Semen Analysis (Physiology) - Brunzel

Question 1

, is a complex body fluid used to transport sperm or spermatozoa.

It is analyzed routinely to evaluate infertility and to follow up after a vasectomy to ensure its effectiveness.

Answer 1

Seminal fluid, or semen

Question 2

Semen is composed primarily of secretions from the (5)

Answer 2

testes
epididymis
seminal vesicles
prostate gland
bulbourethral glands

Question 3

The____ are paired glands suspended in the___ and located outside the body.

Their external location allows for the lower organ temperature necessary for sperm formation.

Answer 3

testes

scrotum

Question 3

Semen is composed primarily of secretions from the (5)

Answer 3

testes
epididymis
seminal vesicles
prostate gland
bulbourethral glands

Question 4

The testes perform both an exocrine function and an endocrine function

Answer 4

Exocrine: sperm production
Endocrine: testosterone

Question 5

These two functions of TESTES are interdependent and are regulated by two pituitary hormones:

Answer 5

follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone

Question 6

Sperm production is regulated by_______ in the ______, whereas production and secretion of the male sex hormone, testosterone, is the responsibility of the______, which are located in the_____, between the seminiferous tubules.

Answer 6

Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules

interstitial cells of Leydig in the interstitium of the testes

Question 7

________ of the seminiferous tubular epithelium have several functions.

Because of their tight interconnections, they essentially form a barrier that separates the epithelium into two distinct compartments

Answer 7

Sertoli cells

Question 8

Because of the Sertoli cells’ tight interconnections, they essentially form a barrier that separates the epithelium into two distinct compartments: (2)

Answer 8

basal compartment (i.e., germ cell layer)

adluminal compartment (i.e., epithelium nearest the tubular lumen).

Question 9

The barrier limits the movement of chemical substances from the blood into the tubular lumen-playing a role in supplying nutrients, hormones, and other substances necessary for normal spermatogenesis.

Answer 9

Sertoli cells

Question 10

They control the movement of spermatocytes from the germ cell layer into the adluminal compartment.

Answer 10

Sertoli cells

Question 11

They continuously produce a fluid that carries the newly produced immotile sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and on to the epididymis.

Answer 11

Sertoli cells

Question 12

The epithelium of the numerous coiled seminiferous tubules consists of (2)

Answer 12

Sertoli and germ cells

Question 13

The_______ continuously undergo mitotic division to produce more germ cells.

At the same time, some of them move slowly toward the tubular lumen, changing in size and undergoing meiotic (reduction) division until they form_____.

Answer 13

undifferentiated germ cells (spermatogonia)

spermatids

Question 14

Spermatogonia (germ cells) evolve into______ and then _____. With nuclear modification and cellular restructuring, spermatids ultimately differentiate into_____.

Answer 14

spermatocytes and then spermatids

immotile sperm.

Question 15

When Sertoli cells release sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, they are…

Luminal fluid from Sertoli cells carries the sperm into the tubular network of the______, where they undergo final maturation and become motile.

Answer 15

nonmotile and still immature

epididymis

Question 16

The epididymis also adds______ and ______ to the lumen fluid.

Although the exact function of these chemicals remains to be elucidated, abnormal levels of them have been associated with infertility.

Answer 16

carnitine and acetylcarnitine

Question 17

Other functions of the______ include the concentration of sperm by the absorption of lumen fluid and their storage until ejaculation.

Answer 17

epididymis

Question 18

After a vasectomy, the______ is the site of leukocyte infiltration and phagocytization of accumulated sperm.

Answer 18

epididymis

Question 19

The______ is a thick-walled muscular tube that transports sperm from the______to the______, and the dilated end of the vas deferens is located inferior to the bladder.

Answer 19

vas deferens

epididymis

ejaculatory duct

Question 20

All structures preceding the prostate gland are paired (e.g. 3).

Answer 20

two ejaculatory ducts
two seminal vesicles
two testes

Question 21

The (2) are considered accessory glands of the male reproductive system and are testosterone dependent.

Answer 21

seminal vesicles and the prostate gland

Question 22

The (2) are considered accessory glands of the male reproductive system and are testosterone dependent.

They produce and store fluids that provide the principal transport medium for sperm.

Answer 22

seminal vesicles and the prostate gland

Question 23

accounts for approximately 70% of the ejaculate and is high in flavin.

Answer 23

Seminal vesicle fluid

Question 24

imparts the characteristic gray or opalescent appearance to semen and is responsible for its green-white fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Answer 24

Flavin

Question 25

Flavin imparts the characteristic ____ or _____appearance to semen and is responsible for its_____ under ultraviolet light.

Answer 25

gray or opalescent green-white fluorescence

Question 26

seminal vesicle fluid has high concentration of_____, believed to serve as a nutrient for spermatozoa

Answer 26

fructose

Question 27

account for approximately 25% of the ejaculate volume.

Answer 27

Prostatic fluid secretions

Question 28

Prostatic fluid secretions The principal components of this milky, slightly acidic fluid are (4) CAPZ

Answer 28

citric acid acid phosphatase and proteolytic enzymes proteins zinc

Question 29

Semen is unique in its high concentration of the enzyme_______, hence its activity can be used to positively identify the presence of this body fluid.

Answer 29

acid phosphatase

Question 30

_____ and _____in prostatic secretions play a role in coagulation of the ejaculate whereas the ______ are responsible for its liquefaction.

Answer 30

Proteins and some enzymes proteolytic enzymes

Question 31

Zinc is primarily added to semen by the______; however, the_____ and ____ also contribute zinc.

Answer 31

prostate gland testes and sperm

Question 32

_____ can be used to evaluate prostate function; a decreased level is associated with prostate gland disorders.

Answer 32

Semen zinc levels

Question 33

(2) are the major fluid contributors to semen.

Answer 33

paired seminal vesicles and the single prostate gland

Question 34

Sperm produced by the____ are matured and concentrated in the____ and make up only a small percentage of an ejaculate.

Answer 34

testes epididymis

Question 35

The entire process of spermatogenesis and maturation (i.e., from primary spermatocyte to mature motile spermatozoon) takes approximately____

Answer 35

90 days.