Male Reproductive Tract Flashcards
What is the average weight of testis
15-19g
What is the capsule of the testis
Tunica vaginalis - projection of the peritoneum. parietal and visceral
Tunica albuginea
Tunica vasculosa
Describe the tunica vaginalis
Flattened layer of mesothelial cells
Describe the tunica albuginea
Collagen fibres with some fibroblasts, monocytes, nerve fibres
Describe the tunica vasculosa
Loose connective tissue containing blood vessels and lymphatics
Describe the histology of the testis
Testicular parenchyma is divided inro lobules by septa originating from the capsule
apprx.250 lobules
Each lobule contains 1-4 seminiferous tubules
What are the subdivisions of spermatogonia
Type A - dark and pale cells
Type B
Describe Sertoli cells
Columnar cells on the basement membrane of the tubule
Send cytoplasmic projections around the germ cells
Nuclei are irregularly shaped, folded and have prominent nucleolus (helps to distinguish from germ cells)
Supportive, phagocytotic and secretory functions
Describe the structure of spermatozoa
Head
- acrosomal cap
- nucleus
Midpiece
- spiral mitochondria
Tail
- neck - centrioles
- axoneme
- plasma membrane
Describe leydig cells
Present singly and in clusters in the intersitium between tubules
Abundant cytoplasm containing lipid
Reinke’s crystalloids - not seen before puberty
Produce testosterone
What cells secrete testosterone
Leydig cells
Describe the rete testis
Anastomosing network of tubules at the hilum of the testis
Receive luminal contents from seminiferous tubules
Lined by simple squamous or low columnar epithelium on a relatively thick basement membrane
Have cilia at the luminal surface
What is the role of the rete testis
Mixing chamber for contents of seminiferous tubules
Possible secretions
Reabsorption of protein from the luminal contents
Describe the rete testis efferent ducts
12-15 convoluted tubules which empty into epididymis
Lined by ciliated and non ciliated columnar epithelium with interspersed cuboidal cells (basal cells) giving pseudostratified appearance
Describe the epididymis
A tubular structure 4-5cm long containing a highly convoluted epididymal duct
Lined by tall columnar cells with long atypical cilia (sterocilia - non mobile)
Epithelium supported by a thick basement membrane surrounding which is a well defined muscular coat
Describe the vas deferens
30-40cm tubular structure arising from the caudal portion of epididymis
Distal part enlarged to form the ampulla which joins the excretory duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct
Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium comprising of columnar and basal cells
Has thick muscular wall of 3 layers
What is the lobes of the prostate
Anterior, middle, posterior and lateral lobes
Peripheral (site of cancer)
Central (enlargement)
Describe the prostate
Covered by an ill-defined fibro-connective tissue capsule
Glandular and non glandular components
Ducts
- large primary and small secondary
Acini
- 30 to 50 tubuloalveolar glands with convoluted edges
Describe the acini of the prostate
Lined by secretory cells, basal cells and neuroendocrine cells
Secretory cells - located in luminal side. Secrete PSA and PAP into the seminal fluid
Basal cells - form continuous layer
Cells rest on a basement membrane
Describe the seminal vesicles
Paired highly coiled tubular structures posterolateral to the bladder
The duct empties into the ejaculatory duct
Lined by tall non-ciliated columnar epithelium
Vacuoles and lipofuscin
Mucosa is folded
Smooth muscle (2 layers)
Adventitia
Describe the penis
Corpora caveronsa and corpus spongiosum has same histological features
Irregular vascular spaces separated by fibroelastic tissue and smooth muscles
