Male reproductive system (Practical)

Question 1

What are the different cell types present in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubule?

Answer 1

1. Sertoli cells
2. Spermatogonia
3. Primary spermatocytes
4. Spermatids
5. Spermatozoa

Question 2

What is the morphology of the epididymis?

Answer 2

Convoluted bundle of tubules approx. 6m long

Question 3

What is the function of the epididymis?

Answer 3

1. Absorption of testicular fluid
2. Maturation of sperm

Question 4

Which hormones mediate absorption of fluid from epididymis?

Answer 4

Oestrogens

Question 5

Which hormones mediate maturation of the spermatozoa in the epididymis?

Answer 5

Androgens

Question 6

What is the composition of the epididymis?

Answer 6

Tubule:

1. Principle cells (with stereocilia)
2. Basal cells (possibly precursors to principle cells)
3. Smooth muscle cells

Surroundings: Connective tissue

Question 7

What type of epithelium lines the tubes of the epididymis?

Answer 7

• Pseudostratified epithelium
• Simple cuboidal epithelium

(regional variation)

Question 8

What is the composition of the seminal vesicle epithelium?

Answer 8

1. Principle cells
2. Basal cells
   - Connective tissue
   - Smooth muscle

Question 9

What type of epithelium do the seminal vesicles contain?

Answer 9

Pseudostratified epithelium

Question 10

What type if epithelium does the prostate gland contain?

Answer 10

Columnar epithelium

Question 11

What are the major structures found in the penis?

Answer 11

• 2 x corpora cavernosa
• Corpus spongiosum

Question 12

What surrounds the different corpora in the penis?

Answer 12

1. Fibro-elastic layer
2. Tunica albuginea (connective tissue)

Question 13

What are the features of seminiferous tubules in pre-pubescent testis?

Answer 13

1. Small in diameter
2. Lack clear lumen
3. Only Sertoli and spermatogonia present

Question 14

Where is 5α dihydrotestosterone secreted from and what are its functions?

Answer 14

• Secreted from Sertoli cells into testicular fluid
• Binds to receptors in accessory glands to maintain function

Question 15

What are the consequences of ligation of vas efferentia?

Answer 15

1. Testicular fluid cannot be absorbed by epididymis
2. Accumulation of fluid increases pressure and blocks further fluid from exiting testes
3. Fluid escapes seminiferous tubules and accumulate in intertubular space
4. Disruption of tight junctions and Sertoli cell function results in cessation of spermatogenesis