Male repro physiology Flashcards
What is the epidydimis?
Long coiled gland behind the testes which stores and transports sperm from the testes through the vas deferens
What is contained in the lobule divisions of the testes?
Seminiferous tubules
What is tunica albuginea?
Fibrous capsule which surrounds and divides the testes
Where is sperm produced?
Seminiferous tubules
What do the germ cells of the seminiferous tubules do?
Produce sperm
What do the sustentacular (sertoli) cells of the seminiferous tubules do?
Support sperm production
Produce inhibin
What do the Leydig (interstitial cells) of the seminiferous tubules do?
Produce testosterone
What are the 2 main functions of the testes?
Produce sperm
Produce testosterone
What is the average sperm cycle?
About 3 months
Name some hormones which regulate testicular function/spermatogenesis?
GnRH
FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)
LH (Lutenising hormone)
Testosterone
Where is GnRH produced?
Hypothalamus
Where does GnRH act?
Anterior pituitary gland
What is spermatocytogenesis?
First phase of spermatogenesis
Clonal expansion and maturation throgh meiotic and mitotic processes
What is spermiogenesis?
Differentiation into mature sperm cells capable of fertilising an egg
Does spermatogenesis continue lifelong after puberty?
Yes
What are some types of medical factors affecting spermatogenesis?
Problem with hormonal control of spermatogenesis (pre-testicular)
Problem at the site of production (testicular)
What are some testicular medical factors affecting spermatogenesis?
Surgery STI Mumps orchitis Trauma/torsion Radiotherapy Chemotherapy Genetic
What are some pre-testicular medical factors affecting spermatogenesis?
Excessive weight gain or loss Over exercising Stress Intracranial SOL's Prolactinoma Opiates, external testosterone, steroids Kallmann's syndrome
List some lifestyle factors which can affect spermatogenesis.
Smoking
Obesity
Occupational/environmental chemical exposures (PCP, DDT, dioxenes, phthalates)
What are some steps we can take to reduce the impact of factors affecting fertility?
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
What are some surgeries which could affect spermatogenesis?
Inguinal hernia repair
Orchidepexy
Orchidectomy
What are some symptoms which may indicate androgen deficiency?
Infrequent shaving
Low libido
Difficulty achieving erection
Difficulty ejaculating
Name some genetic conditions which may affect spermatogenesis.
Klinefelter
Kartangener
Kallmann’s
CF
What are some useful investigations for male repro difficulty?
USS testis Hormonal profile (FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone)
What is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?
High FSH
High LH
Low testosterone
Indicates testicular problem
What is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
Low FSH Low LH Low Prolactin Low Testosterone Indicates Hypothalamus or Pituitary cause
What may you find on examination to indicate repro problems in a bro?
Small testicles Varicocoele (enlargement of scrotum veins) Surgical scar Absence of vas deferens High BMI
