Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?
What is the primary role of Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules?
- To facilitate sperm transport
- To produce testosterone
- To provide nutrition to spermatogonia (correct)
- To regulate temperature
Which structure connects the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis?
Which structure connects the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis?
- Vasa efferentia
- Urethra
- Vas deferens
- Rete testis (correct)
What hormone is primarily synthesized and secreted by Leydig's cells?
What hormone is primarily synthesized and secreted by Leydig's cells?
- Progesterone
- Androgens (correct)
- Estrogen
- Follicle-stimulating hormone
What is the average temperature range of the testes compared to the internal body temperature?
What is the average temperature range of the testes compared to the internal body temperature?
Which part of the male accessory ducts serves as the site for sperm storage until ejaculation?
Which part of the male accessory ducts serves as the site for sperm storage until ejaculation?
Flashcards
What is the function of the testis?
What is the function of the testis?
The testis is a male reproductive organ that produces sperm cells and hormones.
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
Seminiferous tubules are highly coiled tubes located in the testis. They are the site of spermatogenesis, the process of sperm cell production.
What is the role of the epididymis?
What is the role of the epididymis?
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that connects the seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens. It stores and matures sperm cells.
What is the pathway for sperm from the epididymis to the urethra?
What is the pathway for sperm from the epididymis to the urethra?
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Why is temperature regulation crucial for the testes?
Why is temperature regulation crucial for the testes?
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Study Notes
Temperature Regulation of Testes
- Sperm production is optimal at 34°C, lower than the normal 37°C internal body temperature
- Scrotum adjusts temperature via muscle contractions (cremaster and dartos muscles)
- Moving testes closer or farther from the body adjusts heat absorption/loss
- Scrotum surface area exposed to environment influences heat dissipation
Structure and Function of Testes
- Oval-shaped, ~4-5 cm long, ~2-3 cm wide
- Protected by three layers (tunica vaginalis, albuginea, vasculosa)
- ~250 compartments (testicular lobules)
- Each lobule contains one to three tightly coiled seminiferous tubules
- Tubules lined with two cell types:
- Male germ cells (spermatogonia)
- Sertoli cells (nutrition)
Interstitial Cells
- Located outside seminiferous tubules
- Contain small blood vessels
- Produce male sex hormones (androgens, e.g., testosterone)
Male Accessory Ducts
- Rete testis: connects seminiferous tubules to vasa efferentia
- Vasa efferentia: leads to epididymis
- Epididymis: stores and matures sperm
- Caput, corpus, and cauda differentiated regions
- Vas deferens: extends to the abdomen, uniting with seminal vesicle to form ejaculatory duct
- Empties into urethra
- Urethra: transports sperm and urine
- Urethral meatus: external opening
Sperm Formation
- Spermatogenesis occurs in seminiferous tubules
- Spermatogonia (male germ cells) undergo meiotic division to form spermatozoa (sperm)
- Sertoli cells support and nourish developing sperm cells.
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