Male Reproductive Histology Flashcards
List the different secretions that come from the Sertoli cells.
- Inhibin B
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (Aka Mullerian Inhibiting Factor)
- Androgen Binding Protein
Which cell creates the blood-testes barrier?
Sertoli Cell
Which cell contains aromatase?
Sertoli Cell
What are the different functions of the Sertoli Cells?
- Phagocytosis of Residual Bodies
- Support, protect and nourish growing spermatogenic cells
- SPERMIATION: help in the release of mature spermatids through actin mediated contraction
Where are spermatogonia located and in which cell?
Basal Seminiferous Tubule
Differentiate between Type A and Type B spermatogonia.
Type A: Oval, Euchromatic with nucleolus attached to nuclear envelope
Type B: ROUND, Heterochromatin attached to nuclear envelope. NUCLEOLUS is in the middle of the cell.
Name the reason why there are more Primary Spermatocytes than Secondary Spermatocytes in the Seminiferous Tubules.
The 1st meiotic division is going to take significantly longer than the second division.
Primary: 2n
Secondary: n
Differentiate between Early and Late Spermatids.
Early: Round, housed in Cytoplasm of Sertoli Cells
Late: Elongated, housed in Crypts of Apical Sertoli Cells
List the four main phases in spermiogenesis.
- Golgi Phase
- Cap/Acrosomal Phase
- Tail Phase
- Maturation Phase
Describe what happens in the Golgi Phase of spermiogenesis
- Polarity Develops
- Golgi forms at the head and creates enzymes that will become the acrosome
- Centrioles begin formation of AXONEME
- DNA becomes transcriptionally active
Describe what happens in the Cap/Acrosomal Phase of spermiogenesis.
- Golgi apparatus caps the condensed nucleus and becomes the acrosome
- Spermatid ROTATES 180 degress so that the acrosome points BASALLY and tail points toward the LUMEN
Describe what happens in the Tail Phase of spermiogenesis.
- ONE CENTRIOLE becomes the tail
- MANCHETTE forms temporarily to assist in elongation of the tail
- Mitochondria lineup along the base of the tail
Describe what happens in the Maturation Phase of spermiogenesis.
- Excess cytoplasm forms residual bodies
- RESIDUAL BODIES are phagocytosed by sertoli cells
What is the formation of the microtubules in the middle piece of a spermatozoa?
9 by 2
Where are the mitochondria located in a spermatozoa?
The Middle Piece
Describe the characteristics of Leydig Cells.
- Located in intertubular space
- Steroid Production (Testosterone and Estrogen)
- Well-Developed Smooth ER
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Tubulus Rectus (straight tubules).
- Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
- BASAL Tight Junctions between columnar epithelium in seminiferous tubules changes to APICAL tight junctions in the straight Tubules
- Will see Sertoli Cells
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Rete Testis.
- Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
- APICAL tight junctions
- Apical side of epithelium contains microvilli and a single cilium
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Efferent Ductiles of the Epididymis.
- Arise from Rete Testis and pierce the Tunica Albuginea
- SCALLOPED epithelial lumen
What at the two types of cells within the Efferent Ductules?
- Principal cells with microvilli
2. Ciliated Cells
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Epididymis.
- Extremely coiled
- Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium
- Circular and Longitudinal smooth muscle starts to form more proximally
What are the two types of cells within the Epididymis?
- Basal Cells (on the outside)
2. Principal cells with Sterocilia (Elongated and in the middle)
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Vas Deferens.
- Pseudostratified Columnar Stereo-Ciliated Epithelium
- Smooth Muscle Layers: Inner Longitudinal Layer, Middle Circular Layer, Outer Longitudinal Layer
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Seminal Vesicles.
- Folded Mucosa supported by Lamina Propria
- Simple Columnar to Pseudostratified Epithelium
- Smooth Muscle: OUTER Longitudinal M. and INNER Circular M.
- Secretes alkaline fluid that makes up ~75% of ejaculate (contains fructose, prostaglandins, and seminal coagulating proteins)
What is the largest gland in the male reproductive tract?
Prostate Gland
List the three types of glands that are found within the prostate gland. Which type of epithelium is going to line the glands?
- Periurethral Mucosal Glands
- Periurethral Submucosal Glands
- Peripheral Prostatic Glands (main)
Glands are line with Simple or Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium
When breaking the glands of the prostate down into peripheral and central glands, which abnormal clinical presentation is associated with the different areas?
Central (Periurethal Areas) - Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Peripheral (main) - Carinoma of the Prostate
Describe the histological Characteristics of the Bulbourethral Glands.
- Stratified Columnar Epithelium
- Tubuloalveolar Glands that secrete Mucus that is important for lubricating the spongy urethra prior to ejaculation
Which vessels supply and drain the erectile tissue in the Penis?
Supply: Deep and Dorsal aa. of the Penis
Drain: Deep and Superficial vv. of the Penis
