week 1 - histology of the male reproductive system Flashcards
what are the testis?
The testes are paired structures lying in the scrotum
what are the testis surrounded by?
Surrounded by a capsule
what does each testis consist of?
a number of seminiferous tubules (ST)
what do the seminiferous tubules (ST) drain via?
drain via the straight tubules into the rete testis (R)
what is the next structure from rete testis? leading to?
the efferent ductules (DE) which lead to the epididymis which is highly coiled
what is plastered onto the posterior aspect of the testis?
the epididymis is described as having a head (H), body (B) and tail (T)
what are all the different parts of the testis?
C: capsule ST: seminferous tubule R: rete testis DE: efferent ducts H: head - epididymis B: body - epididymis T: tail - epididymis V: vas deferens
what type of epithelium lines the testis?
Seminiferous epithelium
what are the cell types of the seminiferous epithelium?
2 cell types:
- Sertoli cells
- cells of the germ cell lineage
what do the Sertoli cells form?
blood-testis barrier
describe the germ cells of seminiferous epithelium
Germ (G) cells (appearing) at various stages of development
function of Sertoli cells of seminiferous epithelium
FSH responsive
inhibin secretion
where are Leydig cells found?
in seminiferous tubule of testis (as are Sertoli cells)
function of Leydig cells of seminiferous tubule of testis?
testosterone secretion
which age group is testis tumour commonly seen in?
early life - young people
90 – 95% testicular neoplasms are which type?
GERM CELL tumours
Seminiferous tubules converges onto what? via?
Seminiferous tubules converge on Rete testis via tubuli recti