Semen Flashcards
Reasons for semen analysis
Fertility testing
Post-vasectomy semen analysis
Forensic analyses
Semen is composed of four fractions that are contributed by
Testes and epididymis
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands
Semen Composition
Spermatozoa 5%
Seminal fluid 60% to 70%
Prostate fluid 20% to 30%
Bulbourethral glands 5%
The stages of cellular maturation of sperm from youngest to most mature stage are as follows
Spermatogonia → Spermatocytes → Spermatids → Spermatozoa
Function of seminiferous tubule
Produce spermatozoa
Provide support and nutrients for the germ cells as they undergo mitosis and meiosis (spermatogenesis)
Sertoli cells
Duration of sperm maturation and development of flagella
90 days
Function of epididymis
Sperm maturation
The ejaculatory ducts receive both the sperm from the ductus deferens and fluid from the seminal vesicles. True or False?
True
Produce fluid to serve as the transport medium for the sperm
Seminal vesicles
Fluid that serves as the transport medium for the sperm
Semen
Seminal fluid contains a high concentration of
Fructose
Flavin
Function of fructose in semen
Spermatozoa metabolize the fructose for the energy needed for the flagella to propel them through the female reproductive tract
In the absence of fructose, sperm still display motility in the semen analysis. True or False?
False; do not display motility
Responsible for the gray appearance of semen
Flavin
Proteins secreted by seminal vesicles are involved in the coagulation of the ejaculate. True or False?
True
Aids in propelling the sperm through the urethra by contractions during ejaculation
Prostate gland
Milky acidic fluid that contains high concentrations of acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc, and proteolytic enzymes
Prostatic fluid
Responsible for both the coagulation and liquefaction of the semen following ejaculation
Acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc, and proteolytic enzymes in prostatic fluid
Produce a thick, alkaline mucus that helps to neutralize acidity from the prostate secretions and the vagina
Bulbourethral glands
Why is it important for semen to be alkaline?
To neutralize the vaginal acidity
The muscle movement causing the release of sperm and other seminal fluids
Peristalsis
Most of the sperm are contained in the first portion of the ejaculate. True or False?
True
Specimens are collected following a period of sexual abstinence of at least
2 days to not more than 7 days
Prolonged abstinence will result to
Higher volumes and decreased motility
How to collect samples for fertility test, as recommended by WHO
2-3 samples are collected not less than 7 days or more than 3 weeks apart, with 2 abnormal samples considered significant
Temperature requirement for specimen collected at home
Room Temperature
Specimen collected at home should be delivered to the laboratory within
1 hour of collection
Specimens awaiting analysis should be kept at temperature of
37 C
Clotted specimen should liquefy in
30-60 minutes
What to do if after 2 hours if the specimen has not liquefied?
Add Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline, alpha-chymotrypsin, or bromelain to induce liquefaction
What will happen if the first portion of ejaculate missing?
Decreased sperm count, Falsely increased pH, Specimen will not liquefy
What will happen if the last portion of ejaculate missing?
Increased sperm count, Falsely decreased pH, Specimen will not clot, Decrease semen volume
Best method of semen collection
Self-production or masturbation
Enumerate and define the other methods of semen collection
Coitus interruptus: withdrawal method
Vaginal vault aspiration: aspiration of seminal fluid from the vaginal vault after coitus
Condom method: only nonlubricant-containing rubber or polyurethane condoms should be used
Why is it that coitus interruptus is not a reliable means of semen collection?
Because the first portion of the ejaculate, which contains the highest number of spermatozoa, may be lost and the low pH of the vaginal fluid may affect sperm motility
Why is it that ordinary condoms are not acceptable for semen collection?
They contain spermicides
Characteristic of normal semen
Gray-white color, translucent, and has a characteristic musty odor
Indication of clear semen
Sperm concentration is very low
White turbidity in semen indicates
Presence of WBCs and infection within the reproductive tract
Red coloration in semen indicates
Presence of RBCs and are abnormal
Yellow coloration in semen indicates
Urine contamination, specimen collection following prolonged abstinence, and medications
Failure of semen to liquefy within 60 minutes may be indicate a
Deficiency in prostatic enzymes
Normal semen volume
2-5 mL
Increased semen volume indicates
Extended abstinence
Decreased semen volume indicates
Infertility
Improper functioning of one of the semen producing organs
Incomplete specimen collection
Normal viscosity of semen
Easily drawn into a pipette and form small discrete droplets that do not appear clumped or stringy when falling by gravity from the pipette
Increased viscosity of semen
Droplets that form threads longer than 2 cm