Male Ducts Flashcards
(30 cards)
The spermatic cord is a bundle of fibrous CT containing 3 things:
Vas
Testicular artery
Testicular nerves
Where does the spermatic cord travel?
It passes upwards, behind, and superior to the testes, where it is easily palpated
It continues into the inguinal canal (4cm) and into the pelvic cavity
What do the testes produce?
Sperm and testosterone
The testis is made up of ______ formed from _____ extensions of the white fibrous capsule
lobules
septal
What is the capsule of the testis called?
tunica albuginea
How many lobules does each testis have?
250-300
Each testicular lobule has 1-3 _______ ________.
Seminiferous tubules
Describe the seminiferous tubule
70 cm long, tightly coiled
What do seminiferous tubules do?
Produce sperm
What 3 kinds of cells are in the testis?
Spermatogenic cells
Sertoli cells
Interstitial cells of Leydig
How many stages of progression do spermatogenic cells go through?
5
What is the first stage of spermatogenisis?
1- Spermatogonia: 2n Type A- Keep diving; Type B move to next stage
What are the second and third steps for a Type B spermatogenic cell?
2- Primary spermatocyte- 2n (diploid)
3- Secondary spermatocyte- 1n (haploid)
What are the last 2 steps in spermatogenesis?
4- Spermatid- 1n
5- Spermatozoa (sperm) 1n; Haploid
Which cell Support and protect developing sperm cells and nourishes them?
Sertoli cells
Sertoli cells phagocytize any excess _________
cytoplasm
Why do Sertoli keep the immune systems away?
Because body doesn’t recognize haploid cells
What is the BTB? What happens if it fails?
Tight junctions between sertoli cells keep/prevent antibodies and phagocytes from the area, if fails→ sterility
What do interstitial cells of Leydig do? Where are they?
In between seminiferous tubules, are clusters of cells that produce testosterone
What are the three parts of the sperm?
Head. midpiece piece, tail
What does the head of the sperm contain?
DNA
What covers the head of the sperm? What purpose does this serve?
Is covered with the acrosome, a dense cap containing enzyme to penetrate the protective layers of the egg
What does the midpiece piece of the sperm do?
Contains tightly spiraled mitochondria that provide ATP for motility
What does the tail of the sperm do?
A flagellum to propel the sperm