Male Physiology Flashcards
How much seminal fluid does the prostate produce?
30%
How much seminal fluid do seminal vesicles produce?
60%
How much seminal fluid does the bulbourethral gland produce?
5%
How many sperm are in 2-5ml of semen?
20-25 million
How many sperm are produced daily?
30 million
How many chromosomes does a spermatid contain?
23
How many days does it take for sperm to reach the epididymis from the seminiferous tubules?
10-14 days
Describe the process of sperm production?
Seminiferous tubules –> epididymis –> Vas Deferens –> Seminal Vesicles –> Prostate –> Bulbourethral Glands –> Urethra
Where is sperm stored?
The epididymis
Where does the ejaculatory process begin?
The Vas Deferens
Where doe the ejaculatory process end?
The urethra
What are the functions of the Sertoli Cells?
- Forms blood-testis barrier
- Isolate Haploid secondary spermatocytes from immune system
- Move developing sperm towards lumen
- Provide nutrients to sperm
- Remove waste from developing sperm
- Produce Inhibin
What do Leydig Cells produce?
Testosterone
What is the function of the counter current heat exchange in the testes?
Keeps testes cool as sperm need to be kept at a temperature lower than body temperature
How does the counter-current heat exchange system work?
Arterial blood enters capillaries from testis and epididymis before reaching spermatic cord which allows for arterial blood to be cooled by venous blood
How does Testis Temperature affect spermatogenesis?
Keeps contents of testis two degrees below body temperature
Spermatogenesis can be affected by hyperthermia, mumps, infections
How can the endocrine system affect spermatogenesis?
Reduces gonadotrophins and androgens
Can be affected by anabolic steroids
What occurs if the blood-testis barrier is lost?
Physical damage to testis contents
What are androgens?
A steroid hormone which regulates and maintains male characteristics e.g testosterone, DHT and androstenedione
precursor to oestrogens
How do androgens affect the body systemically?
Deep voice, male body hair, increased sebaceous gland activity and protein anabolism
How do androgens affect the CNS?
Aggressive behaviour
How to androgens affect the penis?
Erective, copulatory and ejaculatory effectiveness
How do androgens affect the prostate and seminal vesicles?
Permit semen production
What affect do androgens have on testes?
Permit spermatogenesis
