MALE REPRODUCTIVE* CH 27 Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the primary sex organs in a male and in a female?
Male - Testes
Female - Ovaries
What structures compose the spermatic cord?
Fibrous connective tissue containing the vas deferens, blood and lymphatic vessels, and testicular nerve
Describe the function of the cremaster and dartos muscles
Cremaster - Holds testes closer or further from body to maintain optimum temperature (CLOSER)
Dartos - Reduces or increases the surface area of the scrotum to retain heat (wrinkly appearance when cold) (DECREASE SURFACE AREA)
Where in the testes are sperm produced?
Seminiferous Tubules
What cells produce testosterone?
Interstitial Endocrine Cells
Germ cells
Reproductive stem cells that differentiate into sperm in males and eggs in females
What is the role of nurse cells?
Protect germ cells, promote their development, and regulate sperm production
What are the three regions of the male urethra from most to least deep (inside to outside). What do they run through?
Prostatic Urethra (passes through the prostate)
Membranous Urethra (connects the two other regions)
Spongy Urethra (passes through the penis)
PMS
Identify and describe the three sets of accesory glands of the male reproductive system
Seminal Vessicles - Empy into ejaculatory duct and form 60% of semen
Prostate - Provides thin milky secretions and forms 30% of semen
Bulbourethral Glands - Produces pre-ejcaulate that lubricates the penis in preparation for intercourse, neutralizes acidity of residual urine in the urethra (ensures that sperm dont die)
What is DRE?
Digital Rectal Exam that checks for tumors associated with the prostate gland
Corpus Spongiosum vs Corpora Cavernosa
Corpus Spongiosum - Runs along the ventral (underside) of the penis and encloses the spongy urethra and enlarges to form the glans penis
Corpora Cavernosa - Diverge like a “Y,” each arm is called a crus. Attaches penis to pubic arch
Describe the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
As the hypothalamus matures, develops Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone which stimulates the Anterior Pituitary Gland to Release:
Folicle Stimulating Hormone: Stimulates Spermatogenesis
Luteinizing Hormone: Stimulates interstitial endocrine cells to secrete testosterone
What happens during aging when testosterone is reduced?
Andropause:
- Reduced Libido
- Less Viable Sperm (lower volume, motility, and count)
- Elevations of FSH and LH causes mood and personality changes
- Increased risk for ED
Describe the process of Spermatogenesis
The process of sperm production:
Testosterone levels increase and give rise to spermatogonia (from primordial germ cells)
Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to create Type A and Type B Cells
Type B Cells enlarge to become a primary spermatocyte and undergo meiosis I to become secondary spermatocytes
Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to form spermatids
Spermatids undergo spermiogenesis to form sperm (spermatozooan)
Identify the following:
A - Head
B - Middle Piece of Tail
C - Principal Piece of Tail
D - Endpiece of Tail
E - Acrosome
F - Nucleus
Describe the composition of semen
- The prostate forms a clotting enzyme to activate proseminogelin
- Converts it into a sticky like substance semenogelin
- This allows sperm to stick in the inner walls of the vagina and that they are not drained outward
- 20-30 mins after ejaculation serine protease liquifies the semen
What are the two requirements for sperm motility
Elevated pH and an Energy Source
List the pathway of sperm through the male reproductive system
Seminiferous tubules
Epididymis
Vas deferens
Ejaculatory duct
(Nothing)
Urethra
Penis
SEVEN UP
LIST the four phases of the male sexual response
Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution
EPOR
Secretion of what molecule causes an erection?
Nitric Oxide (NO)
How do Phosphodiesterase Inhbitors Work? Provide an example
They slow the breakdown of cGMP to prolong an erection (this is usually broken down by phosphodiesterase and leads to the loss of an erection)
ex: Viagra
Gonorrhea
Pain and pus discharge, and may result in sterility following pelvic inflammatory disease
Chlamydia
Urethral discharge and testicular pain
- Caused by NGU
Syphilis
First Stage: Hard Lesions (chancres) at the site of infection
Second Stage: Widespread Pink Rash
Third Stage: Neurosyphilis, cardiovascular and brain damage
