Repro Part 1 Males Flashcards
What is gametogenesis?
formation of gametes (sperm/egg) via meiosis.
DNA replicates once, and cells divide twice, resulting in gametes with 23 chromosomes from cells with 46.
What are some key reminders about human reproductive structures and functions?
Human reproductive structures and functions vary across a spectrum (male, intersex, female).
Genotypic sex, assigned sex at birth, and gender are distinct concepts.
What is mitosis?
DNA replicates once, and cells divide once, resulting in two identical cells.
What is meiosis?
DNA replicates once, and cells divide twice, producing four gametes with half the chromosome number.
How are reproductive hormones controlled in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?
The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH.
LH and FSH regulate gonadal activity.
What is the role of Sertoli cells?
Support sperm development
What is the role of Leydig cells?
Secrete testosterone
How does LH affect male reproduction?
LH stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone, which is essential for spermatogenesis and maintaining reproductive structures.
What is semen composed of?
Sperm (1%) + accessory gland secretions.
Includes water, mucous, buffers, nutrients like fructose, citric acid, enzymes, zinc, and prostaglandins.
How does FSH affect male reproduction?
FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to:
Support sperm development.
Secrete inhibin, which inhibits FSH
Produce androgen-binding protein, concentrating androgens in the testis.
What does testosterone do in males?
Promotes spermatogenesis, maintains reproductive structures, and increases sex drive.
Also controls secondary sexual characteristics like hair growth and muscle growth.
How can testosterone be used to treat baldness?
5α-Reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) block the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone, which helps treat male pattern baldness.
