Male reproductive anatomy Flashcards
Describe the structure and function of the testis
Testis = male gonad
Anatomy
- Located in an evagination of the peritoneum
- Covered by the tunica albuginea and vaginal tunic
Function
- Produces high numbers of spermatozoa (billions per day)
- Is an endocrine gland that produces testosterone
Describe the layers covering the testis (inside to outside)
- Testis - INSIDE
- Tunica albuginea (connective tissue)
- Visceral vaginal tunic (peritoneum)
- Parietal vaginal tunic (peritoneum)
- Scrotal fascia
- Tunica dartos (smooth muscle)
- Scrotal skin
4-7 make up the scrotum
Describe the structure and function of the lobules of the testis
A - seminiferous tubules produce spermatozoa
Developed and matured sperm is released into the lumen once ready
B - Leydig cells produce testosterone
Describe the structure of the seminiferous tubules
- Convoluted tubules (tubulus contortus) are involved in the production of spermatozoa
- There are also straight tubules (tubulus rectus)
- In the mediastinum of the testis, there are rete tubules. This is how the efferent ducts connect to the heat of the epididymis.
Describe the structure of the epididymus and the function of the different components
- Head (caput) - transport and maturation of spermatozoa
- Body (corpus) - transport and maturation of spermatozoa
- Tail (cauda) - storage of mature spermatozoa. Smooth muscle contracts during sexual stimulation, transporting spermatozoa into the ductus deferens.
What view of the testis is shown here (A)? What structure is visible (B)?
A - Transverse view
B - Mediastinum
What view of the testis is shown here (A)? What structure is visible (B)?
A - Longitudinal view
B - Mediastinum
Epididymal transit time
time taken for spermatozoa to travel from the proximal head to the distal tail of the epididymis
Describe the mechanism to stop excess pressure from build up of sperm
- Periodic contraction of the tail of the epididymis leads sperm to be voided in the urine
- This prevents excess pressure build up from production of sperm
Describe the structure and function of the ductus deferens
- Connects the tail of the epididymis to the pelvic urethr
- Has a very strong smooth muscle wall for propulsion of spermatozoa
Describe the components of the spermatic cord
Describe the structure and function of the pampiniform plexus
- Venous network draining the testis and epididymis. The network surrounds the testicular artery in the spermatic cord.
- Each network coalesces to form the testicular (internal spermatic) veins.
- Main function is heat exchanger. Also may allow transfer of testosterone from testicular vein to artery. Potentially a pulse pressure eliminator.
What are the accessory reproductive glands and what is their function
Glands
- Ampulla of the deferent duct
- Vesicula gland
- Prostate gland (consists of corpus prostate and disseminate prostate)
- Bulbourethral gland
Function
- Produce seminal plasma (together with the epididymis)
Describe what is shown on this ultrasound image
Dorsal (frontal) plane view of the two lateral prostatic lobes
Describe what is shown on this ultrasound image
Dorsal (frontal) plane view of the two lateral prostatic lobes showing an abscess present in the left lobe
What are the muscles surrounding the urethra?
- Urethral muscle surrounds the pelvic urethra
- Bulbospongiosus muscle surrounds the bulbourethral glands and the penile urethra.
Both these are striated muscles.
They are important for the transport of semen through the urethra.
What nerve innervates the penis?
Dorsal penis nerve is a terminal branch of the pudendal nerve
What artery supplies the penis and accessory glands?
Internal pudendal artery is a terminal branch of the iliac artery
Describe the structure of the penis?
- Root consists of paired crura attached to the ischiatic arch
- Body = shaft
- Glans penis (end)
Describe the structure and function of the ischiocavernosus muscle
- Encloses the crura penis
- Striated
- Important for erection
What are the 3 columns of erectile tissue?
- Corpus cavernosum (x2)
- Basis of the crura and main part of the corpus
- Surrounding by tunica albuginea (DCT)
- Corpus spongiosum
- Surrounds the urethra
What are the 2 types of penis?
- Fibroelastic
- Musculocavernous