Male reproductive system Flashcards
which 2 glands contribute to the seminal fluid?
seminal vesicles
prostate gland
name the thick, dense collagenous capsule that surrounds each testis
tunica albuginea
name the network of channels that the seminiferous tubules drain into
rete testis
rete testis delivers sperm to the…
epididymis
name the clumps of cells between the loops of seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone
Leydig cells
describe the histology of the seminiferous tubules
stratified epithelium
consisting of Sertoli cells and developing spermatozoa
function of supporting Sertoli cells
nurture the developing sperm
create the blood -testis barrier
what are the 4 names given to developing sperm, starting with spermatogonia
spermatogonia
spermatocytes
spermatids
sperm
what type of epithelium lines the tubules of the rete testis?
cuboidal
what type of epithelium lines the epididymis?
tall pseudo-stratified columnar
how does epithelium of vas deferens differ from that of the epididymis?
cells not as tall and microvilli are shorter
where do the seminal vesicles lie?
on the postero-inferior wall of the bladder
seminal vesicle cells are stimulated by…
testosterone
testosterone causes seminal vesicles to…
enlarge and secrete a creamy opalescent fluid which provides nutrients for sperm
the branched tubular glands of the prostate are embedded in a the strong matrix composed mainly of what?
smooth muscle
under the influence of testosterone, what happens in the prostate gland?
cells increase in height and secrete a range of digestive enzymes (major component of the seminal fluid)
what type of epithelium lines most of the penile urethra?
pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium
what type of epithelium lines the distal end of the penile urethra (within the glans penis)?
stratified squamous epithelium
which glands discharge into the membranous urethra?
bulbo-urethra glands
which erectile compartment encloses the penile urethra?
corpus spongiosum
name the 3 cylindrical erectile compartments of the penis
2 (dorsal) corpora cavernosa
1 (ventral) corpus spongiosum
which erectile compartment becomes the glans penis at its distal end?
corpus spongiosum
name the compact layer of collagen that surrounds each of the erectile compartments of the penis
tunica albuginea
the outermost layer of what binds together the 3 erectile compartments of the penis?
tunica albuginea
blood supply of the erectile compartments
helicine branches of the pudendal artery
difference between hypertrophy and hyperplasia
hypertrophy: abnormal increase in cell size
hyperplasia: abnormal increase in cell number
