Reproduction: Male/female development Flashcards
What is the role of the testes? (3)
- Male gonads
- Delivery of sperm to female
- Production of sperm (spermatogenesis)
What is the basic structure of the testes? (2)
250-300 compartments
Seminiferous tubules
What are the different cells of the testes and their roles? (4)
> Leydig cells - secrete testosterone
Sertoli cells - support sperm development
Smooth muscle - peristalsis, propel sperm
Blood-testis barrier - tight junctions, luminal compartment, basal compartment
What is the structure of the seminiferous tubules? (7)
Inside to out:
- Lumen
- Spermatid
- Spermatocyte
- Spermatogonium
- Sertoli cell
- Basement membrane
- Leydig cell
What are the effects of testosterone? (4)
Promotes growth and maturity
Develops sex drive
Promotes descent of testes into the scrotum
Causes physical changes
What is the function of Sertoli cells? (6)
Support sperm development Secrete luminal fluid in which sperm develop Secrete androgen-binding protein Target cells to testosterone and FSH Secrete inhibin Secrete MIS
What is a penis?
Male copulatory organ - penetrates vagina and deposits sperm
What happens to the penis during sexual arousal? (4)
Blood flow to the penis increases
Engorges erectile tissue
Penis swells and elongates
Sperm ejects through the urethra
What is the role of the scrotum? (4)
- Suspended beneath the penis
- Houses testes
- Thin walled sac - 2/3*C cooler (sperm can’t develop at body temp)
- Dartos and cremaster muscle contract to regulate temp in the cold
What is the order of the reproductive tract? (7)
Seminiferous tubules Rete testis Efferent ductules Epididymus Vas deferens Ejaculatory duct (prostate gland) Urethra
What are the accessory glands? (3)
Seminal vesicles - secrete chemicals
Prostate gland - secrete citrate and enzymes
Bulbourethral glands - secrete viscous fluid with mucous
What is involved in male hormone regulation? (3)
Gonadotrophins:
> FSH - stimulates gametogenesis
> LH - stimulates androgen secretion
What are the blood levels of sex hormones in males? (2)
Low level pre puberty
High level post puberty
What are the effects of androgens in males? (6)
Stimulate spermatogenesis
Promote development of secondary sex characteristics
Increase sex drive
Promote protein synthesis
Stimulate growth hormone secretion
Promote development of male reproductive structures
