Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Function of the testes
Produces spermatazoa
What is the epididymis?
A single tightly coiled duct where the seminiferous tubules drain
Found on the superior dorsolateral surface of each testis
What is the vas deferens?
Single uncoiled tube that carries spermatazoa from inferior pole of epididymis to the urethra, via the spermatic cord
What surrounds the testis and epididymis?
Tunica vaginalis (double layer of serous membrane) and 3 facial layers: Internal spermatic fascia (from transversalis fascia) Cremaster muscle and fascia (from internal oblique and transversus abdominis) External spermatic fascia (from external oblique aponeurosis)
What is the cremaster muscle and fascia derived from?
Internal oblique and transversus abdominis
Action and innervation of cremaster muscle
Elevation of the testes when you stroke medial aspect of thigh
Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve (L1, L2)
What does the cremasteric reflex show?
Hyperactivity-> undescended testes
No reflex-> damage to L1/L2 spinal level
Where do the testicular arteries arise?
L from abdominal aorta
R from right renal artery
What do the veins in the scrotum form?
A convoluted pampiniform plexus
Where do the testicular veins drain?
L into renal vein, R into IVC
Where do the sympathetics of the testes originate?
T10, therefore referred pain is to the umbilical region
What is a scrotum?
Sack of skin with a thin septum, each side containing a testis and its associated structures
What muscle is found in the scrotum?
Dartos muscle, makes them wrinkly when cold (like nipples), sympathetic innervation
What is the dartos muscle?
Muscle found in the superficial fascia of the scrotum, makes skin wrinkly when cold
What is a hydrocele?
Collection of fluid in the tunica vaginalis. Painless enlarged scrotum that is smaller softer when lying down
What is a varicocele?
Enlargement of the pampiniform plexus of veins
‘Bag of worms’
Treatment of a varicocele?
Surgical varicocelectomy
Non surgical catheter into vein in upper thigh
Presentation of torsion of the testis?
Severe sudden pain after playing sport in teenage boy. Acute swelling.
Treatment for torsion of the testis?
Manual rotation
Orchidopexy
Removal if severely necrotic
Where do you find the vas deferens in the pelvic cavity?
Medial to the ureters, passes over external iliac vessels
Where are you likely to find calcified vas deferens?
In diabetic patients
What structures produce components of semen?
Seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands all add to the spermatazoa from the testes
What arteries supply the prostate?
Prostatic arteries derived from the inferior vesicle, middle rectal and pudendal branches of the internal iliac
What are the two parts of the prostate?
Fibromuscular part and glandular part
Where are the bulbourethral glands found?
Small paired glands that lie inferior to the prostate
What do the bulbourethral glands produce?
A mucus substance, prior to ejaculation, that neutralises and residual urine in the urethra and lubricates the glands penis
Name the parts of the male urethra
Prostatic, membranous and penile
Which autonomic nerves supply ejaculation and erection?
Ejaculation= sympathetic Erection= parasympathetic (point and shoot)
Which artery supplies the ductus deferens and bladder?
Superior vesical artery
What artery supplies the bladder, prostate and the seminal vesicles
Inferior vesical arteries
What artery supplies the iliacus and psoas major?
Iliolumbar artery
What artery leaves the pelvic cavity just above the piriformis?
Superior gluteal artery
Describe the course of the internal pudendal artery
Leaves pelvis through greater sciatic foramen, enters perineum through lesser sciatic foramen
Where does lymph from the testis and epididymis drain to?
Par-aortic lymph nodes near the origin of the testicular and renal arteries
Where does lymph from the scrotum drain to?
Superficial inguinal nodes
Where does lymph from the seminal vesicles, prostate and vas deferens drain?
Internal iliac lymph nodes
What is the rectum related to?
Base of the bladder, seminal vesicles, prostate, terminal parts of the ducti deferens and the ureters
What is another name for foreskin?
Prepuce
What is found if you retract the prepuce of the penis?
You can see the frenulum on the ventral surface at junction between glans and body of penis
Describe the erectile tissue of the penis
2 x corpora cavernosum
Network of endothelial lined blood spaces, separated by trabeculae of fibrous tissue and smooth muscle
Which arteries supply the erectile tissue of the penis?
Deep arteries of the penis (from internal pudendal artery)
Some are spiral arteries that are coiled in flaccid state
What happens in the penis with parasympathetic stimulation?
Muscle fibres of the trabeculae in the corpus cavernosum relax and spiral arteries dilate
- > increased blood flow to vascular spaces of corpora
- > Increased pressure decreases venous return
- > Further distension= erection
What dies sympathetic stimulation of the penis achieve?
Ejaculation
Smooth muscle of the prostate and seminal vesicles contracts
