Male Reproductive Flashcards
what are the testes
the most important organs that determine male sexuality
= synthesize testosterone, and generate spermatozoa
testes development
- Development occurs during the first trimester of gestation
Testes develop within the abdomen - descend into the inguinal canal by the time of birth
- descend into the scrotum within the first months of newborn life
- should have completely descended by 12 months (1 year old)
testosterone levels remain steady throughout childhood but in puberty, what occurs?
puberty = surge of testosterone
development of spermatogenesis
- Hypothalamus secretes GnRH
- affect (anterior) Pituitary Gland to secrete LH and FSH
- LH stimulate the Leydig Cells (of testes) to secrete Testosterone
- development of secondary sex characteristics and spermatogenesis
development of spermatozoa
- FSH stimulates Sertoli cells (of seminiferous tubules) to synthesize spermatozoa
describe the prostate and its function
Gland that is found below the urinary bladder and encircles the urethra.
- Secretes alkaline fluid that combine with seminal fluid to become the semen.
- Also secretes PSA (prostate surface antigen) = used in assessing prostatic structure and function.
what is erectile function
requires - adequate blood circulation to the corpus spongiosum and corpus cavernosum (these tissues fill w/ blood = erection) - autonomic neurological control: interaction between ---> sns: responsible for ejaculation ---> pns: responsible for erection
what does male fertility rely on (8)
- quantity of semen
- sperm count
- morphology of sperm
- motility of sperm
- adequate circulation
- intact hormonal regulation
- neurologic control
- anatomical structure of the sex organ
what is infertility and its relation to males
Inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse.
- In males: obstructive vs nonobstructive
- –> nonobstructive: deficiency in sperm concentration
- –> obstructive: repeated infection like STI
anatomical abnormalities affecting fertility in males
- Cryptorchidism: undescended testes, should drop by age 1; can lead to sterility or infertility
- Phimosis: Foreskin is too constricted and cannot be easily retracted; treatment is circumcision
- Paraphimosis: Foreskin is permanently retracted behind the tip of the penis and is strangulating the tip
= when retracting to catheterize, always return the skin - Peyronie’s disease: Penis becomes curved due to inflammatory vasculitis esp to the corpuses - need surgery
inflammation/infection affecting fertility in males
orchitis - inflammation of the testes
- such as mumps = sequelae is an aftereffect
risk factors of male reproductive disorders (5)
- Teratogens- toxic substances that cause an abnormal fetal cell development, exposure of pregnant woman effects the fetal reproductive organs
—>DES (diethylstilbestrol)- this is used to prevent miscarriage in 1940s to 1970s
—>Estrogen-like compounds used in industry, agriculture like polychlorinated biphenyl compounds
= For male child: increase incidence of Cryptorchidism, urethral abnormalities, testicular hyperplasia - Radiation = male hormone disruption (testicular cancer or decreased semen quality)
- –>Testes should be covered with lead apron during x-ray procedures - Cigarette smoking in pregnant women = decreased sperm count of male children
- Others:
4. Tight undergarments
- Hot baths
diagnostics for infertility in males
- Hormonal analysis: FSH; LH; testosterone levels
- Genetic testing: karyotyping
- STIs: culture of lesions and discharges; HIV testing
- Semen analysis: person should abstain for 2-3 days prior, 50-250 million sperm per mL
- –> need 2-3 samples over time
- PSA levels: if prostate cancer is suspected
= if false positive do a biopsy
what is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
an excessive cell growth in the prostate gland
what is the prostate gland and its function
- Prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland located anterior to the rectum and below the urinary bladder; urethra runs through its middle and connects with penile urethra
- Function of prostate gland: secretion of alkaline fluid
= lubrication and nutrition of the sperm; the alkaline fluid helps neutralize the acidic vaginal environment
