Male Histology Flashcards
1
Q
What are the main components of the male reproductive system?
A
TESTES, GENITAL DUCTS, ACCESSORY GLANDS, PENIS
2
Q
What is the primary function of the testes?
A
Production of sperm and androgens
3
Q
What temperature is required for sperm production in the testes?
A
2-3 °C below body temperature
4
Q
What is the function of the pampiniform plexus?
A
Temperature regulation of the testes by cooling arterial blood and ascending heat exchange up the veins
5
Q
What type of epithelium lines the ductus deferens?
A
Pseudostratified epithelium
6
Q
What are the three major functions of Sertoli cells?
A
- Support/protection/nutrition of developing sperm
- Exocrine/endocrine secretion
- Phagocytosis
7
Q
What is the role of Leydig cells in the male reproductive system?
A
Differentiate and secrete testosterone
8
Q
Fill in the blank: The tunica _______ is a peritoneal covering of the testis and epididymis.
A
vaginalis
9
Q
What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?
A
Primary production of sperm
10
Q
True or False: Sertoli cells are replicating epithelial cells.
A
False
11
Q
What are the types of spermatogonia?
A
- TYPE A DARK (Ad)
- TYPE A PALE (Ap)
- TYPE B SPERMATOGONIA
12
Q
What is the role of androgens in the male reproductive system?
A
Drives male reproductive physiology
13
Q
What is the tunica albuginea?
A
Dense fibrous connective tissue capsule surrounding the testes
14
Q
What are the components of the seminiferous epithelium?
A
- Complex stratified epithelium
- Spermatogenic epithelium
- Tunica propria
15
Q
What is the primary purpose of the rete testis?
A
Channels sperm from all seminiferous tubules
16
Q
Fill in the blank: The _______ ducts connect the rete testis with the ductus epididymis.
A
ductuli efferentes
17
Q
What are the two types of spermatocytes involved in spermatogenesis?
A
- 1 spermatocytes
- 2 spermatocytes
18
Q
What is the function of the myoid cells in the seminiferous tubules?
A
Rhythmic contraction to move spermatozoa and testicular fluid
19
Q
What do Leydig cells secrete during early fetal life?
A
Testosterone
20
Q
What role does inhibin play in the male reproductive system?
A
Regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the anterior pituitary gland
21
Q
True or False: The epididymis is involved in sperm maturation.
A
True
22
Q
What are the main histological features of the ductus deferens?
A
- Circular lumen
- Thick wall of smooth muscle
- Lined by pseudostratified epithelium
23
Q
What is the function of the straight tubules (tubuli recti)?
A
Convey sperm into the rete testis
24
Q
What are the cellular components found in the seminiferous tubules?
A
- Sertoli cells
- Leydig cells
- Spermatogenic cells
25
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the thickening of the tunica albuginea on the posterior surface of each testis.
mediastinum
26
What are TUBULI RECTI (TR)?
Straight ends of the seminiferous tubules
## Footnote
Also called straight tubules.
27
What type of epithelium is found in the proximal and distal portions of TUBULI RECTI?
proximal end: Sertoli cells
distal end: cuboidal epithelium
28
What is the function of TUBULI RECTI?
Convey sperm into the rete testis
29
What is the structure of the RETE TESTIS?
Anastomosing channels within the mediastinum
30
What type of epithelium lines the RETE TESTIS?
Simple cuboidal cells with microvilli and single cilia
31
What is the function of the RETE TESTIS?
Channels with sperm from all seminiferous tubules
32
What do DUCTULI EFFERENTES connect?
Rete testis to ductus epididymis
33
What is the characteristic shape of DUCTULI EFFERENTES?
Irregular or 'star' shape
34
What type of epithelium is found in DUCTULI EFFERENTES?
Alternating patches of simple cuboidal and simple columnar cells
35
What is the primary function of DUCTULI EFFERENTES?
Fluid absorption from seminiferous tubules and convey sperm into the epididymis
36
What is the structure and function of the DUCTUS EPIDIDYMIS?
Highly coiled tube where sperm undergo further maturation
37
What type of epithelium is found in the DUCTUS EPIDIDYMIS?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereo-cilia on luminal surface
38
What type of muscle and connective tissue supports the DUCTUS EPIDIDYMIS?
Vascularized connective tissue, smooth muscle, and fibrous connective tissue
39
What is the function of the DUCTUS DEFERENS?
Production of strong peristaltic contractions during ejaculation
40
What is the epithelium lining the DUCTUS DEFERENS?
Pseudostratified epithelial cells
41
What are SEMINAL VESICLES?
Elongated & highly folded, tubular glands with muscular and connective tissue capsule
42
What is the primary function of SEMINAL VESICLES?
Production of substantial portion of ejaculate containing glycoproteins, enzymes, and other nutrients
43
What type of epithelium is found in SEMINAL VESICLES?
Simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells
44
What is the Gleason Prostate Grade Scale used for?
Estimates the aggressiveness of prostate cancer
45
How does the Gleason Prostate Grade Scale score cancer?
A number from 1 to 5 based on the appearance of cancer cells under the microscope
46
What is the structure of the PROSTATE GLAND?
Dense, conical organ just below the bladder surrounding the urethra and ejaculatory ducts
47
What are the three major zones of the PROSTATE GLAND?
