male reproductive anatomy Flashcards
what are the functions of the testis
sperm and testosterone production
where specifically in the testis is sperm made and how does it go to the epididymis
- produced in the seminiferous tubules
- they then drain into the rete testis to carry sperm to the epididymis
where does the travel to after reaching the epididymis and what happens here
sperm transported from head of epididymis towards the tail into the DUCTUS (VAS) DEFERENS
- where the sperm matures
the ductus deferens runs in a cord containing other structures including the vasculature and innervation to the testis, what is this cord called
spermatic cord
what 5 structures are in the spermatic cord
- ductus deferens
- arterial supply to testis
- nerve supply to testis
- pampiniform plexus of veins
- lymphatics
what region/ structure does the spermatic cord run through to enter the abdomen
inguinal canal
what 3 arteries are found in the spermatic cord
- cremasteric artery
- testicular artery
- artery of ductus
what 3 nerves are found in the spermatic cord
- genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
- sympathetic fibre and visceral afferent fibres
3 arteries, 3 nerves, 3 others in the spermatic cord
what is the inguinal canal
short passage that extends through the inferior part of the abdominal wall.
- lies superior and parallel to the inguinal ligament
what is the purpose the the inguinal canal
serves as pathway by which structures can pass from abdominal cavity to external genitalia
the inguinal canal is potentially a weakness in the abdominal wall, hence what kinda pathology typically occurs here
herniation
what are the 2 different types of herniations that happen at the inguinal canal, explain them
indirect inguinal hernia
- bowel (abdominal content) enter inguinal canal via SUPERFICIAL inguinal ring
direct inguinal hernia
- bowel (abdominal content) enter inguinal canal via DEEP inguinal ring
what is the difference between the cause of indirect and direct inguinal hernia
- indirect = due to old age usually or increase in intra-abdominal pressure
- direct = usually congenital, associated with patent processes vaginalis
what is patent processes vaginalis
out pouching of peritoneum that accompanies embryonic descent of testicles