Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Where do you find sertoli (sustentacular) cells
Seminiferous tubules
Sertoli (sustentacular) cells function
Nourish spermatocytes, spermatids, sperm
Phagocytize excess spermatid cytoplasm
Control spermatogenic cell movements
Release sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules
Produce fluid for sperm transport
Secrete hormone inhibin
Regulate the effects of testosterone and FSH
Primary organs
Testes and ducal system (epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra)
Accessory organs
Prostate, seminal vesicles, cowper’s gland, penis, scrotum
Structures of seminiferous tubules and its functions
Seminiferous tubules constrain two types of cells: spermatogenic cells and sustentacular cells or sertoli cells
Spermatogenic cells are the sperm-producing cells (spermatogonia are stem cells)
By the process of spermatogenesis, sperm cells are spermatozoa are formed
Sustentacular cells are large cells that assist in spermatogenesis by supporting and protecting developing spermatogonia
Where the Leydig’s (interstitial) cells found and what are is its function?
Found in the interstitium within seminiferous tubules
Function is to produce testosterone and other androgens
List the path that sperm takes from the seminiferous tubules to the urethra
Seminiferous tubules-epididymis-vas deferens -ejacultory duct-urethra
Epididymis and its function
Highly coiled c or comma shaped tubules that store sperm and site of speed maturation
Penis anatomy
Corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum
Most common cancer in men between ages 20-35 and over 50 years of age
20-30: testicular cancer
Over 50: prostate cancer
What structures constitute the spermatic cord?
Testicular artery
Pampiniform plexus (veins draining the testes)
Autonomic nerves
Lymphatic vessels
Ductus (vas) deferens
Cremaster muscle
