40 Questions
Name the process involved in the production of mature spermatozoa.
Spermatogenesis
What is the term for the transformation of spermatid into spermatozoa?
Spermiogenesis
What is the term for the release of mature spermatozoa from the seminiferous tubules?
Spermiation
What is the function of Leydig cells in the testes?
Production of testosterone
What is the main hormone produced by Leydig cells?
Testosterone
What is the function of the thick connective tissue capsule surrounding the testes?
Protection
What is the term for the process of fusion between the male and female gametes?
Fertilisation
Where does implantation of the embryo occur?
Uterus
What is the term for the development of the embryo after fertilisation?
Embryo development
What is the term for the connective tissues that divide the testes into lobules?
Septa
Describe the process of spermiation.
Spermiation is the process by which mature spermatids are released from Sertoli cells into the seminiferous tubule lumen prior to their passage to the epididymis.
How long does spermatogenesis take?
Spermatogenesis takes 64 days.
What is the temperature required for normal sperm production?
Normal sperm production requires a temperature 2-3°C below core body temperature.
List the different stages of differentiation in each seminiferous tubule.
Different stages of differentiation in each seminiferous tubule include spermatogonia, spermatids, and primary spermatocytes.
What are the parts of a sperm and their functions?
The parts of a sperm and their functions are: nucleus (contains condensed DNA), acrosome (facilitates sperm penetration), plasma membrane (surrounds the entire tail), midpiece (provides energy for motility), and tail (facilitates sperm movement).
What are the functions of Sertoli cells?
The functions of Sertoli cells include nourishment of seminiferous tubule cells, transport of nutrients to the lumen region, phagocytosis of cytoplasmic droplets and damaged germ cells, synthesis of luminal proteins, and hormonal modulation of tubular function.
What is the role of Leydig cells?
Leydig cells synthesize androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which play a role in male sex steroid synthesis, spermatogenesis, bone matrix development, muscle mass, and other physiological processes.
What is the purpose of the blood-testes barrier?
The blood-testes barrier prevents autoimmune destruction of sperm and serves as a barrier to blood toxins.
What is the effect of androgen activity on spermatogenesis?
Androgen activity promotes spermatogenesis.
What is the role of testosterone in male development?
Testosterone plays a role in the development of male sexual characteristics, regulation of spermatogenesis, and other physiological processes.
What are the two main components of semen and their respective percentages?
Seminal plasma (~35-40% of volume) and cells (spermatozoa, leukocytes, bacteria, epithelial cells)
Name three functions of seminal plasma.
Provision of energy source, prostaglandins, and neutralization of acidic prostate secretion
What is the normal range for sperm count in semen analysis?
Greater than 100 million/ml
What is the purpose of fructose in semen?
Marker for seminal vesicle function and energy source for sperm
What is the role of zinc in prostate secretions?
Inhibits the enzyme responsible for oxidation of citrate, increasing citrate concentration in seminal plasma
What is the normal pH range in semen analysis?
7.2-8.0
What enzyme/second messenger/signal molecule along the activation pathway would be a target to prevent oocyte maturation and ovulation?
MPF activation
What is the function of anti-Müllerian hormone?
In males, it causes regression of Müllerian ducts. In females, it is involved in follicular recruitment, selection, and growth.
What is the male diagnostic workup for a 35-year-old man experiencing difficulty conceiving for 1 year?
The male diagnostic workup may include a physical exam, semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic testing, and imaging studies.
Could MPF inhibition act as a potential target for developing contraceptives?
Yes, the inhibition of MPF activation could offer a target to prevent oocyte maturation and ovulation.
What is the specificity of Meiosis to gamete production?
The specificity of Meiosis to gamete production means that factors involved in the control of this process offer a good target for contraception.
What are serum AMH levels used clinically to assess?
Serum AMH levels are used clinically to assess ovarian function and predict ovarian reserve that will respond to hormonal treatment in IVF.
What are some risk factors for erectile dysfunction?
DM, CVD, Hypertension, Decreased HDL levels, Medications, Post radiation or surgery for prostate cancer, Lower spinal cord injury, Neurological diseases, Life style factors
What is the physiological basis of erectile dysfunction?
Impaired delivery of sperm to the female tract, decreased blood flow to the penis, decreased smooth muscle relaxation, increased breakdown of cGMP
What is the role of Viagra in treating erectile dysfunction?
Inhibits PDE5, prolongs arteriolar dilation, prolongs erection
What is the process of ejaculation?
Spinal reflex initiated, sympathetic discharge to the genital organs, reproductive ducts/accessory glands contract peristaltically, discharging their contents into the urethra, bulbocarvenous muscle at the base of the penis contracts, rapid series of contractions propel semen from the urethra
What is the process of penile erection?
ACH stimulates NO production, NO stimulates cGMP production, cGMP causes smooth muscle relaxation and arteriolar dilation, increased blood flow to the penis
What are some inflammatory disorders of the accessory glands?
Not mentioned in the text
What is the main risk factor for erectile dysfunction?
Age
What specialized tests can be done to evaluate specific aspects of sperm function?
SCD (Sperm Chromatin Dispersion), Tunel (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling), Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, Single Cell Electrophoresis Assay, Hemizone Assay, Antisperm Antibodies
Test your knowledge on the processes of gametogenesis, fertilisation, implantation, and embryo development. Learn about the structure of the testes and the production of mature spermatozoa. Explore the role of testosterone in the endocrine function of the testes.
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