Male Repro 1 Flashcards
What is the function of sertoli cells in regards to spermatogenesis?
facilitate sperm maturation via hormones that cause the spermatogonia to mitotically divide
What is the function of leydig cells in regards to spermatogenesis?
secrete androgens - specifically testosterone
What are the two individual stages of spermatogenesis?
spermatocytogenesis and spermatidogenesis
What is spermatocytogenesis?
the mitotic division of spermatogonia
How does spermatocytogenesis occur?
spermatogonia are attached to the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules, sertoli cells then propel the spermatogonia towards the centrla part of the lumen of the seminiferous tubule, and hormones from the sertoli cells then cause the spermatogonia to mitotically divide and become primary spermatocytes
How does spermatidogenesis occur?
a primary spermatocyte then undergoes meiosis to form two secondary spermatocytes, a secondary spermatocyte then undergoes meiosis to form two spermatids, spermatids are mono-chromosomal cells containing a single chromosome from the paternal parent
What are the three differention phases of spermiogenesis?
cap, acrosomal, and maturation phase
What occurs during the cap phase of spermiogenesis?
the golgi moves towards the distal pole, the inner and outer acrosomal membranes are formed, and the axoneme forms from the distal centriole
What occurs during the acrosomal phase of spermiogenesis?
the nucleus elongates, the proximal centriole becomes the neck, and the mitochondria migrate to the distal pole
What occurs during the maturation phase of spermiogenesis?
mitochondria become trapped in the middle piece by the neck and annulus and the principle piece, containing the motility proteins, becomes evident
What structure stores sperm?
the vas deferens
What does the vesicular gland add to sperm during ejaculation?
fructose, citric acid, prostaglandins, and fibrinogen
What does the prostate add to the sperm during ejaculation?
alkalinity and clotting enzyme
What does the alkalinity that the prostate adds to the sperm do?
it immobilizes the sperm that are optimally mobile at pH 6
What does the clotting factor that the prostate adds to the sperm do?
it converts fibrinogen to fibrin to clump the sperm
