male reproductive histology

Question 1

what area is this image taken from and what is visible

Answer 1

testis

• seminiferous tubules cut in various planes of section
• germ cells in various stages
• sertoli cells (support and nourish the developing spermatozoa)
• leydig cells - endocrine cells, located in the interstitial spaces between tubules

Question 2

what area is this image taken from

what do the letters stand for

Answer 2

testis

SA and B - spermatogonia types A and B

S1 - 1y spermatocytes

S3 - spermatids

S4 - spermatozoa

St - Sertoli cells - supporting cells

M - myofibroblasts

Question 3

where is this image taken from

describe the features

Answer 3

rete testis

• plexiform arrangement of channels
• highly vascular collagenous connective tissue containing myoid cells (myoid cell contraction –> mix and move)

single layer of cuboid epithelial cells with microvilli and single cilium

epithelium reabsorbs protein and potassium

ciliary activity - aid the progress of spermatozoa

Question 4

where is this image taken from

describe its function

what type of epithelium does it have

Answer 4

epididymis

accumulation, storage and maturation of spermatozoa

pseudostratified epithelium

very long microvilli

B = basal cells

SM = single muscle layer

Question 5

where is this image from

describe the epithelium and muscular structure

Answer 5

ductus deferens

pseudostratified columnar

thick walled muscular tube - inner and outer longitudinal, intermediate circular layer

Question 6

where is this image from

describe the epithelium, appearance and function

Answer 6

seminal vesicle

pseudostratified tall columnar

secretory cells with lipid droplets in the cytoplasm

highly irregular lumen

L - lipofuscin granules

M - muscular wall

produce alkaline fluid, containing fructose, fibrinogen, vitamin C and prostaglandins

Question 7

where is this image taken from

what are the labelled areas

Answer 7

prostate

G - glands

St - fibrous stroma - supporting tissue

CA - corpora amylacea

Question 8

what are corpora amylacea

Answer 8

thickened prostatic secretion

may accumulate in some glands

increase in number with age and may become calcified

Question 9

where is this image taken from

describe the fluid produced

Answer 9

prostate

prostatic fluid is a thin liquid rich in citric acid and proteolytic enzymes