Male Repro System Flashcards
What are the functions of the male reproductive system
Production and transport of sperm
Production of androgens for secondary characteristics
Production of sex hormones
What is the testis and what is it made up of
Site of sperm production
Made up of seminiferous tubules
What cells are part of the testis
Germ cells
Sertoli
Leydig
Capillary provide O2
What do germ cells do
Produce sperm in ST
What do Sertoli cells do
Support germ cells - provide nutrient and remove waste
Produce inhibin
Form blood-testis barrier as haploid spermatocytes would be destroy by immune system
Physically. move sperm
What do Leydig cells and where are they found
Produce testosterone
Found in BM outside tubule
What is the counter current health exchange
Arterial blood enters capillaries before spermatic cord allowing it to be cooled by venous blood
What is spermatogenesis
Process of sperm formation
Primary spermatocyte = 46 chromosomes
Secondary spermatocyte = 23 chromosomes
Spermatid = 23 single stranded chromosomes
How many spermatids produced in each cycle
4
What factors affect spermatogenesis
Genetics
Temperature
Loss of blood testis barrier e.g. in trauma
Hormones
Endocrine
Auto-immune
Environment - smoking / radiation / alcohol
Drugs - steroid / anti hypertensive or depressant
Site of production - infection / iatrogenic / trauma
What hormone stimulates Sertoli cells and germ cells
FSH
What stimulates FSH and LH
Hypothalamus releases GnRH
Goes to AP and stimulates release of FSH and LH
What stimulates leydig cells
LH
How does sperm travel to the urethra
Testis = epididymis (2 weeks)
Stored and matures (3 months)
Vas deferens -> seminal vesicles and prostate create semen
Urethra
