Male reproductive system histology Flashcards
What is the name of the structure which envelopes each of the testes?
Tunica Albuginea
What is the name of the structure which possesses the rete testis ( a series of spaces which allow for the passage of sperm)
Mediastinum testes
On average how many lobules are present in a single teste?
250
Within a single lobule what is the typical range of seminiferous tubules present? What is the function of seminiferous tubules?
1-4. They are the site of spermatozoa production
What is the type of connective tissue(s) present within the wall of the seminiferous tubule?
Myeloid cells and fibroblasts
Within the seminiferous tubules the youngest or most immature sperm cells are located where? Oldest and most mature?
Youngest being the spermatogonia are located in the basal lamina (the outermost layer) whereas the oldest being the mature spermatozoa are located in the ad luminal compartment (nearest center).
How would one go about defining the process of spermatogenesis?
Process by which mature spermatozoa are formed from immature diploid spermatogonia.
What are the 3 phases of spermatogenesis?
- Spermatocytogenesis
- Meiosis
- Differentiation or Spermiogenesis
Name the process by which spermatogonia undergo mitosis and differentiation to become primary spermatocytes
Spermatocytogenesis
The mitotic stem cells of sperm lineage, giving rise to additional spermatogonia, they have a flattened nucleus. Name these cells.
Type A spermatogonia
These cells give rise to primary spermatocytes and have a rounded nucleus. Name these cells.
Type B Spermatogonia
These cells arise from Type B spermatogonia, migrate from the basal lamina to the ad lunminal compartment, and have the largest known nucleus of the sperm cell lineage. Name these cells.
Primary spermatocytes
These cells arise from primary spermatocytes after the first meotic division. Name these cells and their ploidy?
Secondary spermatocytes
Haploid = 1N = 1 chromosome
(DNA content = 2N)
These cells are formed from the 2nd meotic division of secondary spermatocytes. Name these cells and their ploidy?
Spermatids
Haploid = 1N = 1 chromatid
DNA content = 1N
This is the process by which mature spermatorzoa are formed from spermatids; there are no cell divisions involved. What is the name of this process?
Spermiogenesis
This cell contains enzymes which help it to facilitate fertilization by separating the cells of the ovum’s corona radiata and penetrating the zona pellucida. Name this cell and which part of the sperm cell lineage it is associated with?
Acromosome
Spermiogenesis
In the process of spermiogenesis the 2nd to last major event is the development of the flagella. Further analysis shows that its development is divided into two distinct parts being the prinicpal piece and the middle piece. How would one go about distinguishing the these pieces from one another?
The principal piece forms from a centriole that migrates to the posterior of the nucleus
The middle piece is located between the sperm head and the principal piece and accumulates mitochondria which are responsible for the generation of flagellar motion.
After the final step of spermiogenesis, shedding of excess cytoplasm how could one define the sperm at this stage?
Mature but not yet functional
What is the order of the steps of spermatogenesis
Spermatogonia Type A–>Mitosis–> Spermatogonia type B–>Mitosis–> Primary spermatocytes–> 1st meiotic division–> Secondary spermatocytes–> 2ns meotic division–> Spermatids–> Spermatozoa
How could one easily identify a sertoli cell?
Nucleus is basally located and pale with a oval-_triangular_ nucleolus.
In lecture there are several fucntions of the Sertoli cell but of those mentioned there are 2 which are shown to be critical what are those 2?
Androgen-binding protein: Produced by the sertoli cell, stimulated by FSH, is responsible for concentrating testosterone within the tubule to a level that promotes spermatogenesis.
Blood testes barrier: Formed by tight junctions (zona occludens) joining sertoli cells near their base
From the Sertoli cell tight junctions, 2 concentric compartments are formed within the seminiferous tubule. What are the names of these compartments, and what could one expect to find within each one?
The basal lamina and the ad luminal compartment
in the basal lamina one could expect to find spermatogonia whereas in the ad luminal compartment one could expect to see spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa.
Upon completion of spermiogenesis, the spermatozoa are still immotile and rely upon the genital ducts in order to get to the testes and eventually the epididymus. Name these three ducts in order?
Tubuli recti- straigh tubules between seminiferous tubules and (empty directly into) rete testes.
Rete testes- series of simple cuboidal lined spaces in the mediastinum testes.
Efferent Ducts- short straight ducts that both lie on and exit the testes. Lined with cilia which assist in movement of spermatozoa.
This thin tubule is actually about 15ft long and consists of a head body and tail. What is the name of this structure? Name the 2 cell types present?
Epididymis
Basal cells
Principal cells (have stereocilia)
