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HAP > REPRODUCTIVE (PART 1) > Flashcards

REPRODUCTIVE (PART 1) Flashcards

1
Q

What is the function of the scrotum?

A

Supporting sac that houses each testis and helps regulate their temperature for optimal sperm production

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2
Q

Describe the structure of the tunica albuginea?

A

A dense, white, fibrous capsule that covers each testis, dividing it into lobules

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3
Q

What is the structure and function of the rete testis?

A

A plexus formed by tubules from each lobule of the testis
Serves as a collecting duct for spermatozoa before they enter the epididymis

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4
Q

What are the two types of cells found in the seminiferous tubules?

A

Lined with spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and mature spermatozoa) and supporting Sertoli cells

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5
Q

What is the function of Sertoli cells in the testes?

A

Provide mechanical support and nutrition to germ cells, control germ cell migration and release, secrete androgen binding protein and inhibin, phagocytose degenerating germ cells, and form the blood-testis barrier

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6
Q

What is the blood-testis barrier and why is it important?

A

Formed by tight junctions between Sertoli cells, dividing the seminiferous epithelium into basal and adluminal compartments
It isolates developing germ cells from the body’s immune system, preventing the production of sperm-specific antibodies

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7
Q

What are Leydig cells and where are they located? What is their role?

A

Are interstitial cells found in the connective tissue septa surrounding the seminiferous tubules in the testes
They produce hormones, including testosterone

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8
Q

Describe the structure of the seminiferous tubules.

A

Coiled structures within the testes, lined with a specialised epithelium consisting of spermatogenic cells and supporting Sertoli cells
Myoid cells, which aid in sperm movement, are located beneath the basal lamina

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9
Q

What is the structure and function of myoid cells in the seminiferous tubules?

A

Modified contractile fibroblasts located beneath the basal lamina of seminiferous tubules
Exhibit rhythmic contractions, aiding in the movement of spermatozoa and fluids through the tubules

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10
Q

What hormone is produced by Sertoli cells of the testis?

A

Inhibin

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11
Q

How does testosterone affect metabolism?

A

Stimulates protein anabolism, promoting growth of skeletal muscles, and regulates metabolism

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12
Q

What are the functions of testosterone?

A

Promotes development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics, accessory organs such as the prostate and seminal vesicles, adult male sexual behaviour, stimulates protein anabolism, promotes growth of skeletal muscles, stimulates bone growth, and helps regulate fluid and electrolyte balance

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13
Q

What effect does testosterone have on bone growth?

A

Stimulates bone growth and promotes closure of the epiphyses, which can lead to early epiphyseal closure with early sexual maturation

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14
Q

How does the anterior pituitary gland control testes function?

A

Via negative feedback mechanisms through gonadotropic hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH)

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15
Q

What is the role of FSH in males?

A

Stimulates the seminiferous tubules to produce sperm more rapidly in males

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16
Q

What is the role of LH in males?

A

Stimulates interstitial cells to increase their secretion of testosterone in males

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17
Q

How does testosterone regulate its own production?

A

When blood concentration of testosterone reaches a high level, it inhibits hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to decreased anterior pituitary secretion of LH, thus lowering testosterone levels back to the normal setpoint value

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18
Q

How does inhibin affect sperm production?

A

Decrease hypothalamic GnRH secretion and FSH secretion by the anterior pituitary, decreasing the rate of sperm production
Conversely, if sperm counts decrease below the normal set point, inhibin secretion will drop, FSH secretion will increase, and sperm numbers will increase to normal levels

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19
Q

What is the function of the epididymis in sperm maturation?

A

Serves as one of the ducts through which sperm pass from the testis to the exterior
It stores sperm and supports their further maturation with the provision of nutrients

19
Q

What are possible roles of oestrogen in males?

A

Regulation of spermatogenesis, feedback inhibition of FSH and LH, and promotion of male sexual behaviour

20
Q

How is the epididymis connected to the testis?

A

The superior head of the epididymis is connected to the testis by the efferent ductules

21
Q

What is the structure of the epididymis?

