Male Repro

Question 1

What are 2 functions of the testes

Answer 1

Spermatogenesis (sperm)
Steroidogenesis (androgens)

Question 2

Name the 4 structures of the duct system

Answer 2

Epididymis
Ductus deferens
Ejaculatory ducts
Urethra

Question 3

What are the accessory sex glands

Answer 3

Seminal vesicles
Prostate
Bulbourethral glands

Question 4

5 layers of the scrotum

Answer 4

• Skin (Has rugae, but no adipose tissue)
• Dartos muscle
• External spermatic fascia
• Cremasteric muscle and fascia (skeletal muscle/involuntary)
• Internal spermatic fascia (extends from deep inguinal ring)

Question 5

Scrotal cavity is split into 2 halves, separated by a ___________. Each half contains a _____, ______, and _________.

Answer 5

Scrotal cavity is split into 2 halves, separated by a scrotal septum. Each half contains a testis, epididymis, and lower part of spermatic cord.

Question 6

Scrotum is ____ degrees lower than core body temperature

Answer 6

2-3 degrees C

Question 7

What is function of the pampiniform plexus

Answer 7

Pampiniform of blood vessels: countercurrent heat exchanger between arterial and venous blood. Cools the testes.

If veins become engorged, can become a varicocele.

Question 8

2 sets of muscles that help regulate the temperature of the testes

Answer 8

• Cremaster muscle
• Dartos muscle

Question 9

Innervation of the testes

Answer 9

PNS derived from L1 and S3

SNS: Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve

Question 10

Embryology of testes

Answer 10

Develop near the kidneys (retroperitoneal). Descend into scrotum through inguinal canal during latter half of 7th month of development

Question 11

What is the tunica vaginalis

Answer 11

Serous membrane that surrounds teste. Derived from abdominal peritoneum

Question 12

What is the tunica albuginea

Answer 12

• Under tunica vaginalis
• Extends inward, forming septa
• Divides testes into lobules
• Each lobule contains 1-3 seminiferous tubules

Question 13

What occurs in the seminiferous tubules

Answer 13

• Site of sperm production (spermatogenesis)
• 400 meters of tubules in each teste
• Contains spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells

Question 14

In between the seminiferous tubules are:

Answer 14

• Leydig cells ( ~200 million; secrete androgens, testosterone)
• Blood/lymph vessels
• Nerves
• Fibroblasts

Question 15

Sertoli cells functions

Answer 15

• Structural support for germinal cells
• Form blood-testes barrier
• Nourish spermatocytes
• Phagocytose damaged cells/debris
• Control movement and release of sperm into lumen
• Secrete fluid for sperm transport
• Secrete hormones (MIS, Inhibits, E2, ABP)

Question 16

Sertoli cells hormones

Answer 16

• Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) (Regression of female Mullerian duct, facilitates decent of testes)
• Inhibins (inhibit FSH)
• Estrogens (E2) (Inhibit FSH)
• Androgen-binding protein (ABP) (maintains high local concentrations of androgens, stimulates spermatogenesis)

Question 17

Leydig cells location

Answer 17

Found in spaces between seminiferous tubules (interstitial cells)

Question 18

Leydig cell secretions

Answer 18

Secrete androgens (testosterone, DHEA, ASD) in response to LH

Question 19

Describe spermatogenesis

Answer 19

• Production of mature male gametes (spermatozoa)
• 200 million sperm produced/day
• Sperm cycle is 65-75 days

Question 20

What are spermatogonia

Answer 20

• Sperm stem cells
• Develop from primordial germ cells
• Form from embryonic yolk sac
• Serve as a reservoir for sperm development
• Become active at puberty