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Male Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

the male reproductive system consists of:

A
  1. paired testes
  2. excurrent ducts
  3. accessory sex glands
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2
Q

what are the functions of the testes?

A
  • to produce:
    1. male gametes (spermatozoa)
    2. androgens
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3
Q

what are the major components of the testis and what do they consist of?

A
  • capsule covering - projects inwards creating lobules
  • tunica albuginea (outer layer): dense CT
    • medstinum testis: a posterior thickening of the tunica albuginea
      • vasculature + lymph + rete testis
  • tunica vasculosa (inner layer): loose CT + extensive vasculature
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4
Q

what is the tunica albuginea and what is it made of?

A

outer layer of testes

dense CT

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5
Q

what is the tunica vasculosa and what is it made of?

A

inner layer of testes

loose CT + vasculature

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6
Q

whta is the mediastinum testis and what is it made of?

A

a posterior thickening of the tunica albuginea (outer testes layer)

contains lymph + vessels + RETE TESTIS

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7
Q

what are seminiferous tubules?

where are they found?

what other structures are they continuous/associated with?

A
  • highly coiled structures found in testical lobules (1-4 per lobule)
  • associations:
    • straight tubules are short straight continuations of the tubules that then empty into the rete testis (in mediastinum testis)
    • testicular intersistium is loose CT that exists in the space between the tubujles
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8
Q

the testicular intersisitium

  • is located where?
  • composed of what?
A
  • located in the spaces between seminiferous tubules
  • made of LOOSE CT + LEYDIG CELLS
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9
Q

leydig cells

  • have what characteristics?
  • serve what purpose?
  • are regulated how?
A
  • have same distinguishing features of other steroid producing cells (ex: adrenal cortex cells)
    • well-developed SER
    • mitochondria with tubular cristae
    • lipid droplets
  • primary purpose = production of testosterone
  • under regulation (+) of leutizing hormone (LH) made by gonadotrophs (basophils in adenohypophysis)
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10
Q

what simulates production of testostone?

where is this testosterone directed?

A
  • by LH (gonadotrophs) onto leydig cells (tubular interstitium)
  • secreted into seminiferous tubules
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11
Q

seminiferous tubules are surrounded by what linings?

A
  1. seminiferous epitheium: sertoli + spermatogenic cells
  2. lamina propria (tunica propria)
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12
Q

what two cell types comprise the “true” seminiferous tubule epithelium?

A
  1. sertoli cells
  2. support
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13
Q

discuss the orientation, structure & associations of the sertoli cells in the seminiferous epithelium and why this is important?

A
  • they span the entire length - base to apex - of the epithelium
  • their an enormous surface area that allows them to interact with an influence the development of adjacent developing germ cells
  • connected to 1. other sertoli cells & 2. germ cells with specialized occluding junctions
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14
Q

what are the cellular characteristics of sertoli cells?

A
  • euchromatic nucleus
  • well developed cytoskeleton
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15
Q

what are the roles sertoli cells have with respect to developing germ cells?

A

sertoli cells

  1. nourish germ cells with fructose
  2. aid germ cell differentiation (spermagonium –> early spermatids)
  3. move germs cells across the epithelium from basal to the adluminal compartment as they become more differentiated
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16
Q

what is the role of the sertoli cells with respect to the seminiferous epitheium & how do they accomplish this?

A

provide structural support for the seminiferous epithelium by virtue of their well developed cytoskeleton

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17
Q

what key “compartments” do sertoli cells create and how what permits them do tis?

A

permitted by specialized occluding junctions.

  1. adluminal vs basal compartments of pithelium:
    • formed by sertoli-germ cell and _sertoli-sertol_i cells junctions
  2. seminiferous tubule lumen vs blood + lymph compartment:
    • formed by the blood-testes barrier, which is sertoli-sertoli cell junctions
      • since the tubular lumen is isolated from circulation , it is an “immunologically priviledged site” (has limited immunological protection)
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18
Q

what part of the testes are immunologically priviledged and why is this the case?

A

the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.

this is due to the blood-testes barrier formed by sertoli-sertoli cell junctions in the seminiferous epithelium

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19
Q

what might happen if the blood-testes barrier is impaired?

A

since immune cells in the blood are never exposed to the contents of the seminiferous tubules, they recognize germ cells (spermatazoa) as foreign. is the barrier is breached, immune cells may attack the spermatazoa

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20
Q

what important secretions do sertoli cell produce? breifly, what is the role of these secretions?

