Male Reproductive Tract Flashcards
What structures make up the male reproductive tract?
Scrotum Testis Spermatic cord Seminal vesicles Prostate gland Penis
What is the scrotum?
And what does it contain?
A cutaneous sac Developed from labioscrotal folds Contents: - Testis - Epididymis - Spermatic cord (first part)
Describe the testis.
A series of tubules
Organised into lobules by fibrous septae
Surrounded by tunica vaginalis
Enclosed by tunica albuginea
Describe the descent of the testis.
Gonads develop within the mesonephric ridge
Descend through the abdomen
Testes cross the inguinal canal
Testes exit the anterio-lateral abdominal wall
What is the blood supply and venous drainage of the testis?
Arterial: - Direct branches of abdominal aorta Venous drainage: - Right testicular vein - IVC - Left testicular vein - left renal vein
Describe the epididymis.
A tightly coiled tube connecting the testis to the vas deferens It has a: Head Body Tail
Connects to seminiferous tubules via efferent ductules and rete testis
What is the spermatic cord?
It is a cord containing structures running to and from testis:
- Neurovascular structures
- Duct system
From:
- Deep inguinal ring, lateral to inferior epigastric vessels
To:
- Posterior border of testis
Via:
- Inguinal canal & superficial inguinal ring
What are the contents of the spermatic cord?
Neurovascular: - Testicular artery, cremasteric artery, artery to vas - Pampiniform plexus - Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve Vas deferens Lymphatic's Processus vaginalis
What are the coverings of the spermatic cord?
External spermatic fascia
- (remnant of Aponeurosis of external oblique)
Cremasteric muscle & fascia
- Internal oblique & transversalis
Internal spermatic fascia
- Transversalis fascia
What are some of the clinical problems the scrotum can obtain?
Hydrocele - serous fluid in tunica vaginalis
Haematocele - blood in tunica vaginalis
Varicocoele - varicosities of Pampiniform plexus
Spermatocoele - aka epididymal cyst
Epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis
How do you detect what fluid is affecting the scrotum?
Transillumination
- Pass a light through
What are the two types of inguinal hernia?
Direct
Indirect
What is the developmental basis of an indirect hernia?
Reopening of the process vaginalis
Potential continuity between peritoneal cavity and tunica vaginalis
- i.e. between the abdomen & scrotum
What is testicular torsion?
And what is the clinical relevance?
Twisting of the testicles
Twisting normally occurs just above upper pole
There is a risk of necrosis due to compression of neurovascular supply.
Summarise the innervation of testis and scrotum.
Lumbar plexus
- Anterior surface
Sacral plexus
- Posterior and inferior surfaces
Summarise the lymphatic drainage of the testis and scrotum.
Testis
- Drains to paraaortic nodes
Scrotum
- Drains to superficial inguinal nodes
What is the ductus (vas) deferens?
They transport sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct
What is the course of the ductus (vas) deferens?
Ascends in spermatic cord Traverses inguinal canal Tracks around pelvic side wall Passes between bladder and ureter Forms dilated ampulla Opens into ejaculatory duct
What are the seminal vesicles?
Lie between the bladder & rectum
Not a storage site
Diverticulum of vas deferens
Secretion account for 70-80% volume of ejaculate
Duct of SV combines with VD to form ejaculatory duct
What is the prostate?
A Fibromuscular gland
Very important anatomical relationships:
- Base - neck of bladder
- Apex - urethra; sphincter & deep perineal muscles
- Posterior - ampulla of rectum
- Infero-lateral - levator ani
Describe the penis.
Consists of a root, body and glans
Internal structure consists of:
- Pair of corpora cavernosa dorsally
- A single corpus spongiosum ventrally
Supplied by branches of internal pudendal artery
Describe the blood supply to the perineum.
Internal pudendal artery which is a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery
What are the muscles of the penis/male perineum?
Bulbospongiosus - Helps expel last drops of urine - Helps maintain erection Ischiocavernosus - Compresses veins, therefore helps maintain erection
What are the parts of the male urethra?
Pre-prostatic
Prostatic
Membranous
Spongy
Which part of the urethra is least distensible?
And why is this clinically relevant?
Membranous
When inserting a catheter it is hardest when it reaches membranous portion of urethra
