Male Reproductive System Flashcards
what are the 3 layers that forms the capsule binding the testes?
- tunica vaginalis
- tunica albuginea
- tunica vasculosa
what is the structure of the tunica vaginalis?
flattened layer of mesothelial cells resting on basement membrane
what is the structure of the tunica albuginea?
- thick fibrous capsule
- collagen fibres
- some fibroblasts, myocytes and nerve fibres
what is the structure of the tunica vasculosa?
- thin
- loose connective tissue
- blood vessels and lymphatics
describe the path of spermatozoa
- seminiferous tubules (-> straight tubules)
- rete testis (-> efferent ducts -> epididymis)
- vas deferens
- ejaculatory duct (+ secretions from seminal vesicle)
- urethra (+ secretions from prostate)
what does the parenchyma contain?
~250 lobules each containing 1-4 seminiferous tubules
where are sertoli cells found?
seminiferous tubules
what are the types of spermatogonia?
Type A:
- AD
- AP
Type B
what are type AD spermatogonia?
- darkly staining
- stem cell population
- form further AD and AP cells
what are type AP spermatogonia?
- pale staining
- form type B cells
how do sertoli cells nurture surrounding germ cells?
send cytoplasmic projections
what is the shape of nuclei in sertoli cells?
- irregularly shaped
- folded
- prominent nucleolus
what are the functions of sertoli cells?
- supportive
- phagocytic
- secretory
what are the divisions of spermatozoa?
- head
- midpiece
- tail
which part of the spermatozoa contains the nucleus?
head
what does the head of spermatozoa contain?
- nucleus
- acrosomal cap
what is the function of the acrosomal cap and where is it found?
helps spermatozoon penetrate ovum
- head
what does the midpiece of spermatozoa contain?
- spiral mitochondria (wrapped around axoneme)
- axoneme
what is the function of the axoneme in spermatozoa and where is it found?
sperm motbility
- midpiece and tail
what does the tail of spermatozoa contain?
- axoneme
- plasma membrane
what is the function of leydig cells?
produce testosterone