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MEDSCI142 > Male reproductive system - The Organs L17 > Flashcards

Male reproductive system - The Organs L17 Flashcards

1
Q

Testes singular

A

Testis

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2
Q

Testes plural

A

Testes or testicles

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3
Q

Structure of the testes

A
  • Located in the scrotum
  • In humans the testes move to the scrotum from the pelvis during pregnancy
  • If they do not descend - cryptorchidism (hidden testes)
    (3% of term male babies)
    (Cryptorchid individuals are infertile)
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4
Q

Where is sperm produced?

A

In the seminiferous tubules

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5
Q

The movement of sperm

A

From the seminiferous tubules into the rete testis then into the epididymis and into the vas deferens, which will conduct sperm up into the ejaculatory duct near the prostate gland.

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6
Q

What happens in the ducts?

A

Sperm acquire the ability to be motile and to fertilise while in the epididymis.
Acquiring these abilities takes 10-14 days.
The epididymis also reabsorbs liquid from around the sperm making it more concentrated.
Sperm then move to the vas deferens where sperm may be stored for several months.

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7
Q

Testes

A

Two male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. The testes are responsible for producing sperm and male sex hormones, primarily testosterone.

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8
Q

How long are the vas deferens? Where do they run from?

A

45cm long, from the epididymis up and around the bladder, then back down to join the ejaculatory duct.

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9
Q

The ______ _______ empty into the __________ duct which joins the
________ at the __________.

A

The seminal vesicles empty into the ejaculatory duct which joins the urethra at the prostate.

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10
Q

The ______ is about ___cm long and runs from the _____ through the _______ to the end of the ______.

A

The urethra is about 20cm long and runs from the bladder through the prostate to the end of the penis.

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11
Q

Accessory glands - seminal vesicles

A

Secretory glands (not storage areas) that secrete a mucoid (sticky) substance that
- is alkaline
- contains fructose - energy source for sperm
- contains prostaglandins
- contains clotting proteins

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12
Q

What happens to the contents of the seminal vesicles?

A

The contents of the seminal vesicles are emptied into the ejaculatory duct directly after the sperm is ejected from the vas deferens and washes sperm down the ejaculatory duct.

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13
Q

Main site of sperm storage

A

Vas deferens
DO NOT store sperm in the seminal vesicles

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14
Q

What is the function of the prostaglandins of the seminal vesicles?

A

The prostaglandins may induce contractions in the female reproductive tract

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15
Q

Structure of the prostate

A

A doughnut shaped organ about the size of a golf ball

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16
Q

Function of the prostate

A

The urethra passes through the prostate which secrets prostatic fluid into the urethra ahead of sperm during ejaculation

17
Q

Order of the release of liquids

A

Prostatic fluid -> Sperm -> Seminal vesicle fluid

18
Q

Nature of the prostate secretion

A
  • slightly acidic (pH 6.5) to act as a buffer as the vagina is slightly acidic (pH 4)
  • contains citrate (for ATP)
  • is a milky colour
  • contains phosphate and calcium
  • prostate specific antigen (PSA) and other enzymes

Importance of the prostatic fluid is to break down the coagulant (which glues the sperm into the upper reaches of the vagina, however also means that fertilisation would not be able to take place)
The PSA is an enzyme that will break down the coagulant and release the sperm to allow them to swim off through the cervix and uterus and fallopian tubes.

19
Q

What semen consists of

A
  1. sperm - 10%
  2. seminal vesicle fluid - 60%
  3. prostatic fluid - 30%
  4. other secretions - small amounts
20
Q

pH of semen

A

approx 7.5 with prostatic fluid and seminal fluid neutralising each other

21
Q

Volume of semen

A

Varies greatly in its volume and content between species and is not based off body weight and size

In human, an ejaculate is 2-5mls. A normal human ejaculate contains at least 20 million sperm/ml

22
Q

Aging man and his prostate - what is benignprostatic hyperplasia?

A

Excess growth of the protest - it is encapsulated, and it cannot expand outwards
It also occludes the urethra, and this causes difficulty in voiding the bladder
Therefore eventually causes weakening of the bladder and can cause urinary infections and kidney problems.

23
Q

Which age group is most targeted for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

A

70-79

24
Q

Treatments for BPH

A
25
Q

How BPH is treated

A

Drug is used to inhibit the growth of prostate through no DHT present (inhibiting its production from testosterone)

26
Q

Detection of prostate cancer increased dramatically due to PSA testing but deaths increased less dramatically. WHY?

A

Most cases of prostate cancer, are not fatal. Hence they are not aware of it, until they get an autopsy.

27
Q

What to do with prostate cancer?

A
  • Watchful waiting
  • Androgen depletion
  • Inhibition of testosterone action (block the androgen recpetor)
  • Surgery - prostatectomy
28
Q

Symptom of prostate cancer

A

Elevated levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA)

29
Q

Major structures of the penis

A

1) corpora cavernosa (x2) - the main erectile tissues
2) corpus spongiosum - surrounds the penile urethra and prevents occlusion during erection
3) penile urethra - conducts semen (and urine)

30
Q

What happens during erection?

A

Erection occurs following sexual stimulation.
- Release of nitride oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin E1 causes the smooth muscle of the corpora cavernosa to relax
- Blood fills the cavernous spaces of the corpora cavernosa
(The erect penis contains about 8 times the blood volume of the flaccid penis)
- The engorgement of the corpora reduces venous outflow adding to the engorgement.

31
Q

What is important in maintaining the penile urethra is open?

A

Corpus spongiosum

32
Q

What does the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa require?

A

cGMP - 2nd messenger reduces intracellular calcium.
The enzyme phosphodiesterase breaks down GMP
Viagra inhibits phosphodiesterase (type 5) leading to increased GMP, relaxation of the arteries supplying the corpora cavernosa and erection.

MEDSCI142 (33 decks)

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