Lecture 21 - Reproductive Systems: Assigned Male at Birth Flashcards
What are the 3 classifications for the major components of the AMAB reproductive system?
- Gonad-related
- Ducts
- Accessory glands
What are the gonad-related components?
- Scrotum
- Testes
- Epididymis
What are the ducts of the AMAB reproductive system?
- Ductus/Vas deferens
- Ejaculatory ducts
- Urethra
- Penis
What are the accessory glands of the AMAB reproductive system?
- Prostate gland (x1)
- Seminal vesicles (x2)
- Bulbourethral glands (x2)
What is the scrotum?
External component of the genital organ (w/ penis)
What structure of the AFAB is analogous to the scrotum?
Labia majora
What is the structure of the scrotum?
Dual-layered sack suspended from the perineum
What is found in the musculofascial layer?
Tunica dartos muscle
What is the tunica dartos muscle?
Subcutaneous muscle layer
What is the function of the tunica dartos muscle?
Regulate scrotal temperature
How can the tunica dartos muscle regulate scrotal temperature?
By reducing surface area to prevent heat loss (autonomic)
What is the process of sperm production called?
Spermatogenesis
What is the optimal temperature for spermatogenesis?
2-6° below core body temperature
What is the plexus found near the scrotum?
Pampiniform plexus
What is the pampiniform plexus?
A network of small spermatic veins in the spermatic cord
What does the pampiniform plexus drain into?
Testicular vein
What is a varicocele?
Engorgement of blood in the testicular vein due to a back up in the left renal vein
What is the function of the pampiniform plexus?
Regulate the temperature of the testes
How does the pampiniform plexus regulate the temperature of the testes?
By absorbing/dissipating heat from within the testicular artery
What does the spermatic cord do?
Communicates between abdominopelvic cavities and testis in the scrotum via the inguinal canal
Where does the spermatic cord pass?
Through the inguinal canal
What are the contents of the spermatic cord?
- Vas deferens
- Pampiniform plexus
- Testicular a. + v.
- Lymphatics
- Cremaster muscle and a. + v.
- Testicular innervation
What contributes to the layers of the inguinal canal?
Superficial to deep:
1. External oblique
2. Internal oblique
3. Transversus abdominis
4. Transversalis fascia
Where do the gonads develop?
Between the parietal peritoneum and abdominal wall fascia
What occurs to the testes during development?
Testes descend into the scrotum
Why do the testes become external?
To ensure the optimal temperature of the testes
What occurs during the descent of the testes?
- Layers of anterior abdominal wall evaginate
- Testes pulled with them
How does descent occur?
Via the shortening gubernaculum
What is the gubernaculum?
Fibrous tract that becomes the scrotal ligament
What do the AAW layers surround after descent?
They surround the testes spermatic cord
What do the AAW layers surrounding the testes become?
Layers of the spermatic fascia
What does the external oblique become around the testes?
External spermatic fascia
What does the internal oblique become around the testes?
Cremaster muscle
What does the transversalis fascia become around the testes?
Internal spermatic fascia
What does the peritoneum become around the testes?
Tunica vaginalis
What are the internal structures of the testis?
- Seminiferous tubules
- Straight tubules
- Rete testis
- Efferent ductules
- Epididymis
What occurs in the seminiferous tubules?
Site of spermatogenesis (production of spermatozoa)
What occurs in the rete testis?
Collecting chamber
What is the function of the straight tubules?
Connects seminiferous tubules to rete testis
What is the function of the rete testis?
Reabsorption of fluid to increase sperm concentration
Where do the efferent ductules run?
From the rete testis through the capsule to the epididymis
What is the epididymis?
Long coiled duct in the scrotum
What is the role of the epididymis?
Maturation of spermatozoa and storage (2-3 months)
What is characteristic of the head of the epididymis?
Efferent ductules form an enlarged coiled mass
What is characteristic of the body of the epididymis?
Run along the posterolateral aspect of the testis
What is characteristic of the tail of the epididymis?
- Found on the inferior pole of the testis
- Continuous with vas deferens
What is the tunica vaginalis?
Covered by a closed sac of the peritoneum
What is the tunica albuginea?
Thick testicular capsule
What is the vas deferens?
- Long tube conduit
- Made of smooth muscle
What is the function of the epididymis?
Transports spermatozoa from the tail of the epididymis in the scrotum to the ejaculatory duct in the pelvic cavity