Testis Flashcards
Where are the testis?
In the scrotum
What do the testis do?
Site of sperm production and hormone synthesis
Where is the epididymis?
In the scrotum, on the posterolateral aspect of each testicle
What does the epididymis do?
Stores sperm
Which testicle lies lower?
Left
What suspends the testes in their position?
Spermatic cord
What is the spermatic cord?
A collection of vessels, nerves and ducts that supply the testes.
The testes descend during embryonic development - how do they do this?
Through the inguinal canal, carrying their neurovascular and lymphatic supply with them
Where are the testis located before they descend?
Posterior abdominal wall
Describe the basic structure of the testes?
Lobules made up of seminiferous tubules, supported by interstitial tissue.
What happens in the seminiferous tubules?
Sperm are produced.
Where do the sperm go after they are produced in the seminiferous tubules?
Travels through tubules to rete testis. Efferent tubules transport sperm from rete testis to the epididymis for storage.
Name and describe the two coverings of the testes?
Tunica vaginalis - covers anterior and sides of testicle (derived from abdominal peritoneum)
Tunica albuginea - fibrous capsule enclosing testes. It penetrates into the parenchyma of each testicle, dividing it into lobules.
Describe the structure of the epididymis.
Single heavily coiled duct divided into 3 parts:
Head - proximal part, formed by efferent tubules of testes
Body - formed by heavily coiled duct
Tail - distal part, marks origin of vas deferens
What does the vas deferens do?
Transports sperm to urethra for ejaculation.
