Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the 3 layers that cover the testes.
Outer - Tunica vaginalis - develops in the abdominal cavity
Middle - Tunica albuginea - composed of dense collagenous fibrous tissue
Inner - Tunica vasculosa - looser irregular tissue, a lot of blood vessels.
What are the 3 layers of the seminiferous tubules?
Seminiferous epithelium, basal lamina then tunical propria.
Describe the Seminiferous epithelium.
Several cell layers thick. Has 2 types of cells - Sertoli and spermatogenic cells.
Location and function of the Sertoli cells.
Found in the seminiferous epithelium of the testes. Form zonulae occludents with each other, which creates a blood-testes barrier and protects the developing gametes from the Immune system. Also produces androgen binding protein, antimullerian hormone etc.
Location and function of Leydig cells.
Seminiferous tubules - tunica vasculosa. Forms and secretes testosterone.
Describe Spermatogeneis by Spermatogenic cells. Image on exam!
They begin as spermatogonia (2n), which undergo mitosis and form primary spermatocytes (2n). Spermatocytes undergo meiosis and form secondary spermatocytes (2n) which undergo meiosis again and form haploid spematids (1n). The transform into spermatozoa by shedding cytoplasm, rearranging organelle and growing a flagella.
Describe structure and function of Ductus eferens.
Lines by pseudostratified columnar cells, some of the taller cells are ciliated. The cilia help to propel the spoermatazoa along. Note: only a few cilia in pic.
Describe structure and function of Epideidymis.
An area of absorption. Has a lot of microvilli aka stereocilia, which function to absorb not for movement. Note: a lot of stereocilia in pic.
Describe structure and function of Ductus deferens/ Vas deferens.
Carries sperm from epideidymis to urethra. Has 3 layers of smooth muscle (2 longitudinal, 1 circular). Lumen is lined with pseudostatified columnar epithelium with sterocilia, and is folded. Note: THICK layer of muscle, with a snow flake in the middle.
Describe Seminal vesicle.
Part of the 3 accessory glands that help sperm survive in the female rep sys. Coiling tube whose secretions make up 60-70% of ejaculate. Contains mainly fructose (energy) and lipochrome (yellow colour).
Describe the prostate gland.
Part of the 3 accessory glands that help sperm survive in the female rep sys. Secretes a white fluid that is rich in lipids, enzymes etc. It neutralizes the vaginal acidity.
Describe the Cowper’s gland.
Part of the 3 accessory glands that help sperm survive in the female rep sys. Secretes lubricating solution directly into the urethra. Neutralizes pH of urine.
