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Histology 2 > Male Reproductive System > Flashcards

Male Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 3 functions of the male reproductive system

A
  1. Production of spermatozoa
  2. Delivery of semen into the female reproductive tract
  3. Production of androgens (chiefly testosterone)
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2
Q

Name the 2 layers of mesothelium surrounding the testis

A
  1. Parietal tunica vaginalis

2. Visceral tunica vaginalis

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3
Q

Name the 3 layers of the scrotum

A
  1. Mesothelium
  2. Tunica albuginea
  3. Tunica vasculosa
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4
Q

How many lobules make up each testicle

A

250-300

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5
Q

How many seminiferous tubules exist in each testicle

A

Each lobule has 1-3 seminiferous tubules

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6
Q

Describe the pathway of the seminiferous tubules

A

Each seminiferous tubule connects to a straight tubule; enters a network of channels called the rete testis

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7
Q

What connects the rete testis to the epididymis

A

The efferent ductules

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8
Q

What is the epididymis continuous with; and what is its function

A

The vas deferens which will convey sperm away from the scrotum along the spermatic cord during ejaculation

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9
Q

Describe the size of the seminiferous tubules

A

About 200um in diameter and 30-80cm in length

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10
Q

What lines the seminiferous tubules

A

Seminiferous epithelium consisting of:

  1. Various germ cells
  2. Sertoli cell (support)
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11
Q

What cells exist between the seminiferous tubules, and what do they produce

A

Connective tissue with clusters of Leydig cells, which are endocrine cells producing the steroid hormone testosterone

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12
Q

What is spermatogenesis

A

Process of proliferation and maturation that transforms diploid spermatogonia into haploid spermatozoa

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13
Q

How long does spermatogenesis take

A

About 70 days

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14
Q

Name the 4 different forms of sperm during maturation (from the youngest)

A
  1. Spermatogonia
  2. Spermatocyte
  3. Spermatid
  4. Spermatozoa
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15
Q

Describe the first change in spermatogenesis

A

Type A spermatogonia divide mitotically to form type B spermatogonia; then further divide mitotically to form primary spermatocytes

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16
Q

How are secondary spermatocytes formed

A

Primary spermatocytes pass through meiosis I

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17
Q

How are spermatids formed

A

Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II

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18
Q

Describe what happens from the early to late spermatid phase

A

Spermatids undergo a maturation process called spermiogenesis to produce spermatozoa

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19
Q

How long do the meiotic processes take

A

Meiosis I = about 3 weeks

Meiosis II = less than a day

20
Q

Describe the organisation of the germ cells within the seminiferous tubule

A

From the basal lamina to the lumen:

  1. Spermatogonia
  2. Spermatocytes
  3. Spermatids
21
Q

Describe the different functions of Sertoli cells

A
  1. Secrete factors that regulate spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis
  2. Secrete factors that control Leydig cells
  3. Secrete tubular fluid
  4. Phagocytose discarded spermatid cytoplasm
  5. Divide the tubule epithelium into two compartments
22
Q

Name the 2 compartments formed by the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules

A
  1. Basal: contains spermatogonia and early primary spermatocytes
  2. Adluminal: contains all other developing cells
23
Q

What is this barrier called that separates the two compartments

A

The blood-testis barrier

24
Q

What does the blood-testis barrier prevent from happening

A

Prevents the body’s immune system attacking the haploid spermatocytes and spermatids (unlike any other cell in the body)

25
Q

Describe the 4 key steps of spermiogenesis

A
  1. Production of the acrosomal cap
  2. Elongation of the nucleus
  3. Elongation of one centriole to form the flagellum
  4. Release of excess cytoplasm (residual body)
26
Q

What does the acrosomal cap contain

A

Enzymes that allow access through the corona radiata and zona pellucida during fertilisation

27
Q

What is spermiation

A

Release of the spermatozoa by the Sertoli cells into the lumen

28
Q

When do spermatozoa become capable of swimming and fertilisation

A

During their passage through the epididymis

29
Q

What is the only cell that lines the straight tubules

A

Sertoli cells

30
Q

Describe the lining of the rete testis

A

Simple cuboidal epithelium that is ciliated

31
Q

How many efferent ductules exist

A

Around 12

32
Q

Describe the lining of the efferent ductules

A

They are lined by ciliated epithelium that varies from cuboidal to pseudostratified columnar

33
Q

How long is the epididymis

A

Around 5m

34
Q

Describe the lining of the epididymis

A

Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia (giant microvilli)

35
Q

How long are the sperm stored in the epididymis

A

About a week and mature during this time, becoming motile and capable of fertilisation

36
Q

Describe the lining of the vas deferens

A

Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia (giant microvilli)

37
Q

Describe the 3 layers of smooth muscle in the vas deferens

A
  1. Outer longitudinal
  2. Central circular
  3. Inner longitudinal
38
Q

Where does most of the volume of the ejaculate derive from

A
  1. Seminal vesicles

2. Prostate gland

39
Q

What do the bulbourethral glands secrete

A

Clear fluid that is released before ejaculation which helps lubricate the urethra

40
Q

Name the 4 segments of the urethra

A
  1. Pre-prostatic
  2. Prostatic
  3. Membranous
  4. Penile
41
Q

What forms the ejaculatory duct

A

The duct from the seminal vesicle joins the vas deferens

42
Q

What lines the spaces of the prostate

A

Heterogenous secretory epithelium

43
Q

Name the 3 glands of the prostate

A
  1. Transition zone
  2. Central zone
  3. Peripheral zone
44
Q

Name the 3 erectile columns in the penis

A
  1. Corpora cavernosa (x2)

2. Corpus spongiosum

45
Q

What is the penile urethra lined with

A

Stratified columnar epithelium

46
Q

What supplies the blood sinuses of the penile erectile tissue

A

Helicine arteries; engorging the blood sinuses helps to maintain an erection (under parasympathetic stimulation)

Histology 2 (9 decks)

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