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
When is spermatogenesis onset?
At puberty
How many days does a full cycle of production of sperm take?
60-75
How many days does the transport of sperm to the epididymis take?
10-14
How many sperm are present per ml of ejaculate?
15-100 million
Where does sperm maturation occur?
Epididymis
Why can an unhealthy lifestyle cause fertility problems?
Smoking/alcohol/drugs produces oxygen free radicals which negatively affect matured sperm
How does sperm travel to the urethra?
Through the vas deferens
What feature of sperm is designed to help burrow through the corona radiata and bona pellucida of the egg?
The acrosome
How does the acrosome aid fertilisation?
Sperm cap releases enzymes from the acrosome which help it to reach the egg and release its genetic material for fertilisation
What is the term for low sperm number?
Oligozoospermia
What is the term for no sperm in the ejaculate?
Azoospermia
What are the potential problems causing oligo/azoospermia?
Hormonal
Production
Transport
What are some hormonal problems that can cause oligo/azoospermia?
Pituitary
Brain
Stress
Weight change
What are some production problems that can cause oligo/azoospermia?
Testicular problems e.g. poorly formed, undescended, infection
Chemotherapy/radiotherapy
