Male Reproductive Chap 32 Flashcards
Male reproductive system is comprised of
a) Penis
b) Testes
c) Genital ducts
d) Accessory glands
Male reproduct function
Hormone and sperm production
Spermatogenesis: 4 sperm cells
Spermatogonium (2N) -> 1 prime spermatocyyte (2N) - > 2 prime spermatocyte (N) - > Spermatid (N) - > Sperm (N)
Temperature regulation of spermatogenesis
Occurs only below 37 C. 34 C is maintained in the scrotal sac.
Testes consist of
Seminiferous tubules. Spermatozoa form here. These tubules are surrounded by loose connective tissue rich in blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and Leydig cells.
Leydig cells produce
Testosterone
2 types of cells in the seminiferous epithelium
Spermatogenic cells and sertoli cells
Sertoli cells
“Nurse cells”. Protect, support, and give nourishment to the spermatogenic cells. Phaocytosize cytoplasm eliminated during sperm production.
Testosterone Synthesis occurs
Puberty in males, then hypothalamus begins production GnRH.
GnRH tells the _______ pituitary gland to release __ and __.
Anterior pituary gland to release LH and FSH.
LH causes the ____ cells to secrete _____ in males
Leydig, testosterone
FSH binds to the _____ cells and aids in ______ in males
Sertoli cells, spermatogenesis.
Negative feedback mechanism in males reproductive
Elevated levels of testosterone inhibit the secretion of GnRH.
High sperm counts also induces sertoli cells to secrete inhibin which inhibits production of FSH.
Epididymis
Mature of sperm. Sperm attains maturation, motility, and membrane receptors for the zona pellucida protein (acrosomal maturation).
Prostate gland
Secretes and stores significant contribution to the seminal fluid. White, slightly alkaline fluid that makes up a portion of the semen. Semen is made alkaline to help neutralize acidity of the vaginal tract.
Smooth muscle