Semen Flashcards
Semen is composed of 4 fractions that are contributed by the testes
Epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands
Testes are paired glands in the scrotum that contain the
Seminiferous tubules
Provide support and nutrients for the germ cells as they undergo mitosis and meiosis (spermarogenesis)
Specialized sertoli cells
When spermatogenesis is complete, the ___ (non motile) enter the epididymis
Immature sperm
Where the sperm mature and develop flagella
Epididymis
The entire process of spermatozoa takes approx how many days?
90 days
- Produce most of the fluid present in semen ( 60% to 70%)
- fluid contains high conc of fructose and flavin
- transport medium for the sperm
Seminal vesicles
Metabolize the fructose for the energy needed for the flagella to propel them through the female reproductive tract
Spermatozoa
Responsible for the gray appearance of semen
Flavin
- Surrounds the upper urethra, aids in propelling the sperm through the uretura by contractions during ejaculation
- 20- 30% acidic fluid , contains enzymes responsible for coagulation and liquefaction
Muscular prostate gland
- Contribute about 5% fluid volume (thick, alkaline mucus)
- neutralize acidity from the prostate secretions and vagina
Bulbourethral glands
Most of the sperm are contained in the - portion of the ejaculate
First portion
Specimens are collected FF a period of sexual abstinence of at least
2 to 7 days
When performing fertility testing, the WHO recommends that - samples be collected
2-3 samples
Appropriate specimen container
Warm sterile glass or plastic containers
Specimens awaiting analysis should be kept at
37°C
Ordinary condoms are not acceptable because they contain spermicides, instead they use
Nonlubricant containing rubber or polyurethane condoms
Parameters reported in semen analysis
Appearance, volume, viscosity, PH, sperm concentration and count, mobility and morphology
Normal semen appearance
Gray white color, translucent, characteristic musty odor
When the sperm concentration is very low the specimen may appear?
Almost clear
Increased white turbidity indicates the presence of
WBC and infection
During microscopic examination, WBCs must be differentiated from
Immature sperm (spermatids)
Useful to screen the presence of WBC’s in semen
Leukocyte esterase reagent strip
Associated with the presence of RBC’S
Red coloration
May be caused by urine contamination or prolonged abstinence and medications
Yellow color
A fresh semen specimen is clotted and should liquefy within
30 to 60 minutes
Failure of liquefaction to occur within 60 mins may be caused by
Deficiency in prostatic enzymes
Used to induce liquefaction
Balbeccos phosphate buffered saline, proteolytic enzymes
Jelly like granules (gelatinous bodies)
No clinical significance
Normal semen volume ranges between
2-5 mL
Function of seminiferous tubules of testes
Spermatogenesis
Epididymis function
Sperm maturation
Function of ductus deferens
Propel sperm to ejaculatory ducts
Function of seminal vesicle
Provide nutrients for sperm and fluid