Male Reproductive System Flashcards
1
Q
What are the major components of the male reproductive system?
A
- testis
- epididymis
- ductus deferens
- accessory glands: vesicular, prostate, bulbourethral
- external genitalia/penis
2
Q
Where does spermatogenesis take place?
A
in the seminiferous tubules in the testis
3
Q
Describe the Tunica albuginea of the testis
A
- a capsule of dense connective tissue, composed of collagen fibers, few elastic fibers, and myofibroblasts
- continuous with tissue trabeculae (septule testis) that separate seminiferous tubules
4
Q
Describe the Tunica vaginalis of the testis
A
- composed of mesothelium and connective tissue
- visceral layer surrounds the testis and epididymis
- parietal layer blends and attaches to CT of scrotum
5
Q
Describe the Seminiferous Tubules
A
- highly convoluted, tortuous loops in the testis
- lined by spermatogenic epithelium with basement membrane
- sertoli cells and sperm cells present inside
- sperm cells mature as they get closer the the lumen
- interstitial Leydig cells located between the tubules
6
Q
Describe the Spermatic Pathway
A
- sperm is formed in the seminiferous tubules
- goes into the straight Tubuli recti (testicular tubules)
- feeds into the rete testis
- feeds into the efferent ducts (at head of epididymis)
- empties into the epididymal duct
- gives rise to the ductus deferens
- feeds into the urethra
7
Q
Describe Sertoli Cells
A
- abundant cytoplasm
- paler nuclei with fine border
- extend from basement membrane to lumen
- tight junctions dividing epithelium into basal and adluminal compartments
8
Q
What are the functions of Sertoli cells?
A
- support, protect, and nourish spermatogenic cells
- blood testis barrier: protect spermatids from immune system
- produce androgen binding protein, anti-mullerian hormone, and inhibin (suppress FSH)
9
Q
Describe Leydig cells
A
- occur in clusters between seminiferous tubules
- nucleus is small , round, and euchromatic
- cytoplasm is acidophilic and foamy in appearance (lipids)
10
Q
What is the function of Leydig cells?
A
- secrete testosterone
- controlled by LH/ICSH
11
Q
What is the function of Testosterone?
A
- high concentrations necessary for spermatogenesis
- responsible for secondary male characteristics and libido
- stimulates development and secretory activity in male accessory glands
- stimulates growth of skeletal muscle and bones
12
Q
What is the Pampiniform plexus and what is its function?
A
- countercurrent heat exchange
- vein wraps around artery and cools the blood
13
Q
What are the components of the Spermatic Cord?
A
- testicular artery and vein
- lymphatics
- ductus deferens
14
Q
Describe the Rete Testis
A
- straight tubules
- lined with simple squamous to cuboidal epithelium
- empties into efferent ducts leading to epididymus
15
Q
Describe the Epididymal Duct and its functions
A
- one long coiled tube
- lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
- stereocilia for fluid resorption
- smooth muscle cells in walls (mainly in tail region)
- sperm stored in tail
