Lecture 18: Male Reproductive System Flashcards
4 functions of male reproductive organs
- Production of male sex cells
- Production of the male sex hormone testosterone
- Introduction of male gametes into the female reproductive organs
- Production of other hormones such as PMDH/AMH in male embryo and inhibin in adult
Where is the site of spermatogenesis
Testis
Where is the site of the production of sex hormones
Testis
Parenchyma of testes is composed of
Seminiferous tubules with sertoli cells
Interstitium of testes contains
Interstitial cells of leydig
Two testicular tunics
- Tunicae vaginalis
2. Tunica albuinea
Tunica vaginalis is composed of
Mesothelium and a connective layer
Two components of the tunica vaginalis
- Parietal, which blends and is attached to the CT of the scrotum
- Visceral, surrounds the testis and the epididymis
Tunica albuginea
A capsule of dense connective tissue composed to collagen fibers, a few elastic fibers and myofibroblasts
Tunica albuginea is continuous with
Connective tissue trabeculae named septule testis
What separates the seminiferous tubules
Septule testis
Seminiferous tubules are lined by
spermatogenic epithelium
What are located between seminiferous tubules
Leydig
Spermatogenic epithelium is surrounded by
Lamina propria of collagen and elastic fibers
What are the most immature spermatogenic cells
spermatogonia
Spermatogonia lies next to
the basement membrane
Spermatic pathway
- Seminiferous tubules
- Tubuli recti
- Rete testis
- Efferent ductules
- Epididymal duct
- Ductus Vas deferens
- Pelvic urethra
- Penile urethra
Seminoma
Composed of intratubular neoplastic cells with characteristics of seminiferous cells, which are compressing adjacent tubules
Sertoli cells are characterized by
Presence of tight junctions that divide the seminiferous epithelium into a basal and adluminal compartment
Six functions of sertoli cells
- Support, protect, nourish spermatogenic cells
- Secrete supporting testicular fluid
- Protect (via tight junctions) spermatids from the immune system
- Have receptors for SH, which results in a release of androgen binding protein, which binds to androgens and influences germ cell differentiation
- Synthesizes anti-Mulleriuan hormone in the embryo and prevents the formation of the mullerian duct and oviduct
- Releases hormone inhibin which suppresses secretion of FSH