Male reproductive histology Flashcards
What two cell types line the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules?
Sertoli cells - that support, nourish, and regulate the activity of spermatogenic cells
Spermatogenic cells - various stages of development
What controls the rate of spermatozoa formation and development?
Testosterone secreted by the interstitial cells found outside the tubule
Describe the stages of spermatogenesis in order
Spermatogenic progenitor cell –> mitosis –> primary spermatocytes –> meiosis I –> secondary spermatocytes –> meiosis II –> spermatids
What are the parts of a sperm?
Head - nucleus and acrosome
Midpiece - mitochondria
Tail - flagellum
What are the tubuli recti?
Short straight ducts that connect the end of each seminiferous tubule to the rete testis
Spermatozoa produced in the seminiferous tubules pass into the tubuli recti
What is the rete testis?
Network of labyrinthine spaces located within the mediastinum testis
Describe the efferent ductules
Connect the rete testis to the epididymis
Lines with nonciliated cuboidal epithelium with areas of ciliated simple columnar epithelium
What occurs to sperm in the epididymis?
Become mobile and mature
Lined with pseudostratified epithelium that is surrounded by smooth muscle
What occurs to the ductus deferens just before it enters the prostate?
Expands to form an ampulla, which joins with the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct
What are the three layers of the muscular wall of the ductus deferens?
Inner longitudinal
Middle Circular
Outer longitudinal
What is the function of the seminal vesicles?
Secretes fructose for energy to allow sperm to swim the long distances required to meet the egg for fertilization
Prostaglandins, fructose, fibrinogen
What is the prostate gland?
Dense gland consisting of 30-50 tubuloacinar glands in a fibromuscular stroma
Secretes variety of enzymes
What are the bulbourethral glands?
Two small glands located below the prostate
Provides lubrication of the penile urethra prior to ejaculation
What are the three parts of the male urethra?
Prostatic
Membranous - shortest
Penile (spongy)
What are the corpora cavernosa?
Two dorsal cylinders of erectiel tissue
Each has a thick tunica albuginea
Proximal modification known as crura
