Semen Flashcards
Patients with abnormal results on the routine semen analysis performed in the clinical laboratory often are referred to specialized an- drology laboratories for further testing to determine the need for _
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Semen is composed of four fractions that are contributed by the testes:
epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands
for the secretion of sperm
seminiferous tubules
semen composition
spermatozoa
5%
semen composition
seminal fluid
60-70%
semen composition
prostate fluid
20-30% (acidic)
semen composition
Bulbourethral glands
5% (alkaline)
provide support and nutrients for the germ cells as they undergo mitosis and meiosis (spermatogenesis)
Specialized Sertoli cells
where does the sperm mature and develop flagella; where it remained stored until ejaculation
epididymis
the maturation of sperm process takes approximately _ days
90
The ejaculatory ducts receive both the sperm from the _ and fluid from the _
ductus deferens; seminal vesicles
transport medium for the sperm
seminal fluid
metabolized energy from _ needed for the flagella to propel them through the female reproductive tract
fructose
responsible for the gray appear- ance of semen
flavin
responsible for both the coagulation and liquefaction of the semen following ejaculation
proteolytic enzymes
aids in propelling the sperm through the urethra by contractions during ejaculation
prostate gland
bulbourethral glands produce 5% fluid volume to produce _ mucus that helps to neutralize acidity from the prostate secretions and the vagina
alkaline
Most of the sperm are contained in the _ of the ejaculate,
first portion
When a part of the first portion of the ejaculate is missing,
the sperm count will be _, the pH falsely _, and the specimen will not liquefy.
decreased
increased
When part of the last portion of ejaculate is missing, the semen volume is _, the sperm count is falsely _, the pH is falsely _, and the specimen will not clot.
decreased
increased
decreased
Specimens are collected following a period of sexual ab- stinence of at least
2 days to not more than 7 days
the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that _ samples be collected not _, with two abnormal samples considered significant.
2-3 samples; not less than 7 days or more than 3 weeks apart
specimen temperature and transportation after collection
RT; within 1 hour
Parameters reported include appearance, volume, viscosity, pH, _, _, and _.
sperm concentration and count, motility, and morphology
immature sperm is called
spermatids
Spermatogenesis
Seminiferous tubules of testes
Propel sperm to ejaculatory ducts
Ductus deferens
Provide nutrients for sperm and fluid
Seminal vesicles
Provide enzymes and proteins for coagulation and liquefaction
Prostate gland
A fresh semen specimen is clotted and should liquefy within _ minutes after collection;
30-60
Normal semen volume range:
2-5 mL
If after 2 hours the specimen has not liquified, an equal volume of physiologic _ may be added to induce liquefaction and allow the rest of the analysis to be per- formed.
Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline or proteolytic enzymes such as alpha- chymotrypsin or bromelain
Normal viscosity
pours in droplets
normal pH of semen is alkaline with a range of
7.2 to 8.0
sperm concentration and sperm count
The traditional diluting fluid contains _, which immobilize and preserve the cells; however, good results can also be achieved using _
sodium bicarbonate and formalin
saline and distilled water
RV Sperm concentration
> 20 million/mL
RV sperm count
> 40million/ejaculate
Immature sperm and WBCs, often referred to as _ cells, must not be included in counting.
“round”
RV Motility
> 50% within 1 h
Rapid, straight-line motility
4.0 a
Slower speed, some lateral movement
3.0 b
Slow forward progression, noticeable lateral movement
2.0 b
No forward progression
1.0 c
Sperm moving linearly or in a large circle
Progressive motility (PM)
Sperm moving with an absence of progression
Nonprogressive motility (NP)
No movement
0 d
Immotility (IM)
RV Morphology
> 14% normal forms (strict criteria) >30% normal forms (routine criteria)
The normal sperm has an _-shaped head approximately _ μm long and _ μm wide and a long, flagellar tail approximately _ μm long
oval; 5; 4; 45
Critical to ovum penetration is the enzyme-containing
acrosomal cap
midpiece is approximately _ μm long
7.0
Vitality is evaluated by mixing the specimen with an _ stain
eosin-nigrosin
Normal vitality requires _ or more living cells
50%
Specimens can be screened for the presence of fructose using the _ that produces an orange color when fructose is present
resorcinol test
Sperm are incubated with species- nonspecific hamster eggs and penetration is observed microscopically
Hamster egg penetration
Observation of sperm’s ability to penetrate partner’s midcycle cervical mucus
Cervical mucus penetration
Sperm exposed to low-sodium concentrations are evaluated for membrane integrity and sperm viability
Hypo-osmotic swelling
Evaluation of the acrosome to produce enzymes essential for ovum penetration
In vitro acrosome reaction
