Sex Hormones (Dragatsis) Flashcards
all sec hormones are derived from
cholesterol
describe the synthesis of testosterone
cholesterol → pregnenolone → progesterone (via 3-beta HSD) → testosterone
describe the synthesis of estradiol
cholesterol → pregnenolone → progesterone (via 3-beta HSD) → testosterone → estradiol (via aromatase)
describe the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone
cholesterol → pregnenolone → progesterone (via 3-beta HSD) → testosterone → dihydrotestosterone (via 5alpha-reductase)
What is the optimal temp needed for spermatogeneisis?
<37 C (2 degrees less than body temp)
How is the optimal temp for spermatogenesis maintained?
- pampiniform plexus acts as a countercurrent heat exhanger for the blood as it enters the testes
- the testes can be moved via the cremaster muscle to bring them closer to the body when it is cold (↓ surface area)
- sweating
What are the male accessory sex glands?
bulbourethral glands
seminal vesicles
prostate
what is in the seminal vesicle fluid?
PGs, fructose, citric acid
semen =
sperm + secretions (from SV and prostate)
spermine
fluid in prostste
slightly alkaline, increases sperm motility and neutralizes acidic vagina
What are the primary male sex organs and secondary male sex organs?
primary = testes
secondary = epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra (and penis), accessory glands (bulbourethral glands, seminal vesicles, prostate )
What are secondary male sex characteristics?
changes observed (at the beginning of puberty) in hair growth, body shape, voice
Are all male pubertal changes are irreversible?
no, spermatogenesis, size, secretions and content can change/reverse to pre-pubertal stage
*voice and height do not change, libido, muscle mass and hair growth can slowly reverse
What hormones are required for spermatogenesis?
directly: FSH and T (at high conc)
indirectly: LH (to stim ↑↑ T) and GnRH (to stim ↑↑ LH and FSH)
site of action for FSH and T in males
sertoli cells
function of sertoli cells
- stimulate spermatogenesis
- nourish sperm
- protect sperm (provide barrier to many chemicals)
- make inhibin (negatively feedback on FSH production)
- secrete luminal fluid
- phagocytosis of dead or defective sperm
What are 2 notable products of sertoli cells
inhibin and ABP
what stimulates the production of testosterone
LH