MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Flashcards
1. Describe the anatomy of the male reproductive system 2. Describe the pathway of sperm from the epididymis to outside the body 3. Describe the Structure of the male reproductive accessory glands 4. Describe the structural organization of the penis as a copulatory organ
Describe the anatomy of the male reproductive system.
The male reproductive system includes the testes, scrotum, midline septum, tunica vaginalis, tunica albuginea, seminiferous tubules, dartos and cremaster muscles, Leydig cells, and blood supply.
Explain the pathway of sperm from the epididymis to outside the body.
Sperm travels from the seminiferous tubules to the tubulus rectus, then to the rete testes, followed by the efferent ductules, and finally to the epididymis before being ejaculated.
Describe what happens to the epididymis during ejaculation.
During ejaculation, the epididymis contracts to propel sperm into the vas deferens and subsequently out of the body.
Explain what happens to sperm that do not get ejaculated for a long period of time.
Sperm that are not ejaculated for an extended period are reabsorbed by the body or degenerate.
How long can sperm be stored in the epididymis?
Sperm can be stored in the epididymis for several weeks.
Describe the structure of the male reproductive accessory glands.
The male reproductive accessory glands include the seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct, prostate gland, and bulbourethral gland.
Explain the structural organization of the penis as a copulatory organ.
The penis consists of the root, shaft, and glans penis, and includes the foreskin (prepuce) and internal structures such as the spongy urethra and corpora erectile tissue.
Define the composition of semen.
Semen is composed of a transport medium, nutrients like fructose and citrate, chemicals such as prostaglandins and ATP, and has a pH of 7.2-7.6 to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina.
Describe the regulation of male reproductive function.
Male reproductive function is regulated by the testis, which produces germ cells and hormones, with seminiferous tubules containing Sertoli cells and intermediates of spermatogenesis, and Leydig cells synthesizing androgens like testosterone.
Differentiate the functions of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in the testes.
Sertoli cells support spermatogenesis and nourish developing sperm, while Leydig cells synthesize testosterone.
Explain the structural and functional differences between steroid hormones and amino acid-based hormones.
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol, lipid-soluble, and bind directly to DNA to regulate gene expression, leading to slower but longer-lasting effects. Amino acid-based hormones are water-soluble, act quickly, and bind to surface receptors.
Describe the synthesis pathway of testosterone from cholesterol.
Cholesterol is converted to progesterone, then to androstenedione, and finally to testosterone.
Explain the role of testosterone in the nervous system.
Testosterone maintains libido and can influence aggression.
List the gonadal actions of testosterone during puberty.
Testosterone promotes growth and maturation of gonads and accessory organs, and is essential for spermatogenesis.
Identify the somatic effects of testosterone during adolescence.
Testosterone contributes to adolescent growth spurts, growth of the larynx and vocal cords, secretion of sweat, and hair growth in various body areas.
What metabolic effects does testosterone have on the body?
Testosterone has anabolic effects, promoting hematopoiesis and increasing basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Describe the hypothalamus and pituitary regulation of steroidogenesis in males.
The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulating the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH, which regulate testosterone production and spermatogenesis.
What are gonadotropins and their significance in the anterior pituitary?
Gonadotropins are glycoproteins that are water-soluble, allowing them to bind to cell surface receptors and activate second messengers to regulate enzyme activity.
How does Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) affect Sertoli cells?
FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis, which requires testosterone.
What is the role of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in male reproductive physiology?
LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, which is crucial for male reproductive functions.
Describe the role of Leydig cells in testosterone production.
Leydig cells are stimulated to secrete testosterone, which is crucial for male reproductive functions.
Explain the function of inhibin in the male reproductive system.
Inhibin is released by Sertoli cells and specifically inhibits the secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
How does GnRH influence the secretion of FSH and LH?
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is secreted in a pulsatile manner by hypothalamic neurons and stimulates the secretion of both Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
Define the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis regulates testosterone production and secretion through a feedback mechanism involving GnRH, FSH, and LH.
