Spermatogenesis and male infertility Flashcards
What are the two primitive genital tracts?
Wolffian and Mullerian
How does having a Y chromosome usually lead to male genitals?
SRY stimulates testes formation; testes secrete testosterone and Mullerian-inhibiting factor
What are the effects of testosterone in determining genital sex?
Transforms Wolffian ducts into male reproductive tract; is converted to dihydrosterone which causes external genitalia to develop in a male fashion
Which of the two primitive ducts are degenerated in a)males b) females
a) Mullerian
b) Wolffian
Patients with external female genitalia, absent ovaries/uterus and Y chromosome have what condition?
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
What is cryptochordism and why is it important?
Undescended testicles. Increases cancer risk 6x
What is the role of Leydig cells?
Produce testosterone
The first meiotic division of the 2N diploid primary spermatocyte gives rise to…
2N haploid secondary spermatocyte
Cells responsible for secreting androgen binding globulin
Sertoli cells
What are the roles of FSH and LH within the testes?
FSH- stimulates spermatogenesis
LH- stimulates testosterone release
Where does testosterone exert negative feedback?
Hypothalamus (GnRH) Anterior pituitary (FSH and LH)
Role of the seminal vesicles
Supply fructose, prostaglandins, fibrinogen
Role of the prostate gland
Produces an alkaline fluid, clotting enzymes
Maturation process occurring in the Fallopian tubes which allows the sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida
Capacitation
Common causes of male infertility
Low sperm count or quality
Obstruction to vas deferens
Testicular failure
