spermatogenesis

Question 1

what is spermatogenesis?

Answer 1

the formation of sperms

Question 2

where does spermatogenesis occur?

Answer 2

the testes

Question 3

in what area of the scrotum does the spermatids mature?

Answer 3

Epididymis

Question 4

explain the movement of sperms from the testes during ejaculation.

Answer 4

spermatogenesis occurs in the testes and then get stored In the epididymis to get matured. They then travel up to the vas deferens then down the seminal vesicle through the prostate. It then gets ejaculated through the urethera.

Question 5

what hormone is produced by the testes? and what is its function?

Answer 5

Testosterone. To regulate testosterone.

Question 6

why do the testes lay outside the body in the scrotum?

Answer 6

To ensure the optimum temp for sperms are maintained (as it is 1.5-2.5 degrees below the body)

Question 7

what happens if the temp of the testes increases?

Answer 7

sperm count reduces

Question 8

At which region of the testes does spermatogenesis start?

Answer 8

The edge of the seminiferous tubules

Question 9

what is the function of the orchidometer? and how does it work?

Answer 9

Tool to measure the volume of the testes= this is possible as the tool is a series of spheres of known volumes. So you feel the testes in one hand and compare to the size of the spheres of known volume.

Question 10

Describe the structure of the Testes. what are the structure within the testes(10)?

Answer 10

1) Ductus Deferens
2)Tail of epididymis
3) Body of epididymis
4)Head of epididymis
5)Efferent ductules
6)Seminiferous tubules
7)Septum
8)Tunica Albuginea
9)Tunica Vaginalis
10)Straight tubules

Question 11

within the seminiferous tubules you have Sertoli cells. What are their functions?and what receptors do they have on their surface?

Answer 11

They contain testosterone receptors. Function=in close communication with the sperms. They are full of secretions, which aid the immune system. They control the environment from the blood. (Blood testes barrier)

Question 12

The Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules are ad luminal. What does this mean?

Answer 12

They sit near or toward the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.

Question 13

Describe the structures in the cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubule from top to bottom and what are these structures?

Answer 13

1)Basement membrane
2)Sertoli cells
3)spermatogonia= undifferentiated male germ cells
4)Primary spermatocyte= Diploid cell
5)Secondary spermatocyte= Haploid cells
6)Spermatid= mature sperm

Question 14

what is found in the spaces between the tubules(4)?

Answer 14

1)Blood
2)Lymphatic vessels
3)Leydig cells
4)Interstitial fluid

Question 15

what are the function of the Leydig cells?

Answer 15

Make Testosterone

Question 16

How often do the SN tubules regenerate sperms? and what are the stages of the cycle?

Answer 16

sperms regenerate every 16 days.
Cycle:
1)Mitotic Proliferation of spermatogonia
2)Meiosis and development of spermatocytes
3)Spermatogenesis, elongation, loss of cytoplasm, movement of cellular contents

Question 17

Spermatogenesis is known as synchronous development. why is that?

Answer 17

Each cell division from a spermatogonium to a spermatid is
incomplete - the cells remain connected to one another by
cytoplasmic bridges forming a syncytium allowing synchronous
development.
Syncytia at various stages of development throughout seminiferous
tubule giving continuous supply.

Question 18

what type of hormone is GnRH?

Answer 18

A Decapeptide

Question 19

Describe the Hypothalamic/Pituitary/gonadal axis in the male

Answer 19

1)GnRH released in a pulsatile fashion and acts on the anterior pituitary.
2)This causes the release of LH and FSH in a pulsatile fashion
3)Testes produce Testosterone in constant equilibrium and feedback.
There is no cycle in the males like there is in the females