Week 10 - Male Genital Tract

Question 1

What is the functions of the penis?

Answer 1

1. Sexual function
   a. Increased blood flow to erectile tissue
   b. Decreased blood outflow
   c. Leads to erection
   d. Sperm passes through urethra
2. Urination
   a. Male urethra passes through penis

Question 2

What are the functions of the testis

Answer 2

1. Production of sperm
   a. In seminiferous tubules
   b. Sperm stored in epididymis, where it matures
   c. Sperm transported to urethra by vas deferens
2. Production of testosterone (male sex hormone)

Question 3

Describe the anatomy of the prostate

Answer 3

• Located inferior to the bladder
• Urethra passes through it
• About the size of a large walnut
• Approximately 20 g
• Vas deferens enter prostate, become ejaculatory ducts, which join with the urethra
• Seminal vesicles arise from posterior base of prostate

Question 4

Name the zones of the prostate

Answer 4

• Transition zone
• Central zone
• Peripheral zone
• Anterior fibromuscular stroma

Question 5

What are the functions of the prostate

Answer 5

1. Secretes fluid which becomes part of semen
   a. Helps prolong the lifespan of sperm
2. Helps control urination and ejaculation

Question 6

What is the most common cancer in men (aside from skin cancers)?

Answer 6

prostate

Question 7

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

Answer 7

• Advanced age
• Androgen exposure
• Family history (2x risk if father/brother with prostate cancer)
• African descent
  o 2:1 African: Caucasian decent
  o Less frequent in Asian and Hispanic populations
  o Patients of African descent have more advanced stage, are more likely to die of prostate cancer
• Western diet

Question 8

What are the clinical presentations for prostate cancer?

Answer 8

• Most are asymptomatic
• Screening begins at age 50
  o Digital rectal examination
   Cancer often hard nodule
  o PSA (prostate specific antigen)
   May be elevated in cancer, but also in many other conditions
• Nearly all prostate cancers occur in the peripheral zone

Question 9

How is prostate cancer treated?

Answer 9

• Surgery – prostatectomy
• Radiation
  o External beam
  o Brachytherapy (seeds implanted in prostate)
• Chemotherapy
  o If metastatic disease
• Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation)
• Active surveillance

Question 10

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Answer 10

• Prostate biopsy with transrectal ultrasound

Question 11

What is the prognosis for prostate cancer?

Answer 11

often good
o Most men die WITH prostate cancer not FROM prostate cancer