A
  1. androgen binding protein (ABP) - binds/maintains [] of testosterone
  2. inhibin - inhibits production of FSH
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21
Q

adrogen binding protein (ABP)

  • is produced by what cells?
  • under what regulation?
  • has what actions?
A
  • sertoli cells
  • under + control by FSH (from gonoadtrophs in ant pit)
  • serve to bind testosterone (made by l_eydig cells_ in the testicular interstitium) to maintain its [] in the seminiferous tubule lumen
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22
Q

inhibin

  • is produced by what cells?
  • under what regulation?
  • and has what purpose?
A
  • by sertoli cells
  • secreted in response to excess FSH (from gonadotrophs)
  • inhibits further secretion of FSH - negative feedback
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23
Q

sertoli cells phagocytize what material

A
  • residual bodies
  • degenerated germ cells?
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24
Q

summarize the roles of sertoli cells

A
  • germ cell roles: aid in 1. nourishment 2. differentiation 3. movement to lumen
  • epithlelial roles: support its structure with cytoskeleton
  • endocrine (secretory) roles: produce 1. ABP and 2. inhibin
  • form barries: adluminal vs basal compartment, blood testes barries
  • phagocytize residual bodies & degenerated germ cells
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25
describe the _orientation_ / _interactions_ / _structure_ of **spermatogenic germ cells** in the seminiferous epithelium
* are distributed into **poorly defined layers** throughout the seminiferous epithelium * leat mature phases (spermatogonial) = in basal compartment * most mature phases (spermatid) = inadluminal compartment * adjacent to epithelial-wide **sertoli cells**
26
spermatagonial germ cells * are in what phase of development? * around found where in the seminferous epithelium? * are undergoing what changes? * describe their nuclei.
* the **most immature** of the germ cells * in the **basal compartment** of the epithelium * these cells are underoing **mitotic division** to "clone" themselves for ultimate differentiation * have _round / oval_ nuclei
27
primary spermatocytes * are derived from? * undergo what changes? * describe their nucleus
* from type B spermatogonia * undergo meiosis I and are arrested at Prophase I. * round nuclei
28
secondary spermatocytes * are derived from? * undergo what changes? * describe their nuclei?
* derived from primary spermatocytes frozen at Prophase I * exist very briefly, as they enter and complete Meisosis II right away * round nuclei
29
spermatids * are derived from? * undergo what changes? * are located where in the seminferous epithelium?
* derived from secondary spermatocytes as soon as they complete Meiosis II (_are thus haploid_**)** * undergo **significant cell remodeling** (to become mature sperm) * nuclei * early spermatids: round nucleus * late spermatids: elongated, flattened nuclei
30
the mature sperm has what general components?
1. head 2. neck 3. tail
31
describe the **head** of the sperm
* the head * **is covered by the acrosome:** a _lysosome-lik_e organelle containing digestive enzymes * **contains the nucleus**
32
describe the **neck** of the of the sperm
**contains the centrioles**
33
describe the **tail** of the sperm
1. contains the **axoneme** 2. consists of 3 segments * _middle piece_: contain**s spiral **_m_**itchondria** + **dense fibers** around axoneme * _principle piece:_ contains **dense fibers** around the axoneme * _end piece:_ just contains the axoneme
34
where is the acrosome and what its purpose?
* covers the head of the mature sperm * is a lysosome-like organ that secretes enzymes to digest the _zona pellicuda_ of the ovum during fertilization
35
which parts of the sperm contain the spiral mitochondria? what else does this segment contain?
* the middle piece of the tail - the spiral mitochondrias are wrapped around outer dense fibers wrapped around the axoneme
36
what part of the sperm tail does not contain outer dense fibers?
the end piece (only contains axoneme)
37
- what is the longest part of the sperm tail?
the prinicple piece
38
- what is the longest part of the sperm tail?
the prinicple piece
39
at what temperature does spermatogenesis occur? what maintains this temperature?
* at 35 degrees * maintained by the pampiniform plexus
40
where are how do mature sperm travel after they are formed?
seminferous tubule lumen --\> straight tubules --\> rete testis
41
what is cryptochidism and what can it lead to?
when the testes dont descent from the posterior abdominal wall into the scrotum scrotum not maintained at 35 degrees, and **spermatogenesis can be inhibited**
42
what is the epithelial lining of the 1. straight tubules? 2. rete testis?
