Testicular Morphology and Function

Question 1

Basic Components of the Male
Reproductive System (6)

Answer 1

• Spermatic Cord
• Scrotum
• Testis
• Excurrent Duct System
• Accessory Sex Glands
• Penis and Muscles for Protrusion, Erection and Ejaculation

Question 2

total length of sperm transport and storage (days) in boars

Answer 2

9-14

Question 2

total length of sperm transport and storage (days) in bulls

Answer 2

14

Question 3

where does the spermatic cord extend from and what does it do

Answer 3

-Spermatic cord extends from the inguinal ring to its attachment
on the dorsal pole of testis. It suspends testis in the scrotum on the dorsal pole of testis. It suspends testis in the scrotum

-Spermatic cord provides the pathway to and from the body for
the testicular vasculature, lymphatics and nervesthe testicular vasculature, lymphatics and nerves

Question 3

what are the 3 steps/stages in spermatogenesis

Answer 3

proliferation, meiosis, differentiation

Question 4

5 basic steps of sperm production

Answer 4

1. high speed manufacturing
2. finishing shops (fluid absorption)
3. warehouse and shipping
4. final alterations and packaging (metabolic substrates, surface coatings, transport for spermatozoa)
5. delivery system (erection… ejaculation)

Question 5

duration of spermatogenesis for bulls (days)

Answer 5

60

Question 6

total length of sperm transport and storage (days) in rams

Answer 6

12

Question 7

total length of sperm transport and storage (days) in stallion

Answer 7

9

Question 8

duration of spermatogenesis for rams (days)

Answer 8

50

Question 9

duration of spermatogenesis for boars (days)

Answer 9

40

Question 9

duration of spermatogenesis for stallions (days)

Answer 9

55

Question 10

duration of spermatogenesis for rats (days)

Answer 10

50

Question 10

duration of spermatogenesis for mice (days)

Answer 10

35

Question 10

duration of spermatogenesis for men (days)

Answer 10

75

Question 10

duration of spermatogenesis for rabbits (days)

Answer 10

45

Question 11

how long is required for restoration of normal spermatogenesis after treatment

Answer 11

6 to 12 wks required before restoration of normal spermatogenesis can be accomplished post treatment or
exposure to deleterious events

Question 12

how long do you have to wait to see effects of deleterious events of sperm

Answer 12

2 to 4 wks delay before effects of deleterious events (heat stress, shipping, fever, exposure to toxins) can be observed

Question 13

what is seminal plasma produced by (5)

Answer 13

• Epididymis
• Ampulla
• Vesicular glands
• Prostate gland
• Bulbourethral glands

Question 14

pH of seminal plasma

Answer 14

pH 7.2-7.8

Question 15

what is seminal plasma?

Answer 15

Buffered, nutrient, protective transport medium

Question 16

contents of seminal plasma

Answer 16

-electrolytes
-proteins
-citric acid
-enzymes
-buffers
-energy sources
-prostaglandins
-antibacterials, zinc

Question 17

what is the importance of scrotal temperature

Answer 17

Testicular endocrine and spermatogenic function is optimal
when scrotal temperature maintained at 3-4°C below the body
temperature

Question 18

what controls scrotal temperature

Answer 18

Counter-current heat exchange in the pampiniform plexus controls the scrotal temperature

Question 19

pathway for penile erection and protrusion

Answer 19

sexual stimulation (optical, olfactory) -> increase PSNS, decrease SNS stimulation -> increased ACh then cGMP -> vasodilation -> blood accumulation -> increased pressure on veins -> blood retention

Question 20

major steps in ejaculation (4)

Answer 20

1. intromission
2. sensory stimulation of glans penis (temp and pressure)
3. sudden and powerful contraction of urethralis, bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles
4. expulsion of semen