Male Genitourinary Physiology

Question 1

Describe the process of male reproductive organ formation

Answer 1

Gonads =(SRY gene on Y)=> functional testes

Testes produce T
=> Wolffian develops => epididymus, vas, seminal vesicles
T => DHT

Testes produce AMH => Mullerian regression
T => DHT
Combination of both => prostate, scrotum, penis

Question 2

Describe the male HPT axis

Answer 2

FSH => Sertoli cells => inhibin
LH => Leydig cells => T

-ve feedback loop

Question 3

Name the 3 main cell types and their function in the testes

Answer 3

Sertoli
-protect and nourish sperm cells
-inhibin, AMH, ABP, growth factor secretion
-excretion of abnormal sperm

Spermatogonial stem cell
-sperm production

Leydig
-T production
-stimulates Sertoli function

Question 4

Infertility
-classes of reason

Answer 4

Obstructive - sperm prod and FSH normal
-infection (mumps, orchiditis, STI
-vasectomy
-no vas deferens in CF

Non obstructive - poor sperm prod or abnormal FSH
-XXY, Kallman