Male Physiology

Question 1

What are the 2 primary functions of the testes

Answer 1

Production sperm

Production of androgens

Question 2

Function of epididymis

Answer 2

Sperm storage vessel

Question 3

What is the function of the vas deferens

Answer 3

Transport of sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

Question 4

3 accessory glands in a male

Answer 4

Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands

Question 5

Do males have all their sperm produce by the time they are born

Answer 5

No they continously produce sperm throughout their lives

Question 6

What is produced in the seminiferous tubules

Answer 6

Sperm

Question 7

What are Sertoli cells

Answer 7

Large cells inside the seminiferous tubules that support the production of sperm

Question 8

Where are Sertoli cells located

Answer 8

Inside the seminiferous tubules

Question 9

Which cells are located in between the seminiferous tubules

Answer 9

Leydig (interstitial cells)

Question 10

What is the function of Leydig cells

Answer 10

Production of testosterone

Question 11

Functions of Sertoli cells

Answer 11

Form blood-testis barrier
Isolate haploid 2ndary spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa from immune system (prevents immune attack on sperm)
Also isolate from systemic circulation
Physical movement of developing sperm towards lumen
Provision of nutrients to sperm
Removal of wastes from developing sperm
Removal of excess cytoplasm following cell divisions
Support spermiation

Question 12

Which gland produces FSH and LH

Answer 12

Anterior pituitary gland

Question 13

What does FSH stimulate in males

Answer 13

Production of sperm (spermatogenesis) in the seminiferous tubues

Question 14

What does LH stimulate in males

Answer 14

The production of testosterone in the Leydig cells

Question 15

What are sperm germ cells called

Answer 15

Spermatogonium

Question 16

What are the 2 possible fates of spermatogonium

Answer 16

Can undergo mitosis and continue being a spermatogonium for the rest of reproductive life

Or can undergo meiosis and become primary spermatocyte

Question 17

How many sperm foes each spermatocyte produce?

Answer 17

4 sperm

Question 18

What happens to the primary spermatocyte

Answer 18

It undergoes Meiosis I becomes 2 secondary spermatocytes

Question 19

What happens to the 2 secondary spermatocytes

Answer 19

Each undergoes meiosis II dividing into 2 spermatids

2x2=4 spermatids

Question 20

What is the fate of the 4 spermatids

Answer 20

They mature to become sperm cells

Question 21

What is the process of spermatids maturing to become sperm known as

Answer 21

Spermiogenesis

Question 22

Where are sperm stored

Answer 22

In the epididymis

Question 23

What is the optimum temperature for sperm production

Answer 23

32 degrees

Question 24

Which factors help keep sperm at optimum temperature

Answer 24

Testes hang out with the body

Arterial blood meets venous blood

Question 25

Explain the counter-current heat exchange in the testes

Answer 25

Arterial blood from the testicular artery moves into the epididymis and forms huge networks of capillaries Meeting venous blood Arterial blood is then cooled by the venous blood

Question 26

Systemic effects of androgens

Answer 26

Deepening voice Male body hair Increased in sebaceous gland activity Protein anabolism

Question 27

CNS effect of androgens

Answer 27

Behaviour | Aggressive

Question 28

Hypothalamus effects of androgens

Answer 28

Negative feedback | Communicated with Ant PG

Question 29

Penis effects of androgens

Answer 29

Erective Copulatory Ejaculatory effectiveness

Question 30

What factors affect spermatogenesis

Answer 30

``` Testis temp Reduction in gonadotrophins and androgens Anabolic steroids Trauma Auto-immune reaction in men Occupation (pesticide, plastic) Radiation Smoking Alcohol Some anti-hypertensives Some anti-depressants Chemotherapy ```

Question 31

Function of the seminal vesicles

Answer 31

Secrete viscous fluid containing; Fructose - food for sperm Prostaglandins (to stimulate contractions of the female tract)