Session 1: The Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Why do the testes descend down
To allow spermatogenesis to occur at the optimum temperature which is slightly cooler than th core body temperature
Where do the testes lie
In the scrotum
What is the venous drainage of the testes
Pampiform plexus which cools blood arriving to the testes
What is the blood supply to the testes
Testicular artery which arises directly from the abdominal aorta
Where do the right and left testicular veins drain
Right- directly into the inferior vena cava
Left- left renal vein before joining the IVC
What is a varicocoele
If the left renal vein is obstructed due to renal or intrabdominal pathology scrotum can enlarge
What is testicular torsion
When the testis twist on itself - more so the testicular cord and blood supply can be restricted leading to loss of the testes
What is the lymphatic drainage of the testes
Para-aortic lymph nodes
What is the tunica vaginalis
A part of the peritoneum which envelops the testes when they descend down
What is a hydrocoele
When the tunica vaginalis fills with fluid
What is the tunica albuginea
A capsule that supports each testes made of dense connective tissue
Where does spermatogenesis occur
Seminiferous tubules of the testis
What cells are responsible for spermatogenesis
Sertoli cells
What cells produce testosterone
Leydig cells
Where does sperm maturation occur
Epididymis
Where do the seminiferous tubules come together
Rete testis
How can you tell which is the ureter and vas
Water under a bridge so ureter underneath the vas
What is contained within the spermatic cord
3 fascial layers 3 arteries 3 veins 3 nerves The vas deferens
What is ejaculate made up of
65% consists of a fructose-based alkaline flui produced by the seminal vesicles which provides nutrition for sperm and neutralises the acidic environment of the vagina
What does the prostate produce
A milky secretion which makes up 25% of ejaculatory fluid and contains proteolytic enzymes and is mildly acidic
What do the bulbouretheral glands produce
Secretions that reduce friction making a tiny percentage of ejaculate
What 2 types of tissues is the penis made up of
Corpus spongiosum - expansive tissue through which the urethra travels stays patent during erection otherwise ejaculate wouldn’t be able to pas through
Corpus cavernsum - main erectile tissue of the penis. Attached to bone to help anchor the penis
How do the testes descend down
They evaginate the abdominal wall as they are pulled through by the gubernaculum forming the spermatic fascia that surround the testis and its vessels
What are the 3 fascial layers of the spermatic cord
External spermatic fascia - external eblique
Cremastic fascia- internal oblique
Internal fascia- transversalis fascia
