Male Physiology (Colombo) - week 6 Flashcards
T or F: the sperm is a diploid cell
False: Haploid cell
What is the function of the acrosome?
- Head of sperm
- contains enzymes which breakdown outer layer of ovum for penetration
What is the axoneme?
Cytoskeletal component of sperm flagella. (microtubules)
Rich w/ mitochondria to produce energy fro motor
What 2 hormones activate spermatogenesis?
LH & FSH
What is the function of Sertoli Cells?
- act as nurses to developing sperm
- also form blood-testis barrier aka sertoli cell barrier
Main difference between spermatogenesis & oogenesis?
Spermatogenesis results in 4 spermatids whereas oogenesis results in 1 oocyte & 3 polar bodies
T or F the sperm is not motile as it enters the seminiferous tubule
True
Name the 3 hormones released by anterior pituatary and their respective functions
LH: stimulate leydig cells ( secrete testosterone/activate spermatogonia)
FSH: stimulates sertoli cells (from estrogen from testoterone)
Growth Hormone: total regulation of testes metabolism
What inhibits anterior pituitary?
Inhibin: secreted by seretoli cells
Negative feeback in excess FSH
Low or High temps are most efficient for spermatogenesis?
Low temps
What do the seminal vesicles secrete?
- Fructose
- prostoglandins
- fibrinogen
What does prostate gland secrete
- clotting enzyme
- pro-fibrinolysin (helps breakdown clot)
- Alkaloids - to neutralize the vagina
Bulbourethral gland secretion?
Pre-ejaculate (lubricating function)
What 3 sturctures contribute to the finished product of semen?
- seminal vesicles
- prostate
- bulbourethral gland
pH of semen?
ph 7.5
