Microanatomy 1 Flashcards
what are the four main structures of the male reproductive system
- testes
- reproductive ducts
3, accessory glands
4, supporting structures
what are the reproductive ducts in the male reproductive system
- epididymis
- vas deferens
- ejaculatory duct
- urethra
what are the accessory glands in the male reproductive system
- seminal vesicles
- prostate gland
- bulbourethral glands
what are the supporting structures in the male reproductive system
- scrotum
- penis
- spermatic cords
where are the testes located
- they are located in the scrotum
what are the testes surrounded by
- they are surrounded by the peritoneal serosa with which they have migrated from the abdomen during development
- under the visceral part of the serosa there is a connective tissue that forms a fibrocollagneous capsule this protects it and via septa that enters into the body of the testis, divides it into lobules
what does the peritoneal serosa allow the testes to do
- it allows them to move freely in the scrotum
where are spermatoza produced
- they are produced in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules
describe the structure of the seminiferous tubules
- the seminiferous tubules are conducted into a network of channels - the retentions testis and then into efferent ductules before they enter the epididymis
- this is a tightly coiled muscular tube that is continuous with the ductus(vas) deferens
what is the Amin function of the testes
- production of male gametes
2. secretion of male sex hormones such as testosterone
what is the process of production of male gametes caused by
- spermatogenesis
- there development into motile spermatozoa is called spermiogensis
what is the difference between spermatogenesis and spermiogensis
- sperimogensis is there development into motile spermatozoa
- spermatogenesis is the production of male gametes
where does spermiogensis occur
epididymis
where are leydig cells found
they are found between the seminiferous tubules in the interstitial supporting tissue along with a rich capillary and lymph vessel network
what triggers testosterone secretion
LH leutenising hormone
- this can sometimes be referred to as interstitial cell stimulating hormone
what cells produce testosterone in males
Leydig cells
when do spermatogenesis and spermiogensis begin
- it begins at puberty and continues through adult life
what do the seminiferous tubules contain before puberty
- contains only the primitive germ cells called spermatogonia
- Sertoli cells
what do the seminiferous tubules contain after puberty
- at onset of puberty the testes secrete large amounts of testosterone
- this causes growth of the tests
- maturation of the seminiferous tubules and gamete production
- development of male secondary sexual characteristics