1. straight tubules: sertoli cells (proximally) + simple cuboidal (distally) 2. rete testis: simple cuboidal epithelium
43
where are the rete testis located? what is the epithelial lining?
* within the **medistinum testis** (posterior thickening of the tunica albuginea) * lined by **simple cuboidal epithelium**
44
the **extracurrent genital ducts** consist of what structures? what is their primary role?
* ductus efferentes (efferent ducts) * ductus epididymidis * ductus (vas) deferens primary role: delivery sperm from the testis to the urethra
45
where is the epidydmis located anatomically?
along the superior and posterior surfaces of the testis
46
what are the major components that make up the epididymis?
* head: _efferent ductules_ + beginning of ductus epididymis * body: ductus epididymis * tail: ductus epididymis
47
at what developmental stage do spermatogenic germ cells become haploid?
early spermatids (formed from second meiotic division)
48
which spermatogonial germ cell have a enlongated & flattened nucleis?
late spermatids
49
ductus efferentes * connect what structures? * has what associations? * has what epithelial lining?
* connect the rete testis (in mediatinum) to the ductus epidymis * comprise a lot of the _head_ of the epididymis * lining: **low psuedostratified columnar** (ciliated + non-ciliated) * taller ciliated cells create "saw-tooth appearance) * *have smooth muscle layer terminally*
50
ductus epididymis * connects what structures? * has what associations? * is lined with what epitheilium?
* connects the ductus efferents to the ductus (vas) deferens * cells: * epithelial lining: **psuedostratfiied columnar epithelium** with _STEROCILIA_ * **​**sterocilia = increase surface area * principle cells:produce secretions that aid in *_maturation of sperms_* * wall contains smooth muscle & CT
51
how does the **linings** of the ductus epididymis change distally?
1. mucosa * epithelium: * cells (psueodstratified columnar) become taler * steriocilia become longer 2. smooth muscle: wall thickens (**is 3 layers at epididmyis tail**)
52
the ductus deferens * connects what two structures? * is covered with what epithelial lining
* connects the ductus pididymis to the prostatic urethra * **psuedostratified columnar epithelium** with STEREOCILIA
53
what are the layers that cover the ductus deferens?
1. **mucosa: deep, longitudinal folds** * psuedostratified columnar epithelium * thick lamina propria 2. muscularis - very thick (made of 3 layers) * inner longitudinal * middle circular * outer longitudinal 3. adventitia - CT + vessels
54
what is the ampulla?
the distal **dilation** of the **ductus (vas) deferens**
55
how is the ampulla similar/different than the rest of the ductus deferens?
* like all of the deferens - has very _highly folded epithelium_ * unlike the rest of the deferens - has a _very thin muscular coat_
56
what other structures does the ampulla _interact with / become_ ?
each ampulla **joins** with a **seminal vesicle** to form **an ejaculatory duct.** each ejactulatory duct enters the **prostate** to feed into the **prostatic urethra**
57
where in the male reproductive tract are principle cells found? what is their role?
in the ductus epididmyis secrete fuid into the lumen that **aid in maturation of sperm**
58
discuss how the smooth muscle compisition of the excurrent genital tracts * where in the tract does smooth muscle first appear? * where in the tract does the smooth muscle become three layers? * where in the tract does smooth muscle thin after being trilaminar?
* first appears: in the _terminal_ **ductus efferents** * becomes trilaminar: in the _distal_ **ductus epididymis** * thins again in the **ampulla** of the ductus deferens
59
where in the excurrent genital ducts do sperm become motile?
ductus epididymis
60
describe the epithelium of the extracurrent genital tracts. how does it differ in each segment of the tract?
in all parts - psueudostratified columnar ductus efferents: **ciliated & non-ciliated** ("saw-toothe") ductus epididmyis: **stereocilia** - *increases surface area* ductus deferens: **stereocilia**
61
what part of the excurrent genital ducts has mucosa with **deep longitudinal folds**?
the ductus deferens
62
seminal vesicles * empty into what structure? * are regulated how?
* ejaculatory ducts * regulated by testosterone
63
what are the layers that surround the seminal vesicles?
1. mucosa * epithelium - are secretory * lamina propria - elastic 2. muscularis 3. fibrous coat
64
describe the cells that make up the epithelium of the seminal vesicles what are their characteristics / role?
* these cells contain **secretory granules** that produce * _sperm activating substances_ (energy for sperm) * **carbohydrates (fructose)** * **prostaglandins** * proteins * under the regulation of testosterone
65
describe the lamina propria of the seminal vesicles
elastic rich
66
