Microanatomy Lecture 4 Flashcards
What is the endocrine function of the testes?
produce testosterone
What is the exocrine function of the testes?
produce spermatozoa
What is the serous sac covering the anterolateral surface of each testis?
tunica vaginalis - extension of the abdominal peritoneum
Vessels and ducts pass through the ______________ as they enter and leave the testis
inguinal canal
Characterize the epithelium found in seminiferous tubules
complex stratified germinal epithelium
Characterize the epithelium found in tubuli recti
simple cuboidal
Characterize the epithelium found in rete testis
simple squamous to columnar
Characterize the epithelium found in ductuli efferentes
simple non-ciliated cuboidal and ciliated columnar
Characterize the epithelium found in ductus epididymis
pseudostratified columnar with stereocilia
Characterize the epithelium found in vas deferens
pseudostratified columnar with stereocilia
In spermatogenesis, what cells divide during the first meiotic division?
primary spermatocytes (to produce secondary spermatocytes)
In spermatogenesis, what cells divide during the second meiotic division?
secondary spermatocytes (to form early spermatids)
What morphological changes occur to the spermatid during spermiogenesis?
final step of spermatogenesis
- acrosome formation
- flagellum formation
- nucleus condenses, elongates, moves anteriorly
- change in orientation (head towards basal lamina)
- excess cytoplasm is released and phagocytosed
The release of spermatozoa from sertoli cells is called ______________
spermiation
Miochondria are concentrated in what portion of spermatozoa?
middle
Name 4 functions of Sertoli cells
- support, protection, nutrition
- phagocytosis of residual bodies
- secretion of testicular fluid and androgen biding protein
- blood-testis barrier (tight junctions between sertoli cells)
What is the function of Leydig cells?
testosterone production - stimulated by leutinizing hormone
What is the role of androgen binding protein?
concentrate testosterone in seminiferous tubule
What is cryptochidism and why does it result in sterility if not corrected?
failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum
temperature is too high in the abdominal cavity for sperm production
Most of the testicular fluid is produced by ______________
Sertoli cells (some from rete testis)
Most of the testicular fluid is absorbed by ______________
efferent ductules
List 4 functions of the epididymis
- maturation of newly produced sperm (acquire motility, ability to fertilize oocyte)
- reabsorption of remaining testicular fluid
- reabsorption of remaining residual bodies and sperm that degnerated
- reservoir for mature sperm
- also expulsion of sperm in response to sympathetic ejactulation
How can one differentiate the ductus deferens from the ductus epididymis in cross section?
ductus deferens: smaller lumen and thicker muscular wall
In which portion of the male reproductive tract is sperm transport passive?
from seminiferous tubules to ductuli efferentes
In which portion of the male reproductive tract is sperm transport active?
ductuli efferentes to urethra (beating ciliar and muscle contraction)
Secretions from which accessory gland are responsible for liquefying semen?
prostate (contains proteases that liquefy the semen)
Fructose is a major component of the secretions from which accessory gland?
seminal vesicles
Secretions from which accessory glands play a role in lubricating the penile urethra?
bulbourethral gland and glands of Littre
In what order are secretions from the accessory glands released during ejaculation?
bulbourethral glands and glands of Littre
prostate secretions
seminal vesicle fluid
Which accessory gland contributes the greatest volume to semen?
seminal vesicle
Which zone of the prostate surrounds the urethra?
transition zone
Which zone of the prostate surrounds the ejaculatory ducts?
central zone
Which zone of the prostate is the site of origin of most prostate cancers?
peripheral zone
Which zone of the prostate is the site of origin of benign prostatic hypertrophy? What are prostatic concretions?
transition zone
concretions: calcified prostatic secretions forming concentric condensations that are frequently observed in lumen of glands (increase with age)
What is prostate specific antigen (PSA)? Why does it increase with prostate cancer?
produced by epithelium of prostate - normalle released into prostatic fluid
in cancer, increased because of increased production and release from prostatic cancer cells
Are increased PSA levels diagnostic of prostate cancer?
No, can occur with BPH and inflammation of prostate
diagnosis requires needle biopsy
