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Male reproductive system Flashcards

1
Q

What is the overall purpose of the male reproductive tract?

A

The main aim is to propagate the species by producing, maturing, storing, and delivering spermatozoa to the female reproductive system.

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2
Q

What processes are involved in sperm maturation and storage?

A

Sperm maturation occurs in the epididymis over about 30 days, while storage occurs in the epididymis and vas deferens for several months.

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3
Q

What are seminal and prostatic secretions, and why are they important?

A

These secretions mix with sperm to form semen, providing nutrients and facilitating sperm mobility and survival within the female reproductive tract.

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4
Q

Which structures are included in the male reproductive tract?

A

Key structures include the penis, scrotum, seminal vesicle, testis, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, bulbourethral gland, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.

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5
Q

What role does the cremaster muscle play?

A

The cremaster muscle helps raise and lower the testes to control temperature, protecting sperm development.

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6
Q

What is the function of the scrotum in the male reproductive system?

A

The scrotum holds and regulates the temperature of the testes, keeping them cooler than body temperature for optimal sperm production.

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7
Q

What divides the testis into lobules?

A

The septum divides the testis into lobules, each containing seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells.

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8
Q

What is the role of Leydig cells?

A

Leydig cells produce testosterone, which regulates spermatogenesis and influences secondary sexual characteristics.

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9
Q

What is contained within the seminiferous tubules?

A

Seminiferous tubules contain developing sperm cells, Sertoli cells, and peritubular myoid cells.

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10
Q

What cell types are found in the seminiferous tubules?

A

Cell types include Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa.

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11
Q

Why are peritubular myoid cells important in the seminiferous tubules?

A

Peritubular myoid cells provide structural support and assist in the transport of spermatozoa through gentle contractions.

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11
Q

What function do Sertoli cells perform?

A

Sertoli cells support, nourish, and protect developing sperm and form the blood-testis barrier.

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12
Q

What is the function of tight junctions in Sertoli cells?

A

Tight junctions between Sertoli cells create the blood-testis barrier, which protects developing sperm from immune responses.

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13
Q

What is the purpose of the basement membrane in the seminiferous tubules?

A

The basement membrane supports the structure of the seminiferous epithelium, where spermatogenesis occurs.

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14
Q

Name the four types of spermatogenic cells found in the seminiferous tubules.

A

Spermatogenic cells include spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa.

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15
Q

What two compartments are created by the blood-testis barrier?

A

The blood-testis barrier creates a basal compartment and an adluminal compartment, isolating certain stages of sperm cells.

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16
Q

Why is the blood-testis barrier considered an “immunologically privileged” site?

A

It prevents immune cells from attacking sperm cells, which could be recognized as foreign by the body.

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16
Q

What types of cells are located in the basal compartment?

A

The basal compartment contains Type B spermatogonia and early primary spermatocytes.

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17
Q

What process takes place during spermatocytogenesis?

A

During spermatocytogenesis, spermatogonia divide by mitosis to form primary spermatocytes.

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18
Q

What are the three main phases of spermatogenesis?

A

Spermatogenesis includes spermatocytogenesis (mitosis), the spermatocyte phase (meiosis), and spermiogenesis (maturation).

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19
Q

How long does spermatogenesis take from start to finish?

A

Spermatogenesis takes approximately 70 to 80 days.

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20
Q

What is the role of primary spermatocytes in spermatogenesis?

A

Primary spermatocytes undergo Meiosis I to produce secondary spermatocytes.

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21
Q

What happens to secondary spermatocytes in Meiosis II?

A

Secondary spermatocytes divide in Meiosis II to form haploid spermatids.

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22
Q

Where in the seminiferous tubule does the spermatocyte phase occur?

A

The spermatocyte phase occurs in the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules.

