The male reproductive system Flashcards
What is a hydrocoele?
Excess fluid in the tunica vaginalis
What are sertoli cells?
Sertoli cells are the somatic cells of the testis that are essential for testis formation and spermatogenesis.
They facilitate the progression of germ cells to spermatozoa via direct contact and by controlling the environment milieu within the seminiferous tubules.
What are Leydig cells?
Cells that produce testosterone in the presence of LH.
They are found adjacent to the seminiferous cells in the testes
What is the arterial supply of the testicles? Where does this originate from?
Testicular artery
This comes off the abdominal aorta.
Where does the right testicular vein drain into?
Inferior Vena Cava
Where does the left testicular artery drain into?
Left renal vein THEN IVC
Why is the venous drainage of the testicles first via the pampiniform plexus?
Because it is vine shaped and acts like a counter current exchange system to lower the temperature of the arterial blood and keep the testes at a lower temp than body temp. (35 degrees as this is when spermatogenesis occurs)
Where does the lymphatic drainage of the testes go into?
Paraaortic lymph nodes (lumbar) - This informs the examination of cancer spread
What deformity makes people more susceptible to testicular torsion?
Bell clapper deformity - when the tunica vaginalis attaches high up on the spermatic cord - making it easier for the testicle to twist
What happens when you get testicular torsion?
It is a compartment syndrome affecting the testes that occurs because the spermatic cord has twisted on itself. It presents as a painful, swollen testes. Only have a four hour window to treat before risk loosing testicle.
You can also get an immune attack on contralateral testes as it is an immunocompromised area.
How do the testes form?
They evaginate the abdominal wall as they are pulled through by the gubernaculum, forming the spermatic fascia that surrounds the testes and its vessels.
Like pushing a finger into clingfilm.
What is in the spermatic cord?
Rule of three!
3 arteries - Testicular artery, cremasteric artery, artery to vas deferens
3 veins - cremasteric vein, vein to Vas deferens, pampinifrom plexus (which leads to testicular vein)
3 nerves - illioinguinal nerve, cremaster nerve, nerve to vas
3 other - vas deferens, vas lymphatics, patent processus vaginalis (not always…)
3 fascial layers - external spermatic, cremasteric, internal cremasteric
How do you do a vasectomy?
Cut the vas deferens
What part of the prostate does benign prostatic hyperplasia tend to affect?
The transitional zone (central part)
What part of the prostate do prostate cancers tend to affect?
The peripheral zone (outer part) - This means they can be felt doing a PR exam
