Reproductive [Male] Flashcards
Where does spermatogenesis take place? When does it occur?
Seminiferous tubules of the testes. After puberty.
Where are leydig and Sertoli cells found?
Leydig: above the basement membrane, interstitial.
Sertoli: pink cells in the adluminal compartment.
Describe the development of spermatogenenic cells (just names)
Spermatogonium cells Primary spermocyte Secondary spermocyte Spermatid Sperm cell / spermatozoon
What type of sperm cell undergoes mitosis ? How many chromosomes?
Stem cells
46
What types of sperm cells undergo meiosis? Give the order, type of meiosis and chromosomes.
Meiosis 1: Primary spermocyte (46) to secondary (23)
Meiosis 2: secondary(23) to spermatid (23)
Describe cytodifferentiation and another name for it
Spermeogenesis
Spermatid becomes a sperm cell (all 23)
Describe the pathway from the hypothalamus, through LH to produce testosterone.
Hypothalamus produced GnRH which travels to gonadotrophs in anterior pituitary which make LH which binds to leydig cells which make testosterone.
What is the primary hormone produced by testosterone (?) and what 3 things does it cause?
Dihydrotestosterone.
Male development before birth.
Anabolism.
Secondary sexual characteristics.
Describe the pathway leading from the hypothalamus to FSH to testosterone.
Hypothalamus produces GnRH which triggers gonadotrophs in anterior pituitary to produce FSH which binds to Sertoli cells which produce testosterone. AndrogenBindingProtein helps make testosterone soluble in water. The serotoli cells help make sperm.
Describe the 3 negative feedback mechanisms present for hormonal control of testicular functions
Negative feedback
- Too much sperm, inhibin acts on gonadotrophs.
- When testosterone is produced, it negatively feeds back to gonadotrophs and GnRH.
Describe the structure and function of a sperm head
Head contains DNA (nucleus). On top is the acrosome containing receptors / enzymes that bind to the egg.
Where is mitochondria found in the sperm cell?
Middle piece
What happens to the sperm when it gets ready to swim?
The excess cytoplasm of the spermatid is she’s into the residual body. This is then phagocytosis by Sertoli cells.
3 types of male infertility
Oligospermia (reduced sperm)
Azoospermia (no sperm)
Immobile
Two types of ways to help male infertility. Describe.
IVF - need motile sperm.
IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection - injecting into egg. Sperm doesn’t need to be motile. Can use biopsy.
