Male GU System Flashcards
Spermatogenesis
the formation of male sex cells (sperm)
Ductile system
(epidymides, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts) prepare sperm for ejaculation
Gonadotropic hormones
FSH and LH
Lutenizing hormone
aka interstitial cell-stimulating hormone. Regulates production of testosterone by interstitial cells of Leydig
Follicle stimulating hormone
binds selectively to Sertoli cells surrounding seminiferous tubules, initiates spermatogenesis
Erection
neurovascular process: involves autonomic nervous system, somatic nervous system via pudendal nerve, vasculature, and sinusoidal spaces of corpora cavernosa
Erectile failure
results from disorders in one or a combination of neural, vascular, or chemical mediator aspects of erectile process
Priapism
abnormal, painful, sustained erection that can lead to ischemic damage of penile structures
Emission
contraction of vas deferens and ampulla with expulsion of sperm into internal urethra
Ejaculation
expulsion of semen from urethra
Detumescence
penile relaxation, resulting from outflow of blood from corpora cavernosa
Balanitis
local inflammation of glans penis
Balanoposthitis
inflammation of glans penis and overlying prepuce
phimosis
tight foreskin
smegma
debris from desquamated epithelia
paraphimosis
pain, swelling, and congestion caused by forcibly retracting the stenotic prepuce over glans prepuce
balanitis xerotica obliterans
chronic, sclerosing, atrophic process of glans penis occurs in uncirmcumcised men. Similar to lichen sclerosus seen in women
Peyronie Disease
localized and progressive fibrosis of unknown origin that affects the tunica albuginea (fibrous sheath that surrounds the corpora cavernousa). Plagues are usually on the dorsal midline of shaft causing an upward curvature of the penis during erection. Intercourse will be difficult or painful. Usually seen in middle aged or elderly men. Usually self-limiting.
Penile cancer
Very rare, highly curable. Linked to HPV, poor hygiene, and HPV. Incidence is almost non-existent in circumcised males.
Giant condylomata acuminata
genital warts
Hydrocele
scrotal swelling or enlargement resulting from excess fluid collection between the layers of tunica vaginalis. May result from injury epididymitis, gonorrhea, lymph obstruction, testicular tumor, or radiation treatment.
Hematocele
scrotal swelling resulting from blood accumulation between layers of tunica vaginalis. Causes scrotal skin to take on a dark red or purple hue. Results from abdominal surgery, scrotal trauma, scrotal trauma, bleeding disorder or testicular tumor
Spermatocele
painless, sperm-containing cyst that forms at the end of the epididymis. Can be single or multiple and are usually less than 1 cm in diameter.
Varicocele
Varicosities on the pampiniform plexus. More common on left side. Most common in males 15-35. Decreases number and motility of sperm in affected males.
Pampiniform plexis
network of veins supplying the testes
Testicular torsion
twisting of spermatic cord that suspends testes. Can be extravaginal or intravaginal
Extravaginal torsion
occurs in fetuses or neonates. Less common form. When testicle and fascial tunicae that surround it rotate around the spermatic cord at a level well above the tunica vaginalis.
orchiopexy
attachment of testes to scrotum
orchiectomy
removal of testis
Intravaginal torsion
twisting of spermatic cord within the tunica vaginalis. Surgical emergency. Usually occurs in the absence of any precipitating event thought it is associated with abnormal fixation of the testis. The torsion obstructs venous drainage with resultant edema and hemorrhage and subsequent arterial obstruction. Pt presents often with N/V, tachycardia, large, tender testis with pain radiating to inguinal area.
Epididymitis
inflammation of epididymis. Usually due to STI or infection from urinary tract bacteria. In prepubescent males it is associated with congenital abnormalites of the urethra and infection with gram-negative rods. Characterized by unilateral pain and swelling, erythema, edema developing over a period of 24-48 hours. Symptoms of lower UTI may also be present.
Orchitis
inflammation of the testes. Can be caused by UTI or complications of systemic infection (eg. Mumps)
Scrotal cancer
Rare and often benign. Linked to exposure to tar, coal or oil. Associated with chronic inflammation or exposure to HPV. Metastizes quickly to lymph tissue
Testicular cancer
Only makes up 1-2% of cancers in men, however, is most common form of cancer seen in men ages 20-35. Predisposing factors include: cryptorchidism, genetic factors, and d/os of testicular growth and development.
Cryptochidism
undescended testical