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23
What significant structure forms during the Golgi phase of spermiogenesis?
The acrosomal vesicle forms from Golgi enzymes, which will become the acrosome on the sperm head.
24
Why is the acrosome important?
The acrosome contains enzymes essential for penetrating the egg during fertilization.
25
Where is the acrosomal vesicle located in the developing spermatid?
The acrosomal vesicle forms near the nucleus in the spermatid.
26
What physical change occurs in the nucleus during the maturation phase?
The nucleus condenses, making the sperm head more compact.
27
What happens to excess cytoplasm during spermiogenesis?
Excess cytoplasm is shed and later phagocytosed by Sertoli cells.
28
What structure provides energy for sperm motility?
Mitochondria migrate to the midpiece, providing energy for the flagellum.
29
What hormones are produced by Leydig cells?
Leydig cells produce testosterone, a hormone essential for male secondary sexual characteristics and spermatogenesis.
30
What is a characteristic feature of Leydig cells?
Leydig cells have large, pale vesicular nuclei and granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, typical of steroid-producing cells.
31
Where are Leydig cells located in the testis?
Leydig cells are located in the interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules.
32
How does chemotherapy affect spermatogenesis?
Chemotherapy damages mitotic and meiotic spermatocytes, leading to a temporary or permanent loss of sperm production.
33
Why are Sertoli cells not affected by chemotherapy?
Sertoli cells are post-mitotic after puberty, so they are not susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy.
34
Can spermatogonia recover after chemotherapy?
Dormant spermatogonia, which cycle slowly, may allow recovery of spermatogenesis after chemotherapy.
35
What is the main function of the epididymis?
The epididymis matures and stores sperm, granting them forward motility in the tail region.
36
Describe the epithelial lining of the epididymis.
The epididymis is lined with tall pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia, which aids in absorption.
37
What is required for the epididymis to function properly?
Testosterone is essential for the proper function and maintenance of the epididymis.
38
What type of epithelium lines the vas deferens?
The vas deferens is lined with stereociliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
38
What surgical procedure involves cutting the vas deferens?
A vasectomy, which cuts and seals the vas deferens to prevent sperm from being ejaculated.
39
What role does the vas deferens play in ejaculation?
The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra during ejaculation.
40
How do prostate secretions contribute to fertilization?
Prostate secretions contain enzymes like PSA that liquefy coagulated semen, helping sperm move more freely in the female reproductive tract.
40
What are the three main accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
The three main accessory glands are the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands.
41
What is the main function of seminal vesicle secretions?
Seminal vesicles secrete fructose (energy source), prostaglandins (stimulate muscle contractions), and fibrinogen (coagulation of semen).
42
What percentage of semen volume is contributed by the seminal vesicles?
The seminal vesicles contribute approximately 60% of semen volume.
43
What substances are found in seminal vesicle secretions, and what are their roles?
Seminal vesicle secretions include fructose (for energy), prostaglandins (to stimulate muscular contractions), and fibrinogen (to coagulate semen).
44
What is the primary function of bulbourethral gland secretions?
Bulbourethral gland secretions contain galactose and sialic acid, providing lubrication for the urethra during ejaculation.
45
What role does the prostate play in semen composition?
The prostate adds approximately 30% of semen volume, containing proteolytic enzymes, PSA, and fibrinolysin, which liquefy coagulated semen.
46
Why are proteolytic enzymes in prostate secretions important?
Proteolytic enzymes help to liquefy semen after ejaculation, enabling sperm motility in the female reproductive tract.
47
What type of epithelium lines the seminal vesicles?
The seminal vesicles are lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with short basal cells and low columnar cells.
48
What are the different zones of the prostate, and how are they organized?
The prostate has a mucosal zone with simple tubular glands, a submucosal zone with branched glands, and a main zone with compound branched glands.
49
What is the capsule surrounding the prostate composed of?
The prostate is surrounded by a fibromuscular capsule that provides structure and supports glandular tissue.
50
How many compound tubuloacinar glands are in the prostate?
The prostate contains 30 to 50 compound tubuloacinar glands.
51
What is the corpora amylacea, and where is it found?
Corpora amylacea are prostatic concretions found in the glandular lumens of the prostate, increasing with age.
52
How does the activity level of prostatic epithelium affect corpora amylacea formation?
Increased secretory activity in the prostatic epithelium correlates with a higher presence of corpora amylacea.
53
