male reproductive system Flashcards
Scrotum:
divided by…
seam…
Pouch containing testes
L lower than R
Divided by internal median septum
Externally marked by seam (perineal raphe)
3 mechanisms regulate temperature for sperm production (<37degrees)
Cremaster muscle
Dartos muscle
Pampiniform complex
Cremaster muscle
Strips of internal abdominal oblique muscle
Contracts when cold to draw testes nearer body
Dartos muscle
Subcutaneous layer of smooth muscle
Contracts when cold so taught + wrinkled
Pampiniform complex
Extensive vein network
Cools blood + testes by acting as a countercurrent heat exchanger
Testes Exocrine... Endocrine... Outer cover... Capsule...
Pair Exocrine glands = sperm cells Endocrine glands = testosterone Outer cover = tunica vaginalis White capsule = tunica albuginea
Testes lobules
Divided by..
Contains…
Between tubules = ….
Divided by connective tissue septa
Each contains 1-3 seminiferous tubules
Between tubules = interstitial cells/cells of Leydig
Site of sperm production
Lined with germ cells
Seminiferous tubules
Site of testosterone production
Cells of leydig / interstitial cells
Germ cells
Process of becoming sperm
Sustentacular/sertoli cells
Provide…
Secrete…
Provide nutrients, waste removal
growth factors
secrete inhibin
Inhibin
Regulates rate of sperm production
Blood-testis barrier (BTB)
Location…
Prevent…
Tight junctions between adjacent sertoli cells
Prevent proteins + other large molecules getting to germ cells, i.e. prevent attack from immune system
Sterility BTB
BTB fails to form adequately in adolescence
Immune system produces antibodies against germ cells
Rete testis
What is it??
Sperm moved by…
Network where sperm partially mature
Sperm moved by fluid secreted by sustenacular cells + cilia (dont swim)
Decent of testis
Begins…
Foetus…
As decend…
Begin development near kidney
Foetus: testis -> inguinal canal
As decend: every-elongating testicular arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, nerves, sperm ducts + extensions of internal abdominal oblique muscle