what is the unique role fo the muscularis of the seminal vesicles?
contracts during ejaculation
67
discuss the general structure of the prostate gland
* a surrounding **fibrocollagenous capsule** projects inward to create lobules * lobules contain **stroma:** fibroblast + collagen + smooth mscle * _embedded_ in the stroma are **branched tubuloalveolar glands**
68
the prostate is divided into what clinical zones? what is the significance of these zones?
1. the transitional zone * associated w/ _anterior_ & _middle_ lobes anatomically * surroundes the **prostatic urethra** * m/c site of BPH 2. the peripheral zone * associated with _posterior_ & _lateral_ lobes anatomically * contains the **main prostatic glands** * m/c site of prostate cancer
69
what types of gland comprise the prostate? what do these glands contain?
* tuboalveolar * **contain corpora amylaea:** * spherical concentretions of _glycoproteins_
70
what does the prostate secrete?
acid phosphotase citric acid fibrinolysin
71
what does the integrity of the prostatic epithelium rely on?
testosterone
72
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) * effects what part of the prostate? * has what pathogenesis? * has what clinical consequences?
* effects the **transitional zone** * i.e., the portion surrounding the _prostatic urethra_ * due to proliferation of the fibromuscular stroma encasing the glands * compression of urethra --\> micturician difficulties / urine retention
73
prostate cancer * effects what part of the prostate * pathogenesis * has what clinical manifestations
* the **peripheral zone** * originates in the **main prostate glands** * usually are adenocarcinomas
74
bulbourethral glands * what kind of glands? * produce what secretions and serve what purpose?
* **compound tubuloalveolar glands** * produce **mucus** that they secrete into the **penile urethra (spongy urethra)** to lubricate semen
75
what structures empty into the * prostatic urethra? * penile (spongy) urethra?
* prostatic urethra: the ejaculatory ducts (distal ductus deferens) * penile urethra: bulbourethra glands
76
testosterone: * produced by what cells? under what regulation? * bound/maintained by what molecules? * regulates what tissues?
* produced by * **leydig cells** - in testicular interstitium * under regulation by LH (from gonadtrophes) * _bound by ABP, from_ * **sertoli cells** - in seminiferous epithelium * under regualation of FSH (from gonadotrophes) * _act on seminal vesicles and prostate:_ * _​_seminal vesicles: stimulate * **secretory ganule** containing to cells to release **carbohydrates (fructose) / prostaglandins** into ejaculatory ducts * prostate: * maintenace of epithelial integrity
77
the penis is composed of what kind of tissue?
erectile tissue
78
discuss the general structure of the penis
* covered with **tunica albuginea** - fibroelastic sheath * constructed of two columns: * _corpus cavernosa:_ paired, **dorsal** cylindars * _corpus spongiosum_: narrow, **ventral** cylindar
79
what are characteristics of both the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum?
contain have **vascular spaces** surrounded by thin smooth muscle layers
80
what are the unique features of the coropus spongiosum?
1. contains the spongy (penile) urethra, which * contains mucus secreting **glands of Littre** * is _lined with:_ * pseudostratified columnar epithelium (mostly) + * non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium (distally - at **glans penis**)
81
what is the glans penis and what is it lined with?
a distal expansion of the spongy urethra lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
82
what kind of skin covers the penis?
loose subcutis
83
what is the **prepuce** and what is it made of and lined with?
is an **overlap of penile skin** that normally covers the **glans penis.** * rich in elastic fibers * inner lining = NKSS
84
which vasculature supplies the erectile tissue of the penis? what are the properties of this vasculature?
* the helical arteries * are _spiral_ in flaccid penis then become _straighten & dilate_ during erection
85
outline the hormonal regulation of the male reproductive system incuding 1. what endocrine glands / cells are involved 2. what hormones are produced 3. what tissues are acted upon
* hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) * GnRH then acts on the gonadtrophes in the ant pituitary to induce release of * LH - acts on: * LEYDIG CELLS ==\> * **testosterone** 1. _seminal vesicle_ epithelial cells: produce of carbohydrates / prostglandins 2. maintenance of prostatic epethlium 3. inhibits production of: * GnRH (hypothalamus) * LH (ant pit) * FSH - acts on * SERTOLI CELLS ==\> * **androgen binding proteins (ABP)** - maintain seminiferous tubule luminal testosterone * **inhibin** - **​**inhibits production of FSH

Histology II (2 decks)

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