Male Repro Flashcards
What are 2 functions of the testes
Spermatogenesis (sperm)
Steroidogenesis (androgens)
Name the 4 structures of the duct system
Epididymis
Ductus deferens
Ejaculatory ducts
Urethra
What are the accessory sex glands
Seminal vesicles
Prostate
Bulbourethral glands
5 layers of the scrotum
- 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)
Scrotal cavity is split into 2 halves, separated by a ___________. Each half contains a _____, ______, and _________.
Scrotal cavity is split into 2 halves, separated by a scrotal septum. Each half contains a testis, epididymis, and lower part of spermatic cord.
Scrotum is ____ degrees lower than core body temperature
2-3 degrees C
What is function of the pampiniform plexus
Pampiniform of blood vessels: countercurrent heat exchanger between arterial and venous blood. Cools the testes.
If veins become engorged, can become a varicocele.
2 sets of muscles that help regulate the temperature of the testes
- Cremaster muscle
- Dartos muscle
Innervation of the testes
PNS derived from L1 and S3
SNS: Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
Embryology of testes
Develop near the kidneys (retroperitoneal). Descend into scrotum through inguinal canal during latter half of 7th month of development
What is the tunica vaginalis
Serous membrane that surrounds teste. Derived from abdominal peritoneum
What is the tunica albuginea
- Under tunica vaginalis
- Extends inward, forming septa
- Divides testes into lobules
- Each lobule contains 1-3 seminiferous tubules
What occurs in the seminiferous tubules
- Site of sperm production (spermatogenesis)
- 400 meters of tubules in each teste
- Contains spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells
In between the seminiferous tubules are:
- Leydig cells ( ~200 million; secrete androgens, testosterone)
- Blood/lymph vessels
- Nerves
- Fibroblasts
Sertoli cells functions
- 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)