Reproductive Physiology Basics- Male Flashcards

1
Q

Where is sperm produced?

A

Testicles

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2
Q

The testicles lie within the scrotum as they need to be below the temperature of the body. Why is this?

A

Facilitates sperm production

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3
Q

Name the gland which sits posteriorly to the testes.

A

Epididymis

->storage site, sperm remains for three months to mature before being released

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4
Q

Where does the sperm travel through the penis to allow sperm to travel outside the body?

A

Urethra

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5
Q

Where does sperm travel through from the testes to the epididymis?

A

Vas deferens

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6
Q

What helps to produce the semen?

A

Seminal vesicles and prostate

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7
Q

GO ONTO PART 4 VIDEO FOR A DIAGRAM TO TEST AND IDENTIFY THESE STRUCTURES

A

GO GO GO

->helpful for anatomy probs x

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8
Q

Name the three types of cell found within the seminiferous tubules of the teste.

A

Germ cells
Sertoli/sustentacular cells
Interstitial (Leydig) cells

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9
Q

What is the function of the germ cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes?

A

Produce sperm

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10
Q

What is the function of the sertoli/sustentacular cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes?

A

Supports sperm producing cells
Produce inhibin

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11
Q

What is the function of the interstitial/Leydig cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes?

A

Produce testosterone

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12
Q

Function of testes?

A

Sperm production
Testosterone production

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13
Q

Briefly describe the endocrine control of testicular function.

A

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

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14
Q

What does FSH do when acting on the testes?

A

Controls spermatogenesis

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15
Q

What does LH do when acting on the testes?

A

Acts on leydig cells to produce testosterone

-> L = L

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16
Q

Spermatogenesis?

A

Production of sperm from the primordial germ cells

17
Q

How long is the average cycle of spermatogenesis?

A

64 days

18
Q

What are the two stages pf spermatogenesis?

A

Spermatocytogenesis
Spermiogenesis

19
Q

What happens in spermstocytogenesis?

A

Clonal expansion and maturation through mitotic and meiotic process

20
Q

What happens in spermiogenesis?

A

Differentiation into mature stem cells

21
Q

At what point in life does spermatogenesis commence?

A

Puberty and continues lifelong

22
Q

There are some medical factors that can affect spermatogenesis. They are either pretesticular or testicular.

What are some of the pretesticular medical factors which affect spermatogenesis?

A

Problem with hormonal control

23
Q

There are some medical factors that can affect spermatogenesis. They are either pretesticular or testicular.

What are some of the testicular medical factors which affect spermatogenesis?

A

Problem at the site of the teste

24
Q

List some of the pretesticular medical factors which could affect spermatogenesis.

A

Excessive weight loss/gain
Intracranial tumours/SOL
Prolactinoma
Medications
Genetic- Kallman’s syndrome

25
Q

List some of the testicular medical factors which could affect spermatogenesis.

A

Surgery- orchidectomy, orchidopexy
STI
Mumps orchitis
Testicular trauma/torsion
Radiotherapy/chemotherapy
Genetic- Kilnefelter’s

26
Q

List some of the lifestyle factors which can affect spermatogenesis.

A

Smoking
Obesity
Use of cosmetics/body creams
Sedentary position (heat exposure)

->note that some people have affected spermatogenesis from birth as issues occurred in the womb, not all occurs due to own lifestyle factors

27
Q

List some of the steps that a man can take to reduce the impact of factors affecting fertility.

A

Improve lifestyle- normal BMI, stop smoking, reduce alcohol, exercise
Optimise underlying medical conditions
Stop any medications affecting spermatogenesis
Reduce STI risk and treat promptly if diagnosed

->before some surgery/cancer treatment, some men may choose to freeze their sperm for fertility preservation

28
Q

If reduced fertility is caused by pretesticular factors, what will the hormone levels be like?

A

Low FH and LSH

If due to prolactinoma, high prolactin

29
Q
A