THE TESTES AND EPIDIDYMIS Flashcards
what are the testes and epididymis?
paired structures, located within the scrotum
function of testis?
site of sperm production and hormone synthesis
function of epididymis?
storage of sperm
where are the testis?
The testes are located within the scrotum
where are the epididymis in relation to the testis?
the epididymis situated on the posterolateral aspect of each testicle (within scrotum)
which testicle is lower?
left
where are the testicles suspended from?
suspended from the abdomen
what are the testicles suspended from the abdomen by?
by the spermatic cord
what are the spermatic cords?
collection of vessels, nerves and ducts that supply the testes
originally, where are the testis located?
posterior abdominal wall
what happens to the testis during embryonic development?
they descend down the abdomen, and through the inguinal canal to reach the scrotum
what do the testis carry as they descend?
They carry their neurovascular and lymphatic supply with them
what shape are the testis?
ellipsoid shape
what do the testis consist of?
a series of lobules, each containing seminiferous tubules supported by interstitial tissue
what are produced in the seminiferous tubules?
Spermatozoa
where do the developing sperm travel? collecting in?
through the tubules, collecting in the rete testes
what transport the sperm to rete testes?
Ducts known as efferent tubules
why do sperm need to be transported to the rete testes?
to be taken to the epididymis for storage
how many coverings do the testes have and what are they?
The testes have two coverings tunica vaginalis (outer) tunica albuginea (inner)
where is the tunica vaginalis situated?
externally
what do the tunica vaginalis cover?
covering the anterior surface and sides of each testicle
what is the tunica vaginalis derived from?
abdominal peritoneum during development
what is the tunica albuginea?
a fibrous capsule that encloses the testes
where does the tunica albuginea penetrate into?
the parenchyma of each testicle, dividing it into lobules
what does the epididymis consist of?
a single heavily coiled duct. It can be divided into three parts; head, body and tail
what is the head of the epididymis?
The most proximal part of the epididymis
what is the head of the epididymis formed by?
the efferent tubules of the testes
what is the function of the head of the epididymis? (function of efferent tubules of testes - head)
transport sperm from the testes to the epididymis
what forms the body of the epididymis?
by the heavily coiled duct of the epididymis
where is the tail of the epididymis?
The most distal part of the epididymis
what does the tail of the epididymis mark?
the origin of the vas deferens
what is the function of the vas deferens?
transports sperm to the urethra for ejaculation
