Reproductive Physiology Basics- Male Flashcards
Where is sperm produced?
Testicles
The testicles lie within the scrotum as they need to be below the temperature of the body. Why is this?
Facilitates sperm production
Name the gland which sits posteriorly to the testes.
Epididymis
->storage site, sperm remains for three months to mature before being released
Where does the sperm travel through the penis to allow sperm to travel outside the body?
Urethra
Where does sperm travel through from the testes to the epididymis?
Vas deferens
What helps to produce the semen?
Seminal vesicles and prostate
GO ONTO PART 4 VIDEO FOR A DIAGRAM TO TEST AND IDENTIFY THESE STRUCTURES
GO GO GO
->helpful for anatomy probs x
Name the three types of cell found within the seminiferous tubules of the teste.
Germ cells
Sertoli/sustentacular cells
Interstitial (Leydig) cells
What is the function of the germ cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes?
Produce sperm
What is the function of the sertoli/sustentacular cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes?
Supports sperm producing cells
Produce inhibin
What is the function of the interstitial/Leydig cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes?
Produce testosterone
Function of testes?
Sperm production
Testosterone production
Briefly describe the endocrine control of testicular function.
Hypothalamus releases GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone)
Acts on anterior pituitary which produces FSH and LH
FSH and LH act on testes which releases testosterone
->negative feedback loops apply to this process too, like with the female hormones
What does FSH do when acting on the testes?
Controls spermatogenesis
What does LH do when acting on the testes?
Acts on leydig cells to produce testosterone
-> L = L