Male Reproductive Physiology Flashcards
What is contained in the seminiferous tubule?
Germ and Sertoli cells
What is the function of Sertoli cells?
Support the sperm-producing cells and produce inhibin
What do the interstitial cells of Leydig produce?
Testosterone
What is the difference between mitosis/meiosis in males and females?
Mitosis and meiosis in males continues throughout life and does not stop until puberty as it does in females
How many mature sperm cells are produced by one spermatogenesis cycle?
4
Where is GnRH released?
From the hypothalamus
Where are FSH and LH released?
From the pituitary
Where is testosterone released?
From the testes
What gives the first signal to the anterior pituitary to release gonadotrophins?
GnRH from the hypothalamus
What does FSH act on in males?
Sperm-producing cells - stimulates them to produce sperm
What does LH act on?
Interstitial cells of Leydig - stimulates them to produce testosterone
Sustentacular cells in the seminiferous tubules
What do androgens contribute to in males?
Secondary sex characteristics
What is the difference in positive feedback between males and females?
There is no positive feedback in males - sperm is continuously produced
What do Sertoli cells produce?
Inhibin
What act as negative feedback to the anterior pituitary to prevent excess sperm production?
Sertoli cells and testosterone
