W8L1 Male Reproductive 2 Flashcards
What two hormones are required for initiation of male puberty? After puberty, which of these hormones may be sufficient on its own to supplement if hormone levels are too low?
LH and FSH (coming from adenohypophysis) initiate puberty
LH alone may be enough to supplement after full sexual development during puberty
What temperature should the testis be for normal function?
30-32 degrees C
Locally in the properly-functioning testis, there are high concentrations of:
(6 things, just be familiar…)
Growth factors
Inhibins
Vitamins A, B, E, D ("a bed")
E2
ICAMs
Testosterone
(acronym = “give it”)
About how many days have passed by the time spermatozoa have reached the head of the epididymis?
At what point are spermatozoa mature?
74 days, but still not mature until 2-3 weeks later (85 - 100 days total) when they arrive at the tail of the epididymis
Sperm are stored at what part of the epididymis where they wait to be released during emission/ ejaculation?
In the tail of the epididymis
What percentage of sperm is composed of sperm cells? What percentage is the product of accessory male sex gland secretions?
10% sperm cells, 90% accessory product secretions
The seminal vesicles are responsible for what percentage of semen volume? What 3 important things are produced here?
65-70% of semen volume
Produce:
- Fibrinogen (responsible for semen coagulation)
- Prostaglandins
- Fructose (fuel for sperm)
What are 2 known functions of prostaglandins in semen?
- Some immunomodulatory roles to prevent female immune system from attacking them
- induce rhythmic contractions of uterus to support uptake of semen
The prostate gland depends on what enzyme for its proliferation? What is the clinical relevance of this?
Dependent on 5 alpha reductase, which converts T to DHT
Prostate tumors can be attacked by inhibiting 5 alpha reductase
The prostate produces what percent of semen volume?
What are 2 important proteases that it contributes to semen + 2 other products mentioned in lecture?
-> 25-30% semen volume
2 proteases: PSA and Fibrinolysin
2 other products: Zinc and Acid Phosphatase
What does PSA stand for? What is the clinical relevance of PSA?
Prostate Specific Antigen.
Prostate cancer cells usually produce this enzyme and secrete it into the blood. Concentration is proportional to tumor size
What is the role of zinc in semen?
Inhibits full-blown activation of sperm cells so they are not completely activate until they meet the egg
What is the clinical significance of acid phosphatase in semen?
Physio importance not fully know, but as with PSA it is used to monitor prostate tumor growth (some prostate cancers produce this acid phosphatase more than PSA)
What percentage of semen is produced by the Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands?
When is this secreted?
3-5% of total seminal volume
Appears before ejaculation (pre-ejaculate), which lubricates the normal ejaculate.
May or may not contain sperm.
Normal semen, per the WHO, is more than __ mL per ejaculate, has a pH in ___ range, and consists of ____ (number) spermatozoa per mL.
> 2 mL
pH 7.2 - 8 (slightly basic)
40 million spermatozoa / mL
What percentage of normal spermatozoa after 1 hour must be motile?
> 50%
For normal semen, what percentage of spermatozoa must have a normal morphology?
> 30% (human spermatozoa are relatively poor quality and are prone to not develop correctly, have 2 heads or some other problems)
Where does the complete activation of sperm take place?
In the genital tract of females
What 3 phases describe the entire act of sex for males?
Erection
Emission (semen enters and mixes in proximal urethra)
Ejaculation
The cavernous arterioles of the penis have what two types of innervation? What are their key neurotransmitters here?
Sympathetic (NE)
Parasympathetic (NO, VIP)
