Male Gonads

Question 1

List some of the disorders affecting the male gonads?

Answer 1

Primary testicular failure

Secondary testicular failure

Question 2

What are the characteristics of primary testicular failure?

Answer 2

No sperm

Low testosterone

High LH and FSH

Question 3

What are the causes of primary testicular failure?

Answer 3

Orchitis

Radiation

Trauma

Tumour

Hereditary

Question 4

What are the characteristics of secondary testicular failure?

Answer 4

Low LH and FSH

Low sperm and testosterone

Question 5

What are the causes of secondary testicular failure?

Answer 5

High prolactin (inhibits LH)

Pituitary/hypothalamic tumours

Question 6

What hormones does the hypothalamus release which help release sex hormones?

Answer 6

Leutinising releasing hormone (LHRH)

Also known as Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)

• stimulates pituitary trophin

Question 7

What hormones does the pituitary release which help release sex hormones?

Answer 7

Leutinising hormone (LH) - drives testosterone production

Foliicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - drives gamete production

Question 8

How does LH work in males?

Answer 8

Acts on leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production

Question 9

How does FSH work in males?

Answer 9

Drives sertolli cells of seminiferous tubules help mature sperm

Question 10

What are the effects of androgens i.e. testosterone?

Answer 10

Increase male sexual function

• spermatogenesis
• erectile function
• prostate growth
• libido

Strength and aggression

• increase muscle growth
• increase bone growth
• increase aggression

RBC Production - increase renal secretion of eythropoetin

Ends growth - encourages epiphyseal plate closure