Male repro physiology

Question 1

What is the epidydimis?

Answer 1

Long coiled gland behind the testes which stores and transports sperm from the testes through the vas deferens

Question 2

What is contained in the lobule divisions of the testes?

Answer 2

Seminiferous tubules

Question 3

What is tunica albuginea?

Answer 3

Fibrous capsule which surrounds and divides the testes

Question 4

Where is sperm produced?

Answer 4

Seminiferous tubules

Question 5

What do the germ cells of the seminiferous tubules do?

Answer 5

Produce sperm

Question 6

What do the sustentacular (sertoli) cells of the seminiferous tubules do?

Answer 6

Support sperm production

Produce inhibin

Question 7

What do the Leydig (interstitial cells) of the seminiferous tubules do?

Answer 7

Produce testosterone

Question 8

What are the 2 main functions of the testes?

Answer 8

Produce sperm

Produce testosterone

Question 9

What is the average sperm cycle?

Answer 9

About 3 months

Question 10

Name some hormones which regulate testicular function/spermatogenesis?

Answer 10

GnRH
FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)
LH (Lutenising hormone)
Testosterone

Question 11

Where is GnRH produced?

Answer 11

Hypothalamus

Question 12

Where does GnRH act?

Answer 12

Anterior pituitary gland

Question 13

What is spermatocytogenesis?

Answer 13

First phase of spermatogenesis

Clonal expansion and maturation throgh meiotic and mitotic processes

Question 14

What is spermiogenesis?

Answer 14

Differentiation into mature sperm cells capable of fertilising an egg

Question 15

Does spermatogenesis continue lifelong after puberty?

Answer 15

Yes

Question 16

What are some types of medical factors affecting spermatogenesis?

Answer 16

Problem with hormonal control of spermatogenesis (pre-testicular)
Problem at the site of production (testicular)

Question 17

What are some testicular medical factors affecting spermatogenesis?

Answer 17

Surgery
STI
Mumps orchitis
Trauma/torsion
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Genetic

Question 18

What are some pre-testicular medical factors affecting spermatogenesis?

Answer 18

Excessive weight gain or loss
Over exercising
Stress
Intracranial SOL's
Prolactinoma
Opiates, external testosterone, steroids
Kallmann's syndrome

Question 19

List some lifestyle factors which can affect spermatogenesis.

Answer 19

Smoking
Obesity
Occupational/environmental chemical exposures (PCP, DDT, dioxenes, phthalates)

Question 20

What are some steps we can take to reduce the impact of factors affecting fertility?

Answer 20

Reduce/stop smoking and drinking
Exercise
Healthy diet
Adjust for exposure to occupational exposure
Stop or replace medications which can affect pregnancy
Reduce STI risk or treat promptly if diagnosed
Freeze sperm prior to surgery or cancer treatment

Question 21

What are some surgeries which could affect spermatogenesis?

Answer 21

Inguinal hernia repair
Orchidepexy
Orchidectomy

Question 22

What are some symptoms which may indicate androgen deficiency?

Answer 22

Infrequent shaving
Low libido
Difficulty achieving erection
Difficulty ejaculating

Question 23

Name some genetic conditions which may affect spermatogenesis.

Answer 23

Klinefelter
Kartangener
Kallmann’s
CF

Question 24

What are some useful investigations for male repro difficulty?

Answer 24

USS testis
Hormonal profile (FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone)

Question 25

What is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?

Answer 25

High FSH
High LH
Low testosterone
Indicates testicular problem

Question 26

What is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?

Answer 26

Low FSH
Low LH
Low Prolactin
Low Testosterone
Indicates Hypothalamus or Pituitary cause

Question 27

What may you find on examination to indicate repro problems in a bro?

Answer 27

Small testicles
Varicocoele (enlargement of scrotum veins)
Surgical scar
Absence of vas deferens
High BMI