Repro I: Male Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards
The male reproductive system is composed of…
testes
ducts
accessory sex glands
supporting structures: penis and scrotum
Outline sperm flow
Seminiferous tubules
Efferent ducts
Epididymis
Vas Deferens
Ampulla of vas deferens
Ejaculatory duct
Urethra
What do sertoli cells do?
“Nurse cells”
support sperm-production
support sperm development in seminiferous tubules
What do leydig cells do?
testosterone producing cells
located in connective (interstitial) tissue
between loops of seminiferous tubulues
Spermatogenesis
the conversion of undifferentiated germ cells (spermatogonia) into specialized, motile sperm (spermatozoa)
Flow of spermatogenesis
- spermatagonia
- primary spermatocyte
- secondary spermatocyte
- spermatid
- sperm cell
Spermiogenesis
differentiation of spermatids into sperm
spermiation
release of mature spermatozoa from sertoli cells into lumen of seminiferous tubule
capacitation
final maturation of the sperm occurring within the female reproductive tract, triggered by secretions from the uterus
Why is the hyperactivation of a sperm tell during capacitation important?
hyperactivation required to penetrate the matrix surrounding oocyte
What is the hyperactivation of the sperm tail triggered by?
Ca2+ influx as a result of increase of progesterone from female acting on sperm
What is the function of the ejaculatory duct, prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra?
transport
What is the function of the ductus deferens and ampulla of the ductus deferens?
storage and transport
What is the function of the epididymis?
maturation and storage
What are the accessory glands of the male reproductive system?
seminal vesicle
prostate gland
bulbourethral gland
What do the seminal vesicles secrete?
viscous seminal fluid containing fructose, prostaglandins, fibrinogen
What role does fructose play for sperm?
fuel for glycolysis for ATP production
What role does prostaglandins play for sperm?
contribute to sperm viability, motility, and transport
What role does fibrinogen play for sperm?
aids coagulation of semen in female reproductive tract
What does the prostate gland secrete?
thin seminal fluid with a slightly acidic pH, proteolytic enzymes, and seminal plasmin
Why does the prostate secrete thin seminal fluid that is slightly acidic in pH?
slightly acidic pH is due to citric acid used for ATP production
What do proteolytic enzymes do for sperm?
break down clotting proteins from seminal vesicles
What role does seminalplasmin play?
an antibiotic that destroys bacteria
What does the bulbourethral gland secrete?
mucous-like fluid containing mucous with an alkaline pH (basic/high)
What role does mucous play for sperm?
minimizes damage to sperm during ejaculation
What is the purpose of the alkaline pH of the fluid from the bulbourethral gland?
protects sperm from acids in urine
