Male Reproductive Physiology

Question 1

what are the 2 functions of the testes and where do they occur

Answer 1

Spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules and steroidogenesis in the interstitium

Question 2

What is the site of spermatogenesis

Answer 2

seminiferous tubules of the testes

Question 3

which surface of the seminiferous tubules contains mature spermatids

Answer 3

luminal surface (basal surface has immature spermatogonia

Question 4

Which somatic cells support spermatogenesis in the seminiferous epithelium

Answer 4

Sertoli cells- stretch from basal to apical membrane

Question 5

What are the functions of sertoli cells

Answer 5

Structural - scaffold for germ cells connected with adherens junction move germ cells from basal to apical
Protective - form blood testes barrier to create immunologically privileged site
Secretory - secrete fluid to form ST lumen and secrete androgen binding proteins
Phagocytic - absorb waste organelles from germ cells
Stimulatory- gap junctions allow molecule transfer between sertoli and germ cell
receiving and transmitting endocrine and paracrine signals - receptors for FSH, testosterone

Question 6

what is fixed about sertoli cells

Answer 6

the number of germ cells at different stages of maturation it supports

Question 7

do sertoli cells stop dividing if so when?

Answer 7

yes, at puberty

Question 8

What somatic cells exist in the testes interstitium

Answer 8

Leydig cells and supporting cells

Question 9

what hormone triggers male steroidogenesis in what cell

Answer 9

LH in the Leydig cell