Spermatogenesis and male infertility Flashcards
During development, what two things do the testes secrete
Testosterone and mullerian inhibiting factor
What are mullerian and wolfian ducts
two seperate ducts that allow formation of female and male genitalia
wolfian - male
mullerian - female
What structures are contained in spermatic cord
vas deferens and pampiniform venous plexus
Name the pathway of semen from testes to ejaculation
seminiferous tubules epididymis vas deferens seminal vesicle prostate urethra
what muscle controls scrotum
Dartos muscle
Where are sperm produced
semeniferous tubules
What are seminiferous tubules surrounded by
Leydig cells (produce testosterone) Interstitial cells
What are sertoli cells
cells within seminiferous tubules that provide:
blood testes barrier nutrients phagocytosis secrete seminiferous tubule fluid secrete androgen binding globulin secrete inhibin and activin
What effect does LH have in males
stimulates testosterone secretion
testosterone acts via negative feedback to inhibit release of LH and GnRH
What effect does FSH have in males
stimulates spermatogenesis
inhibin secreted by sertoli cells inhibits release of FSH
What are the stages the sperm undergoes to fertilise the egg
ejaculation chemoattraction docking acrosomal exocytosis hyperactivity penetration of egg coat fusion
What does seminal vesicle do
Produces:
fructose (for energy)
Prostaglandins (stimulate motility)
Fibrinogen
What does the prostate do
produces alkaline fluid to neutralise vaginal acidity
In what ways can men be infertile
Low sperm count or quality obstruction to vas deferens testicular failure erectile dysfunction endocrine causes (acromegaly, cushings, hyperthyroidism)
What are signs of an obstructive cause of infertility
normal hormones, normal sexual characteristics, normal testes
