Lecture 10: male reproductive Flashcards
Where does reproductive tissue originate from
the mesoderm
what seeds the reproductive tissue
germ cells which originate from the yolk sac
-future gonads (allows for future SPERMATOGONIA or OOGONIA)
What is sex determination based on
presence of the Y chromosome
-male Y chromosome is ~ 30% smaller
What are the 4 parts of the male reproductive system
- Gonads (testes, site of spermatogenesis)
- Genital ducts (transport, storage)
- Accessory glands (secretions)
- Penis (External support structure)
structure of Testes
- paired
- 2.5cm diameter and 4cm long
- 2 tunics
what are the 2 tunics of the testes
- Tunica Vaginalis
- derived from peritoneum
- external - Tunica Albuginea
- fibrous capsule
- internal
What are the lobules of the testes
- testes contain 200-300 lobules
- each lobule has 1 - 4 coiled seminiferous tubules
- in their wall holds SPERMATOGONIA
- stem cells (names change with stage of development)
What is the seminiferous tubules
- located within the testes
- specific site of meiosis allowing for the creation of SPERMATOZOA
- leads into the epididymis
What are the Interstitial Endocrine Cells (LEYDIG) and their function
- found in the c.t. surrounding seminiferous tubules
- produce androgens (the most abundant and effective being testosterone, small amounts of estrogen)
What are the Steroli Cells and their function
- aka sustentacular cell “nurse”
- btw spermatogonia (stem cells)
- forms the blood-testis barrier (attached to each other by tight junctions, form 2 compartments, protects developing sperm from immune system)
- secretin inhibin (can inhibit GnRH & FSH, negative feedback in sperm production)
- secrete androgen-binding protein (makes testosterone more water soluble, increases testosterone concentration in seminiferous tubules)
How many spermatozoa are produced daily approx)
400 million
what are the 3 structural divisions of spermatozoa
- genetic division (head)
- Metabolic division (midpiece)
- Locomotor division (Tail))
how long does spermatogenesis take approx.
24 days
what is the name of the specialized tip of the sperm head
Acrosome
-it is a specialized type of lysosome that contains hydrolytic enzymes (hyaluronidase) that permit the penetration of the head into the ovum
what is in the head of the spermatozoa
contains the nucleus with genetic material = DNA
what is the process called CAPACITATION
when mature spermatozoa must remain in female reproductive system for 10hrs before being able to fertilize the ovocyte
- during this period the membrane of the acrosome is thinned so that it is easier to release its enzyme
how long do spermatozoa live in the female reproductive system
~ 48 hrs
when is the capacity to fertilize at its maximum
btw 24 and 72 hrs
how many sperm are required for fertilization
only 1
-but need multiple to break down membrane of ovum
What is in the midpiece of the spermotozoa
- contains mitochondria that supplies energy necessary for its propulsion (movement)
- mitochondria are lined up in the midpiece
- only the mothers mitochondria are transferred (paternal mitochondria are separated from the gentic info)
what is the function of the Tail of the spermatozoa
- aka Flagellum (formed from microtubules)
- that serve for propulsion (propeller)
What hormonal regulation is promoted by spermatogenesis
the production of testicular androgens
Androgen hormones are ANABOLIC and allow for
- stimulate synthesis of proteins
- allows for sexual dimorphism (e.g. male-female difference in body size and muscle mass)