Testis

Question 1

What are the testes?

Answer 1

paired, mobile organs in the scrotum

Question 2

What are the functions of the testes?

Answer 2

• production of spermatozoa

- secretion of androgens

Question 3

What is the tunica albuginea?

Answer 3

• the fibrous outer covering of the testis

- lies deep to the visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis, which is the deepest layer of the scrotum

Question 4

Describe the internal layer of the testis.

Answer 4

• The testis is divided by septa into numerous (~250) wedge shaped portions called lobules.
• Mediastinum testis
• Seminiferous tubules
• Rete testis
• Efferent ductules

Question 5

What is the mediastinum testis?

Answer 5

a fibrous compartment in the posterior part of the testis where the septa converge

Question 6

What are the seminiferous tubules?

Answer 6

• the functional, sperm producing portion of the testis
• each lobule contains 2-3 seminiferous tubules
• these unite to form the straight tubules

Question 7

What is the rete testis?

Answer 7

an elaborate network of canals located within the mediastinum testis into which the straight tubules empty

Question 8

What are the efferent ductules?

Answer 8

ducts which connect the rete testis to the head of the epididymis

Question 9

What is the epididymis?

Answer 9

a C-shaped structure attached to the superior and posterior aspect of the testis

Question 10

What is the function of the epididymis?

Answer 10

to store sperm until they mature

Question 11

What are the parts of the epididymis?

Answer 11

• Head of epididymis: connected to the superior surface of the testis by the efferent ductules; thickest portion
• Body of epididymis: located along the posterior surface of the testis
• Tail of epididymis: ends in the ductus deferens

Question 12

What is the lymphatic drainage of the testis?

Answer 12

• testis drains into the lumbar nodes

- scrotum drains into the superficial inguinal nodes

Question 13

Where is testicular cancer likely to spread first?

Answer 13

to the abdomen

Question 14

Describe descent of the testes.

Answer 14

• The testes develop in the lumbar region inside the abdominal cavity.
• They normally descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum just before birth.

Question 15

What is the gubernaculum testis?

Answer 15

• a ligament present in the fetus which connects the testis to the scrotum
• it contracts to pull the testis downward and through the inguinal canal during its descent

Question 16

What is cryptorchidism?

Answer 16

• Testes are undescended at birth in 3% of full term infants, 30% of premature infants.
• Undescended testes are most commonly found in the inguinal canal, and the condition is unilateral.
• Most descend in the first weeks or months after birth.
• If they do not descend, infertility results but androgen secretion is unimpaired.
• Undescended testes are at greatly increased risk of cancer.
• Will administer testosterone to get them to descend.