* Peripheral zone
* Central zone
* Transition zone
48
What type of epithelium is found in the PROSTATE GLAND?
Simple/pseudostratified columnar epithelium
49
What do BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS secrete?
Clear mucus-like, carbohydrate-rich secretion during an erection
50
What is the function of BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS?
Serves as a lubricant to the penile urethra
51
What are the three cylinders of erectile tissue in the PENIS?
* Corpora cavernosa
* Corpus spongiosum
52
What type of epithelium lines the PENILE URETHRA?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
53
What is the TUNICA ALBUGINEA?
Dense fibroelastic layer surrounding corpora cavernosa
54
What is the primary function of the PROSTATE GLAND?
Secretes components of semen including citric acid and acid phosphatase
55
What is the main role of the smooth muscle in the DUCTUS DEFERENS?
Rhythmic propulsion of fluid and sperm at the time of emission
56
The spermatic cord receives its blood supply via what vessel?
testicular artery
57
The tunica intima is made up of what kind of epithelium?
simple squamous
58
what is the role of the basal cells in the ductus deferens?
have stem-cell capability for the epididymal epithelium
maintains the structural integrity of the blood-epididymis barrier
59
List the 3 layers of the testicular covering?
Tunica vaginalis: mesothelial layer of simple squamous epithelium and extension of the peritoneum
Tunica Albuginea
Tunica Vascularis: comprised of LCT and blood vessels
60
sperm cells are derived from what?
the spermatogenic germinal epithelium
61
What are some key distinguishing features of sertoli cells?
cytoplasmic crystalline inclusion bodies
ovoid or triangular in shape
large relatively pale and irregular nuclei
62
T or F: leydig cells remain inactive until puberty.
true
63
where are leydig cells located
AKA interstitial cells:
b/t CT spaces b/t the seminiferous tubules
64
what are some key distinguishing features of leydig cells?
large and polygonal in shape
contain rod-shaped crystals (crystals of reinke)
lipid droplets
65
what role doe the leydig cells paly in early fetal life
they differentiate into androgen secreting cells and produce testosterone
66
how do sertoli cells concentrate testosterone for sperm maturation?
they contain androgen-binding proteins that bind to testosterones secreted from the leydig cells
67
describe the relationships b/t each type of spermatogonia cells
Type A Dark: derived from seminiferous epithelial cells that differentiate into pale Type A cells-these will subsequently differente into Type B spermatogonia
68
compare and contrast the differences b/t each type of spermatogonia.
Botn type A nuclei contain ovoid nuclei and finely granular chromatin
Type A dark stains more basophilic than its pale cousin
Type B spermatogonia nuclei are more spherical and pale
69
Type B spermatogonia will eventually differentiate into what?
Primary spermatocytes
70
T or F: secondary spermatocytes and common and long-lived.
false
they are very rare and short-lived
71
Primary spermatocytes will differentiate into what?
spermatids
72
How do spermatids differ in appearance compared to their lineage ancestors?
nuclei are smaller and more condensed
they are also located closer to the lumen
73
Once a spermatid differentiates into a spermatozoa, the later then travels where?
to the seminiferous lumen w/ a fully formed tail and pointed shape
74
The ductus epididymis is connected to the rete testis via what structure?
the ductuli efferentes
75
The genital duct system is primarily responsible for what?
spermatogenesis and the delivery of semen
76
what kind of CT makes up the rete testis
dense irregular CT
77
what gives the ductuli efferentes its unique star shape?
alternating patches of different epithelial types-
simple cuboidal and simple columnar
78
what is the primary role of the ductus epididymis?
sperm maturation and short-term storage
79
T or F: unlike the ductus epididymis, the ductus deferens has 3 layers of SM tissue for its support rather than CT.
true
80
describe the material that the seminal vesicles secrete.
fructose-rich whitish-yellow viscous material
81
what covers the prostate gland?
fibromuscular stroma
no glandular tissues
82
what does the peripheral zone of the prostate gland contain?
contains the main glands
83
what does the central zone of the prostate gland contain?
region around the utricle and ejaculatory ducts
utricel: epithelium-lined diverticulum of prostatic urethra
84
what does the periurethral zone of the prostate gland contain?
surrounds the prostatic urethra
85
which zone/s of the prostate gland is/are most susceptible to inflammation and malignant neoplasia?
the peripheral zones
86
which zone of the prostate gland is the most common site for BPH?
periurethral zone
87
What kind of epithelium makes up the bulbourethral glands?
simple columnar-mucus secretory
88
The bulbourthera lglands are also called what?
Cowper's glands
89
the cowper's glands are located b/t which 2 muscles of the pelvic diaphragm?
ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles
90
T or F: unlike other areas of the male repro. tract, Cowper's glands stain very basophilic.
true
91
the dorsal cylinder of the penis contains what?
corpora cavernosa & the deep arteries of the penis
92
the ventral cylinder of the penis contains what?
the corpus spongiosum
93
the penile urethra consists of what type of epithelium?
pseudostratified columnar
94
the glans of the penis are made up of what kind of epithelium?
stratified squamous epithelium that is continuous w/ the thin epidermal covering
95
the tunica albuginea of the penis is made up of what?
dense fibroelastic tissues
96
describe the histologic characteristics of the corpora cavernosa.
elastic CT containing SM
small, cavernous spaces
lined by vascular endothelial cells