A

Each epididymis consists of a single, tightly coiled tube enclosed in a fibrous casing
It is divided into a superior head, a central body, and a tapered inferior portion called the tail

22
Q

How does the epididymis contribute to seminal fluid?

A

Epididymal secretions become a small part of the seminal fluid (semen) that is ejaculated with sperm during the male sexual response

23
Q

What is the structure of the vas deferens?

A

A duct that extends from the tail of the epididymis
Has thick, muscular walls with three layers: an intermediate circular layer of muscle fibres and inner and outer longitudinal layers

24
Q

Describe the pathway of the vas deferens from the scrotum to the pelvic cavity.

A

The vas deferens ascends from the scrotum, passes through the inguinal canal as part of the spermatic cord, and extends into the pelvic cavity
It then travels over the top and down the posterior surface of the bladder

25
Q

What is the function of the ejaculatory ducts?

A

Transport seminal fluid, a mixture of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, into the urethra during ejaculation

25
Q

What is the role of the vas deferens in fertility?

A

Connects the epididymis with the ejaculatory duct and serves as the conduit for sperm to travel from the epididymis to the exterior during ejaculation

26
Q

What are the ejaculatory ducts?

A

Short tubes that pass through the prostate gland to terminate in the urethra

27
Q

How are ejaculatory ducts formed?

A

By the union of the vas deferens distal to the ampulla with the ducts from the seminal vesicles

28
Q

What is the function of the urethra?

A

Serves both as a urinary and seminal duct, allowing the passage of urine from the urinary bladder and transporting semen from the reproductive organs during ejaculation

29
Q

What surrounds the urethra in the penis?

A

A venous plexus called the corpus spongiosum, which extends through the length of the penis together with two other vascular structures, the corpora cavernosa

30
Q

What prevents the collapse of the urethra during erection?

A

The corpus spongiosum prevents the collapse of the urethra by exerting pressure and supporting it against the swollen corpora cavernosa during erection

31
Q

What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

A

Secrete an alkaline, viscous, creamy-yellow liquid that constitutes about 60% of semen volume
This fluid helps neutralise the acidic pH environment of the terminal urethra and vagina
Additionally, fructose in this secretion serves as an energy source for sperm motility after ejaculation

31
Q

Where are the seminal vesicles located?

A

Each seminal vesicle is a tubular diverticulum of the vas deferens, coiled on itself
They lie along the lower part of the posterior surface of the bladder, directly in front of the rectum

32
Q

What is the function of the prostate gland?

A

Secretes a watery, milky-looking, and slightly acidic fluid that constitutes about 30% of the seminal fluid volume
This fluid, containing citrate as a nutrient for sperm, enzymes like hyaluronidase, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), plays a crucial role in sperm activation, viability and motility

33
Q

What condition affects many older men involving the prostate gland?

A

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypertrophy
As the prostate enlarges, it may compress the urethra, leading to difficulties in urination, a condition known as urinary retention

34
Q

What is the function of the bulbourethral glands?

A

Secrete an alkaline fluid that neutralises the acidity of the male urethra and the female vagina
Additionally, the mucous produced by these glands lubricates the urethra and helps protect sperm from friction damage during ejaculation

35
Q

What are the bulbourethral glands?

A

Small glands which are connected via a duct to the penile portion of the urethra

36
Q

What is the structure of the scrotum?

A

A skin-covered pouch suspended from the perineal region, internally divided into two sacs by a septum

37
Q

How does the dartos muscle work?

A

Causes elevation and wrinkling of the scrotal pouch upon contraction

38
Q

How does the cremaster muscle work?

A

Contracts to pull the testes upward against the perineum

39
Q

What is the role of the dartos and cremaster muscles?

A

Contract in response to sexual arousal, cold temperature, and threat of injury to protect the testes

39
Q

What are the spermatic cords?

A

Cylindrical casings of white, fibrous tissue located in the inguinal canals between the scrotum and the abdominal cavity

40
Q

What is the role of spermatic cords?

A

Enclose the vasa deferentia, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves

41
Q

What is the function of the muscular layers of the vas deferens?

A

The muscular layers of the vas deferens help propel sperm through the duct system by facilitating peristaltic contractions

HAP (12 decks)

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