Male Histology & VM - Bolender Flashcards
What are the functions of Sertoli cells?
- Structural metabolic support for developing spermatogenic cells
- isolation of spermatogenic cells from the immune system
- phagocytose cytoplasm
- secrete tubular fluid
- secrete inhibin
- establish blood / testis barrier
Interstitial cells of Leydig secrete…?
testosterone
What kind of epithelium lines the rete testis?
The epididymis?
The ducus deferens?
The penile urethra?
simple cuboidal
pseudostratified
pseudostratified
stratified columnar or pseudostratified
Sperm undergo what process in the epididymis?
maturation and competence for motility
Do spermatozoa pass through the seminal vesicles?
What is the function of the seminal vesicles?
No (but apparently they can end up there incidentally)
secretion of seminal fluid (60% of semen volume): fructose, prostaglandins, seminogelin
Identify
Ductus (Vas) deferens
Identify
Prostatic concretion
Identify
Seminal colliculus and prostatic urethra
Identify
Erectile tissue
Describe the distinct nuclear morphology of Sertoli cells
Round/oval nucleus with prominent nucleolus
Name the large cells found at or near the basement membrane of the seminiferious epithelium
What do they do?
spermatogonia
Serve as stem cells -> divide, producing a ‘son’ cell. The new spermatogonia (primary spermatocytes) then undergoes meiosis to form secondary spermatocytes (spermatids).
What two hormones are primarily responsible for spermatogenesis and spermatid maturation?
FSH and testosterone
What specific phosphodiesterase is encriched in the smooth muscle cells of the erectile tissues (spongiosum and cavernosum)?
What drug specifically inhibits this isoform?
PDE-5
Sildenafil (Viagra)
