Testis

Question 1

Structure of the Testis

Answer 1

• tunica albuginea (DCT capusle)
• seminiferous tubules (high convolute, sperm produce)
• tubulus rectus
• rete testis
• ductuli efferentes
• epididymis (sperm wait)
• vas deferens

Question 2

Seminiferous Tubules

Answer 2

• Sertoli Cells (oval shape, prominent nucleolus)
• Spermatogenic Cells –> differentiate and migrate
• Interstitial Leydig Cells = cholesterol –> testosterone
• Myoid Cells (muscle-like)

Question 3

Clonal Nature of Spermatogenesis

Answer 3

Spermatogonia (Type A and B) - mitosis
Spermatocytes (Primary and Secondary) - meiosis I/II
Early Spermatids (flagellum)
Late Spermatids (remove excess cytoplasm)
Residual Bodies + Spermatozoa

Question 4

Six Functions of Sertoli Cells

Answer 4

• separate seminiferous tubules into distinct luminal and abluminal compartments
• blood/testis barrier
• secrete fluid with androgen binding protein
• provide metabolic support to spermatogenic cells
• help translocation of spermatogenic cells to lumen
• phagocytose residual bodies

Question 5

Spermiogenesis

Answer 5

early spermatid (polarize internally, centrioles vs golgi)
- acrosomal vesicle (hydrolytic enzymes) –> acrosome
- flagellum –> mitochondrial sheath

Question 6

Sperm + Ovum

Answer 6

• acrosome release hydrolytic enzymes
• spermatozoa fuse with ovum membrane

Question 7

Functions of Testosterone

Answer 7

• promote spermatogenesis
• maintain accessory organs
• secondary sexual characteristics
• feedback to pituitary and hypothalamus