Testes and Epididymis Flashcards
What is the role of the testes?
sperm production and hormone synthesis
What is the role of the epididymis?
involved in storage of sperm
Where is the epididymis situated?
on the posterolateral aspect of each testicle
which testicle commonly lies lower?
the left
What is the spermatic cord?
a collection of nerves, vessels and ducts that supply the testes, and suspend them from the abdomen
Describe embryonic origin of the testes
Originally, the testes are located on the posterior abdominal wall. During embryonic development they descend down the abdomen, and through the inguinal canal to reach the scrotum. They carry their neurovascular and lymphatic supply with them.
Briefly describe internal structure of testes
They consist of a series of lobules, each containing seminiferous tubules supported by interstitial tissue.
Which cells line the seminiferous tubules, and aid in the maturation process of the spermatozoa?
Sertoli cells
Which cells are found in the interstitial tissue, and are responsible for testosterone production?
Leydig cells
Where is sperm produced?
In the seminiferous tubules
Sperm travels through the tubules and collects in the ____
rete testes
From the rete testes, efferent tubules carry sperm to the _____
epididymis
What is tunica vaginalis?
a closed sac of parietal peritoneal origin that creates a thin sac containing a small amount of viscous fluid. This sac covers the anterior surface and sides of each testicle and works much like the peritoneal sac, lubricating the surfaces of the testes and allowing for friction-free movement.
Beneath the tunica vaginalis is the tunica ______, a fibrous capsule that encloses the testes. It penetrates into the parenchyma of each testicle with diaphragms, dividing it into lobules.
tunica albuginea
Describe the structure of the epididymis
a single heavily coiled duct
What are the three parts of the epididymis?
head, body and tail
describe the head of the epididymis
The most proximal part of the epididymis. It is formed by the efferent tubules of the testes, which transport sperm from the testes to the epididymis.
describe the body of the epididymis
the heavily coiled duct
describe the tail of the epididymis
The most distal part of the epididymis. It marks the origin of the vas deferens, which transports sperm to the prostatic portion of the urethra for ejaculation.
where does the innervation of the testes and epididymis come from?
testicular plexus
which artery supplies the testes and epididymis?
paired testicular arteries (from abdominal aorta)
the paired testicular arteries travel through the ______ in the spermatic cord
inguinal canal
which arteries supply only the testes?
cremasteric artery (from the inferior epigastric artery) and the artery of the vas deferens (from the inferior vesical artery). These branches give anastomoses to the main testicular artery.
Venous drainage is via the paired testicular veins, formed from the _________in the scrotum, that wraps around the testicular artery
pampiniform plexus
which vein does the left testicular vein drain into?
left renal vein
which vein does the right testicular vein drain into?
inferior vena cava
describe the lymphatic drainage of the testes
Since the testes are originally retroperitoneal organs, the lymphatic drainage is to the lumbar and para-aortic nodes, along the lumbar vertebrae.
