Male reproductive Anatomy Flashcards
What is the pathway of sperm during ejaculation?
SEVEN UP.
Seminferous tubules, epidiymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts (nothing), urethra, penis
Where are the seminal vesicles?
posterior to prostate
Where is the ejaculatory duct?
from seminal vesicle, through prostate, to urethra.
Where is cowper’s (bulbourethral) gland?
Distal to prostate, connects to urethra.
What are the parts of the posterior urethra?
Prostatic, Membranous urethra (distal to prostate), bulbar (distal to membranous)
What is the anterior urethra?
penile urethra
What causes erections?
Parasympathetic innervation, Pelvic nerve:
- NO –> incr cGMP –> smooth muscle relaxation –> vasodilation –> proerectile.
Nor-epi increases Ca2+, causes smooth muscle contraction and vasoconstriction, anti-erectile.
What causes emission?
Sympathetic nervous system - hypogastric nerve
What causes ejaculation?
visceral and somatic nerves - pudendal nerve
How does sildenafil work?
Inhibits cGMP breakdown.
What are the cell types in the seminiferous tubules?
Spermatogonia (germ cells)
Sertoli cells
Leydig Cells
Where are spermatogonia located?
Line the periphery of the seminiferous tubules.
In what order, from outside to in, are sperm at various stages of developent?
Spermatogonium
Spermatocyte
Spermatids
Spermatozoa (spermies). Wiggle in backwards into the lumen.
Where are sertoli cells located and how are they organized?
Line seminiferous tubules as well. Tight junctions between adjacent sertoli cells form blood-testis barrier –> isolate gametes from autoimmune attack.
What do sertoli cells secrete?
In development: MIF
Inhibin: inhibits FSH
Androgen-binding protein: maintain local levels of testosterone
