The Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
In the seminiferous tubules, which are located within the testes (ie the “sperm factory”)
What is the progression into sperm?
1) sermatogonium
2) primary spermatocyte
3) spermatid
4) spermatozoon
What is the sperm pathway?
SEVEn Up
Seminiferous tubules Epididymis Vas Deferens Ejaculatory Duct *nothing*
Urethra
Penis
What is the role of Sertoli cells?
they protect and nurture the sperm
FSH binds here
What is the role of Leydig Cells?
testosterone synthesis
LH binds here, converts cholesterol into testosterone
What are the components of an active sperm?
1) head, ie the “acrosome” which contains DNA (little to no cytoplasm)
2) middle: centrioles and minute mitochondria (75-100)
3) tail
What is a sperm’s main energy source?
fructose
Where do spematozoa mature?
within the epididymis
What duct within the embryo develops into male internal genitalia?
the Wolffian duct
Semen is composed of fluid from what glands?
- seminal vesicles
- prostate
- bulbourethral glands
What is capacitation and where does it occur?
this is where spermatozoa become activated for fertilization, and it takes place in the vagina
What are the 2 main cells of the testes?
Sertoli Cells & Leydig Cells
What are the main functions of testosterone?
- development of secondary sex characteristics
- closure of growth plates
- stimulation of erythropoiesis
True or False: Men have a higher number of RBCs
True - because men have 7-8x more testosterone, they have a higher rate of erythropoiesis, and consequently more red blood cells
What is the mechanism to prevent running out of viable sperm?
during mitotic division, 1 spermatogonium continues to mature into a spermatocyte while the other will remain as an immature germ cell
