Male Repro Flashcards
Seminferous Tubules - epithelium, and functions (2)
complex stratified germinal epithelium; spermatogenesis and secretion of testicular fluid (Sertoli cells)
Tubuli recti (straight tubules) - epithelium and function (1)
simple cuboidal; convey sperm to rete testis
Rete testis - epithelium and function (1)
simple squamous to columnar; convey sperm to ductuli efferentes
Efferent ductules - epithelium and functions (2)
simple non-ciliated cuboidal and ciliated columnar (scalloped appearance); absorption of testicular fluid (non-ciliated cells) and active transfer of sperm by cilia
(only part that has true cilia)
Ductus epididymis - epithelium and functions (5)
pseudo stratified columnar with stereocilia (smooth muscle under epithelium varies from very thin to thick - basal cells and tall columnar principal cells with stereo cilia and basally located nuclei); 1) absorption of testicular fluid; 2) sperm maturation (acquire motility and ability to fertilize); 3) phagocytosis of residual bodies and degenerating sperm; 4) sperm storage; 5) active transport of sperm by smooth muscle contraction during ejaculation
Ductus deferens - epithelium and function (1)
pseudo stratified columnar with stereocilia (smooth muscle under epithelium is thick); active transport of sperm by smooth muscle contraction
Male urethra receives secretions from these two glands. List types of secretions.
bulbourethral gland (clear alkaline mucous like fluid - lubricate and neutralize the penile urethra) and glands of Littre (mucous like fluid - lubricates the penile urethra)
_____ are a pair of highly convoluted tubular glands that empty into ejaculatory ducts after contraction of muscle layer forces out the secretions. Type of secretion.
Seminal vesicles - pale yellow viscous alkaline material containing fructose
70% of ejaculate; flushes out sperm
The prostate is made up of compound ______ glands that empty into the prostatic urethra or sinus; it has _____ epithelium and fibromuscular storm that contracts to expel secretions. Type of secretion.
tubuloalveolar glands; pseudostratified; thin milky ACIDIC fluid (produced by columnar epithelial cells) containing citric acid, acid phosphatase, PSA; contains proteases that liquefy semen
The tunica vaginalis is a serous sac (with _____ epithelium) consisting of outer parietal and inner visceral layers. The inner visceral layer adheres to the ______, a thick capsule of ______ covering each testis.
simple squamous; tunica albuginea; dense irregular CT
mediastinum is the thickening of the tunica albuginea on the posterior surface - vessels and ducts pass through it as they enter or leave the testis (no vaginalis here)
Testicular lobules are made up of 1-4 ______ and loose CT stroma (interstitial tissue) consisting of bv’s, lymphatics, nerves and ______.
seminiferous tubules; leydig cells
Spermatogenesis - order and number of chromosomes (6)
Spermatogonia (diploid 2N) –> primary spermatocytes (diploid 4N - largest nuclei; dark thick strands of chromatin) –> secondary spermatocytes (haploid 2N) –> early spermatids (haploid 1N) –> late spermatids (haploid 1N) –> spermatozoa (haploid 1N)
Sperm’s journey (9)
seminal vesicles –> straight tubules –> rete testis –> efferent tubules –> ductus epididymis (head, body, tail) –> ductus deferens –> ejaculatory duct –> prostatic urethra –> penile urethra
______ are calcified prostatic secretions forming concentric condensations that are frequently observed in lumen of glands (they increase in number with age)
prostatic concretions
Ejaculatory sequence (3)
(1) bulbourethral glands and glands of Littre release a small amount of a mucus like fluid for lubrication; (2) prostate secretions are expelled along with spermatozoa from the epididymis and ductus deferens); (3) seminal vesicle fluid is expelled to flush the sperm through the urethra
