Male Reproductive Flashcards
What is the function of the testes?
Produce and secrete sperm and hormones
What are the structures part of the duct system of the Male Reproductive System?
(5)
- Efferent ductules
- Epididymis
- Ductus deferns (vas deferens)
- Ejaculatory duct
- Urethra
What are the 3 functions of the duct system?
- Transport and stores sperm
- Assist in sperm maturation
- Convey sperm to the exterior
What are the 3 accessory glands?
and what is their overall Fx
- Seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
- Bulbouretheral gland
Fx: provide secretions to the semen
What are the 2 supporting structures of the male reproductive system?
and Fx
- Scrotum
- Penis
Fx: Support the testes and deliver sperm to female reproductive tract
What is the function of the Scrotum?
Temperature regulation of sperm (2-3 degrees C below core body temp)
Maintainted outside pelvic cavity
Dartos muscle function
In the scrotum
Subcutaneous layer of smooth muscle that contracts d/t cold temps (wrinkles) and vice versa for warm temps
What are the contents of the Spermatic Cord?
3 main
6 others
1. Ductus deferens
2. Cremaster muscle
3. Pampiniform plexus of testicular veins
4. Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
5. Testicular artery
6. Cremaster artery
7. Artery of the ductus deferens
8. Sympathetic nerves
9. Lymphatics
Function of Ductus deferens
Transports spermatozoa from epididymis to ejaculatory duct
Function of the Cremaster muscle
- Originates from internal oblique
- Contraction moves testes closer to the body (cold) and opposite for warm
What is the function of the Pampiniform plexus of testicular veins?
Plexus of veins that play a role in regulating heat exchange for the testes
Function of Leydig Cells
- Interstitial cells
- Located in spaces between adjacent seminiferous tubules
- Secretes testosterone
Size of Testes
Paired oval glands (approx 2 in long X 1 in diameter)
Where are the testes formed?
Develop in the posterior abdomen & descend into the scrotum through inguinal canals at 7-8 months
Where is the site of sperm production throughout the adult life (starting in puberty)?
Testes
What are the 4 structures of the testes?
- Tunica vaginalis (serous membrane derived from peritoneum during descent of testes
- Tunic albuginea (thick connective tissue capsule, extends inward to form septa)
- Lobules (200-300 internal copartments, each lobule contains 1-4 seminiferous tubules
- Seminiferous tubules produce spermatozoa
Seminiferous epithelium
Two cell populations
- Sertoli cells-supporting cells that nourish spermatogenic cells
- Spermatogenic cells-replicate and differentiate into mature sperm