Male Reproductive Tract Flashcards
What is the cutaneous sac of the scrotum derived from?
Labioscrotal folds
What is the contents of the cutaneous sac of testicle?
Testis
Epididymis
Spermatic cord (first part)
What is the arterial supply of the testes?
Testicular arteries (direct branches of abdominal aorta)
Where does the R testicular vein drain?
IVC
Where does the L testicular vein drain?
Left renal vein
List the contents of the spermatic cord
Testicular artery Cremasteric artery Artery to vas Pampiniform plexus Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve Vas deferens Lymphatics Processus vaginalis
Why do the testes have a pampiniform plexus?
The ensure optimum temperature for gametogenesis - cools the arterial blood
What mechanism ensures the testicles are cool enough for gametogenesis?
Pampiniform plexus
Hang outside the abdomen
External spermatic fascia is derived from…
Aponeurosis of external oblique
Cremasteric muscle and fascia is derived from …
Internal oblique
Transversalis
Internal spermatic fascia derived from …
Transversalis fascia
Define hydrocoele
Serous fluid in tunica vaginalis
Define haematocoele
Blood in tunica vaginalis - usually from trauma
Define varicocoele
Varicosities in pampiniform plexus - dilations
Define spermatocoele
Products of testis accumulating a.k.a epididymal cyst
Why do we use transillumination?
Tells the difference between different pathologies of testis
Light shines through - fluid filled
Doesn’t shine through - solid
What is the different between direct and indirect inguinal hernias?
Direct = through wall Indirect = through inguinal canal
How can hernias descend into the scrotum?
Reopening of the processus vaginalis creates a route for hernias in the scrotum
Where does testicular torsion usually occur?
Just above the upper pole of the testicle
Why is testicular torsion a surgical emergency?
Compression of the testicular artery can lead to necrosis of the testis
Needs managing quickly
And causes intense pain
What innervates the anterior testicle?
Lumbar plexus
What innervates the posterior and inferior testicle?
Sacral plexus
Where does the testis lymph drain?
Para-aortic nodes
Where does scrotal lymph drain?
Superficial inguinal nodes
Describe the course of the vas deferens
Ascends in spermatic cord Traverses inguinal canal Tracks around pelvic side wall Passes between bladder and ureter Forms dilated ampulla -> seminal vesicles Opens into ejaculatory duct
Where are the seminal vesicles?
Lie between the bladder and the rectum
What is the name for the point of combination of SV duct and vas?
Ejaculatory duct
What are the zones of the prostate?
Central
Peripheral
Transitional
Which zone of prostate is cancer more common in?
Peripheral
Which zone is BPH more common in?
Transitional
Which nodes will prostate cancer met to?
Internal iliac
Sacral
Where would prostate cancer spread via blood?
Internal vertebral plexus -> bone or brain
What are the 3 parts to a penis?
Root
Body
Glans
Describe the basic internal structure of a penis
Pair of corpora cavernosa dorsally
Single corpus spongiosum ventrally
What is the blood supply to the penis?
Branches of the internal pudendal arteries
Which branches off internal iliac
What is the role of bulbospongiosus?
Helps expel last drops of urine
Helps maintain an erection
What is the role of ischiocavernosus?
Compresses veins - helps maintain an erection
What are the 4 parts of the male urethra?
Pre-prostatic
Prostatic
Membranous
Spongy
Which part of the male urethra pierces the perineum?
Membranous
Which is the least distensible part of the male urethra and why?
Membranous
Because perineum is thick and rigid
(Bear in mind for catheters)
90-95% testicular neoplasms are which type?
Germ cell tumours