What does a high presence of corpora amylacea indicate about prostate activity?
A high presence suggests increased or prolonged secretory activity within the prostate.
54
What are the three main columns of erectile tissue in the penis?
The penis contains two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum, which surrounds the urethra.
55
What is the role of the tunica albuginea in the penis?
The tunica albuginea is a fibrous sheath that surrounds and protects the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.
56
What structure runs through the corpus spongiosum?
The urethra runs through the corpus spongiosum, allowing passage of urine and semen.
57
What is the primary artery supplying blood to the erectile tissue?
The deep artery of the penis supplies blood to the erectile tissue.
58
What type of vessel regulates blood flow into the corpora cavernosa during an erection?
The spiral arteries within the corpora cavernosa regulate blood flow, dilating during erection.
59
Which vein is responsible for blood drainage from the penis?
The superficial dorsal vein drains blood from the penis after an erection subsides.
60
What sensory structure provides sexual sensation in the penis?
The glans penis is a primary sensory organ that provides sexual sensation.
61
Which nerve provides the main tactile sensory input to the penis?
The dorsal nerve, a branch of the pudendal nerve, supplies tactile sensory input.
62
How can mild infections in the penis lead to continuous sexual desire?
Mild infections can cause inflammation, which may irritate sensory nerves and lead to increased or continuous sexual arousal.
63
What nerve is responsible for somatic control during ejaculation?
The pudendal nerve controls contractions of skeletal muscle at the base of the penis, leading to ejaculation.
63
How is an erection initiated on a neurovascular level?
Parasympathetic signals from the sacral spinal cord release nitric oxide, causing dilation of penile arteries and leading to engorgement of erectile tissue.
64
What role does the sympathetic nervous system play in ejaculation?
Sympathetic signals from the lumbar spine trigger contractions of smooth muscle in reproductive ducts, aiding in semen emission.
65
What causes the transition from a flaccid to an erect state in the penis?
Parasympathetically induced vasodilation of penile arterioles leads to the engorgement of erectile tissue.
66
How does lubrication occur in the male sexual response?
Parasympathetic stimulation increases secretion from the bulbourethral and urethral glands, providing lubrication.
67
What hormone does the hypothalamus release to regulate spermatogenesis?
The hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH).
67
What mechanism triggers the expulsion of semen from the penis?
Somatic stimulation causes contraction of muscles at the base of the penis, forcefully expelling semen.
68
Which anterior pituitary hormones are involved in spermatogenesis?
The anterior pituitary releases Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which regulate testosterone and spermatogenesis.
69
What role does testosterone play in spermatogenesis?
Testosterone, produced by Leydig cells, stimulates spermatogenesis and supports Sertoli cell function.
70
What receptors are expressed by Sertoli cells?
Sertoli cells express receptors for testosterone and FSH, enabling hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis.
71
What is Androgen-Binding Protein (ABP), and what is its role?
ABP is produced by Sertoli cells to concentrate testosterone in the seminiferous tubules, essential for spermatogenesis.
72
What is cryptorchidism, and how does it affect fertility?
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis, leads to impaired spermatogenesis because sperm development requires lower temperatures than body temperature.
72
How do Sertoli cells contribute to embryonic development?
Sertoli cells produce Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which suppresses Müllerian duct development in male embryos.
73
How does Klinefelter’s syndrome affect male fertility?
Klinefelter’s syndrome (47,XXY) results in low testosterone and high estrogen levels, which can impair spermatogenesis and reduce fertility.
74
Why does chemotherapy cause infertility in males?
Chemotherapy damages mitotic and meiotic spermatogenic cells, affecting sperm production but usually sparing Sertoli cells and some dormant spermatogonia.
75
What is the optimal temperature for spermatogenesis, and why?
Spermatogenesis requires temperatures of 34-35°C, as higher temperatures inhibit sperm development.
76
How does cryptorchidism lead to infertility?
By preventing the testis from reaching the scrotum, cryptorchidism keeps it at body temperature, which is too high for sperm production, causing germ cell death.
76
What happens to germ cells in an undescended testis over time?
In an undescended testis, all germ cells are eventually destroyed, leaving only Sertoli cells and leading to infertility.
77
What is Kartagener’s syndrome, and how does it affect male fertility?
Kartagener’s syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by immotile cilia due to defects in ciliary structure. In males, this leads to infertility because the sperm's flagella are also affected, preventing effective sperm motility.

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