Male Reproductive System Histology [SDL] Flashcards
What are the histological features of the scrotal skin?
The scrotal skin consists of a thin layer of skin, a layer of smooth muscle (dartos muscle), and a deeper layer of connective tissue. The cremaster muscle lies beneath the scrotal skin, assisting in temperature regulation by contracting or relaxing to move the testes closer or further from the body.
What is the role of the cremaster and dartos muscles in maintaining scrotal temperature?
The cremaster muscle contracts to pull the testes closer to the body when cold and relaxes to lower them away from the body when warm. The dartos muscle wrinkles the scrotal skin, reducing surface area and minimizing heat loss.
What are the general histological features of the testis?
The testis is composed of seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissues, and Sertoli cells. The seminiferous tubules are lined with germ cells at various stages of spermatogenesis. Interstitial tissues contain Leydig cells, which produce testosterone.
What is the functional significance of Sertoli cells?
Sertoli cells support and nourish developing sperm cells, form the blood-testis barrier, secrete inhibin, and produce androgen-binding protein to concentrate testosterone in the seminiferous tubules.v
What is the role of Leydig cells in the testis?
Leydig cells, located in the interstitial tissues between seminiferous tubules, are responsible for producing testosterone, which is crucial for spermatogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics.
Outline the process of spermatogenesis.
Spermatogenesis involves the differentiation of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and finally mature spermatozoa. This process occurs in the seminiferous tubules and is regulated by hormonal signals, particularly testosterone.
What are the histological features of the epididymis?
The epididymis is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium, which contains stereocilia. These stereocilia increase the surface area for absorption and secretion, facilitating sperm maturation.
What is the importance of stereocilia in the epididymis?
Stereocilia aid in the absorption of excess fluid and the secretion of substances that are essential for sperm maturation and storage.
Describe the histological appearance of the prostate gland.
The prostate gland consists of compound tubuloalveolar glands embedded in a fibromuscular stroma. The glandular epithelium varies from simple cuboidal to pseudostratified columnar, and the glands produce prostatic fluid, which contributes to semen.
What are the secretory products of the seminal vesicles?
The seminal vesicles produce a fructose-rich fluid that provides an energy source for sperm. This fluid also contains prostaglandins and coagulating enzymes that help in the formation of semen.
What is the histological organization of the penis?
The penis is composed of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue: two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum. The erectile tissue is surrounded by tunica albuginea, and the corpus spongiosum houses the urethra. The penile skin is thin and loosely attached, except at the glans.
What are the contents in a spermatic cord?
What is the histology of spermatogonium, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes?
What are the histo features of vas deferens
What are the histo features of seminal vesicle
Describe glands of Littre
What are the histo features of Urethra
What are the parts on the male urethra
