Male reproductive system

Question 1

Where is the tunica vaginalis located? How does it develop?

Answer 1

1. Most superficial layer of the testes

2. Develops as outpocketing of abdominal peritoneal cavity that precedes descent testes into scrotum

Question 2

Where is the tunica albuginea located? What is it’s structure?

Answer 2

1. Fibrous capsule of testes
2. Septal indentations of this divide testes into lobules
3. Each lobule contains 1-4 seminiferous tubules

Question 3

Where is the tubulus rectus located? What is it’s structure?

Answer 3

1. Straight tubule formed from convergence of seminiferous tubules
2. Merges with rete testis
   A. Small ducts connecting tubulus rectus to epididymis

Question 4

Where does spermatogenesis occur?

Answer 4

Seminiferous tubules

Question 5

Where is testosterone produced?

Answer 5

Leydig cells

Question 6

What is the function of the Sertoli cells?

Answer 6

1. Sertoli cells constitute the epithelium of the tubules

2. Produce inhibin

Question 7

Where do spermatocytes mature?

Answer 7

Differentiation of primary spermatocytes to sperm cells begins between the Sertoli cells and is completed in the epididymis.

Question 8

What is included in the head of the sperm?

Answer 8

Head contains chromatin + digestive enzymes

Question 9

What is included in the mid section of the sperm?

Answer 9

Mitochondria

Question 10

What is the responsibility of the tail of the sperm?

Answer 10

Movement

Question 11

What stimulates conversion of spermatids to sperm?

Answer 11

FSH

Question 12

Where is FSH and LH secreted?

Answer 12

Ant pit

Question 13

What is the function of LH in a male?

Answer 13

Stimulates secretion of testosterone from Leydig cells (interstitial cells) in testes

Question 14

What are the functions of testosterone?

Answer 14

1. Stimulates spermatogenesis & promotes maturation of sperm
2. Affects libido
3. Stimulates protein synthesis, blood cell formation, & muscle growth
4. Responsible for secondary sex characteristics
5. Maintains accessory glands & organs of male reproductive tract

Question 15

How is GnRH involved in the male repro system?

Answer 15

1. Produced in hypothalamus
2. Carried to ant pituitary via hypophyseal portal system
3. Secreted in 60-90 minute intervals
4. Since GnRH secretion is relatively steady over time, levels of FSH, LH, & testosterone remain within narrow range until later in life

Question 16

What is the function of inhibin?

Answer 16

Inhibin, along with testosterone, exerts negative feedback effects on the axis (inhibin specifically inhibits FSH secretion). FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone.