Male Physiology MM II - Reproduction

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in male reproduction?

Induces Testosterone secretion

Promotes protein synthesis in Sertoli cells (correct)

Inhibits the production of Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Regulates libido and erections

Which hormone acts on Leydig cells to induce testosterone secretion?

Estradiol

Inhibin

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Luteinizing hormone (LH) (correct)

What is the function of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in postnatal males?

Diagnostic marker elevated in cryptorchidism (correct)

Promotes the synthesis of Luteinizing Hormone

Produced by mature Sertoli cells

Elevated in sexually mature males

What is the role of Estradiol secreted by Sertoli cells in male reproductive physiology?

Provides negative feedback for FSH synthesis Signup and view all the answers

During spermatocytogenesis, which processes are involved?

Mitosis and meiosis Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for providing a functional delivery system in male reproduction?

Accessory glands Signup and view all the answers

What role does the tunica albuginea play in the process of erection?

It prevents substantial increase in diameter. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the return to a flaccid state of the penis?

Sympathetic system activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which system is associated with sexual arousal and occurs when the body is at rest?

Parasympathetic system. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism primarily facilitates an increase in the length of the penis during erection?

Relaxation of the retractor penis muscle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Facilitating digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the parasympathetic system's role during the process of ejaculation?

It regulates processes related to sexual arousal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the pampiniform plexus?

Thermoregulation of testicular blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is crucial in maintaining a unique environment for germ cell development?

Sertoli cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions is NOT associated with the epididymis?

Semen production Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate duration of spermatogenesis in bulls?

61 days Signup and view all the answers

Which type of penile structure is characterized by increased size due to blood engorgement?

Musculocavernous Signup and view all the answers

What do the accessory glands primarily contribute to in male reproduction?

Production of seminal plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the blood-testis barrier?

Protects against autoimmune response Signup and view all the answers

Which animal has the shortest duration of spermatogenesis?

Boar Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is primarily involved in initiating penile erection?

Pudendal nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the male reproductive system is responsible for sperm storage?

Epididymis Signup and view all the answers

What role does Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) play in the male reproductive system?

Mediates sexual development and secondary sex characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the negative feedback on GnRH secretion in males?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

During which period do gonadotropin concentrations typically decrease in male mammals?

Non-breeding season Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pampiniform plexus in the male reproductive system?

Facilitates countercurrent heat exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is responsible for the production of testosterone?

Leydig cells Signup and view all the answers

How does melatonin influence gonadotropin concentrations in male mammals?

Decreases gonadotropin levels during the night Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the anatomy of the testes?

The blood supply originates from the pulmonary artery Signup and view all the answers

What physiological adaptation helps maintain testicular temperature lower than core body temperature?

Presence of sweat glands in scrotal skin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Fertility and Reproduction Physiology

Competent spermatogenesis involves endocrine regulation, thermoregulation, spermatocytogenesis (mitosis and meiosis), and spermiogenesis (morphological transformation).
The functional delivery system includes accessory glands, erection, ejaculation, and libido.

Endocrinology of Male Reproduction

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by immature Sertoli cells; low levels are noted postnatally.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates testosterone secretion by Leydig cells.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes protein synthesis in Sertoli cells.
Testosterone levels are significantly higher in the seminiferous tubules and inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH secretion via negative feedback.

Hormonal Interactions

Estradiol secreted by Sertoli cells negatively regulates FSH synthesis.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone, mediates sexual development and secondary sex characteristics, impacting conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Hypothalamic Regulation

Tonic release of GnRH occurs in males, promoting frequent low amplitude pulses.
Seasonal changes influence gonadotropin concentrations via melatonin production, with males less affected by seasonal variations than females.

Male Anatomy

Key anatomical features include the scrotum, testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, accessory glands, penis, and prepuce.
The scrotum's structure facilitates thermoregulation essential for sperm production.

Testicular Thermoregulation

Testes maintain a temperature approximately 3.1 °C (5.6 °F) lower than body temperature through scrotal skin, pampiniform plexus, and the cremaster muscle.
Blood testis barrier is crucial for protecting germ cells during maturation and development.

Spermatogenesis Process

Takes around 60 days overall; duration varies by species (e.g., bull: 61 days, ram: 48 days, dog: 61 days).

Anatomy of the Epididymis

Composed of head, body, and tail, it functions in sperm maturation, storage, and transit, all dependent on testosterone.

Accessory Glands Functions

Species variation exists in accessory glands (ampulla, prostate, vesicular, bulbourethral).
Aid in the production of seminal plasma, enhancing sperm viability and functionality.

Erection and Ejaculation Mechanisms

Erection involves parasympathetic stimulation through the pelvic nerve, increasing blood flow to the penis.
Ejaculation is a sympathetic process involving the ejection of sperm and seminal fluid to the urethra.

Libido and Semen Composition

Libido is genetically determined and requires certain testosterone and estradiol thresholds.
Seminal fluid contains components from testes and accessory glands crucial for sperm motility, metabolism, and immunoregulation.

Copulation Triggering

Initiated by visual stimuli, penile sensation, and musculoskeletal responses leading to ejaculation.

Conclusion

Understanding male reproductive physiology is critical for effectively managing male fertility in clinical practice.

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Description

Explore the intricate processes of male fertility including spermatogenesis, endocrine regulation, and thermoregulation. This quiz covers essential topics such as spermatocytogenesis and the functional delivery system involved in reproduction. Test your understanding of male physiological functions and their relevance in reproduction.