Male Anatomy

Question 1

What is the blood-testis barrier, and why is it important?

Answer 1

Formed by Sertoli cells, it protects sperm from immune attack by separating them from the systemic circulation.

Question 2

What are the roles of Leydig and Sertoli cells?

Answer 2

Leydig cells produce testosterone, while Sertoli cells nourish developing sperm and regulate their maturation

Question 3

What is cryptorchidism, and what are its consequences?

Answer 3

Cryptorchidism is the failure of testes to descend, which can impair spermatogenesis and increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Question 4

What is hypospadias, and how does it affect the penis?

Answer 4

Hypospadias is a condition where the urethral opening is abnormally positioned along the ventral side of the penis, potentially causing difficulty with urination or fertility.

Question 5

How does the pampiniform plexus aid in testicular function?

Answer 5

It acts as a heat exchanger, cooling arterial blood to maintain an optimal temperature for spermatogenesis.

Question 6

What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testes?

Answer 6

It is a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and divides the testes into lobules.

Question 7

What is the function of the epididymis?

Answer 7

It stores and matures sperm, which gain motility and fertilizing capability here.

Question 8

How is the testicular temperature regulated?

Answer 8

The Dartos muscle and pampiniform plexus regulate temperature, keeping it 1°C below core body temperature for optimal sperm production.

Question 9

Where do the testes originate during development?

Answer 9

The testes originate on the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity during development

Question 10

How do the testes descend to their final position by birth?

Answer 10

By birth, the testes descend into the scrotum through the inguinal canal, which is part of the anterior abdominal wall.

Question 11

What is the role of the gubernaculum in testicular descent?

Answer 11

The gubernaculum is a ligament that pulls the testes caudally, guiding them from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum.

Question 12

How does the vas deferens relate to the testes?

Answer 12

The vas deferens follows the testis into the scrotum and connects the testis to the urethra, allowing sperm to pass through during ejaculation.

Question 13

What are the key components of the testis in its fully developed form?

Answer 13

The testis is organized into two main components:

Tubular components – Sertoli cells, germ cells, and myoid cells.
Interstitial components – Leydig cells and capillaries.

Question 14

What is the function of Leydig cells in the testis?

Answer 14

Leydig cells are located in the seminiferous tubules and are responsible for producing testosterone.

Question 15

What is the role of Sertoli cells in the testis?

Answer 15

Sertoli cells support and nourish developing sperm, providing an environment for spermatogenesis (sperm production).

Question 16

What layers surround the testis?

Answer 16

The testis is surrounded by several layers, including the tunica vaginalis and the tunica albuginea

Question 17

Where is sperm produced in the testis?

Answer 17

Sperm is produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testis.

Question 18

Why is the temperature of the scrotum important for sperm production?

Answer 18

The temperature of the scrotum is 1 degree Celsius below core body temperature, which is optimal for sperm production. This is regulated by the Dartos muscle.

Question 19

How does sperm move from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis?

Answer 19

Sperm produced in the seminiferous tubules pass into the rete testis and then into the head of the epididymis.

Question 20

What does the spermatic cord contain?

Answer 20

The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, testicular artery, and the pampiniform plexus of veins.

Question 21

What is testicular torsion, and why is it dangerous?

Answer 21

Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, disrupting the blood supply to the testis. This can cause severe pain and lead to testicular necrosis (death of testicular tissue) if not treated promptly.

Question 22

What is the blood-testis barrier, and what is its main function?

Answer 22

The blood-testis barrier divides the two sections of the seminiferous tubules, separating one section from the interstitial environment. Its main function is to limit the free exchange of water-soluble molecules and protect the sperm from the immune system by preventing them from being recognized as foreign.

Question 23

Why do sperm need protection from the immune system?

Answer 23

Sperm are genetically different from the male and express different surface antigens, so they can be identified as foreign by the immune system. The blood-testis barrier helps protect the sperm from immune attack.

Question 24

What cells form the blood-testis barrier?

Answer 24

The blood-testis barrier is formed by Sertoli cells, which are located in the seminiferous tubules

Question 25

What is the structure of the scrotum?

Answer 25

The scrotum is a single pouch that contains two testes. It has several layers, including (from outer to inner):

External fascia (from the external oblique aponeurosis)
Cremasteric fascia (from the internal oblique muscle)
Internal spermatic fascia (from the transversalis fascia)

Question 26

What does each vas deferens connect to, and what is formed at this junction?

Answer 26

Each vas deferens connects with the duct from a seminal gland (which produces seminal fluid) to form an ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct contains semen, which is a mixture of sperm and seminal fluid.

Question 27

Where do the ejaculatory ducts drain, and what is the final passage for semen?

Answer 27

The right and left ejaculatory ducts join within the prostate gland, just inferior to the bladder. The ejaculatory ducts then drain into the urethra, which is the final passage for semen, exiting the body through the external urethral meatus of the penis.

Question 28

What is the epididymis, and what is its role in sperm development?

Answer 28

The epididymis is a long, coiled tube located on the posterior surface of each testis. It is the site of sperm maturation and storage, where sperm acquire motility and the ability to fertilize an egg.

Question 29

Where are the seminal vesicles located, and what is their function?

Answer 29

The seminal vesicles are paired glands located behind the bladder. They secrete a fluid rich in fructose, which provides energy for sperm. This fluid also contains prostaglandins, which aid sperm motility and stimulate smooth muscle contractions in the female reproductive tract to help sperm reach the egg.

Question 30

What makes up the bulk of semen?

Answer 30

The fluid from the seminal vesicles makes up the bulk of semen. It is rich in fructose and contains prostaglandins to support sperm function.

Question 31

What is the function of the prostate gland in semen production?

Answer 31

The prostate gland secretes a thin, milky fluid that contains enzymes, citrate, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This fluid helps liquefy semen after ejaculation, which enhances sperm motility and facilitates sperm movement through the female reproductive tract.

Question 32

Where is the prostate gland located?

Answer 32

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra.