenchyma
What is this showing
The testis
What are the different arrows pointing to
Top arrow = spermatozoon
Second arrow = spermatid
Third arrow = secondary spermatocyte
Forth arrow = primary spermatocyte
Fifth arrow = spermatogonia
Sixth arrow = type b differentiating progenitor cell
What is the arrows pointing to
Sertoli cells
What is this showing
Leydig cells
What is this showing
Epididymis
What is this showing
Vas deferens
What is this showing
Ducts and acini of the prostate
What is this showing
Stroma of the prostate
What is this showing
Seminal vesicles
What is this tissue showing
Erectile tissue of the penis
