Male Reproductive System
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Questions and Answers

What are the layers surrounding the testis?

  • Tunica adventitia and tunica connective
  • Tunica mucosa and tunica serosa
  • Tunica longitudinalis and tunica fibrosa
  • Tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea (correct)
  • What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?

  • Production of female gametes
  • Secretion of estrogen
  • Formation of menstrual fluid
  • Production of male gametes and testosterone (correct)
  • What is the distinguishing feature of the epididymis in sperm transport?

  • It produces sperms.
  • It secretes testosterone.
  • It serves as a storage site to mature sperm. (correct)
  • It transports blood to the semen.
  • How does the temperature in the scrotum affect spermatogenesis?

    <p>Lower temperatures are essential for normal spermatogenesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the functions of Leydig cells?

    <p>They synthesize and secrete testosterone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of the tunica albuginea?

    <p>It is a collagenous connective tissue capsule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the function of the seminal vesicles?

    <p>They secrete fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system?

    <p>It secretes fluid that enhances sperm motility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the secretion containing galactose and sialic acid in semen?

    <p>To act as a lubricant and clean the urethra</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of semen is contributed by the seminal vesicles?

    <p>65% to 75%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can contribute to male infertility due to a negative influence on sperm development?

    <p>Increased temperature from tight underwear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered a low sperm count that classifies a man as sterile?

    <p>Less than 20 million spermatozoa/mL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure contains the erectile tissue organized into paired dorsal corpora cavernosa?

    <p>Penis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of testosterone and inhibin in male physiology?

    <p>To stimulate the feedback mechanism to inhibit LH production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long does the complete cycle of spermatogenesis take?

    <p>60 to 74 days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the tubuli recti in the testes?

    <p>Simple cuboidal epithelium with Sertoli cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the male genital ducts receives the efferent ductules?

    <p>Epididymis head.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the nonciliated cuboidal cells found in the epididymis?

    <p>To absorb fluid secreted by seminiferous tubules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which section of the epididymis is directly continuous with the vas deferens?

    <p>Tail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of muscle makes up the muscularis layer of the excurrent ducts?

    <p>Circularly oriented smooth muscle cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the rete testis?

    <p>It is a network of channels lined with simple cuboidal epithelium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cell type is least abundant in the mucosa of the epididymis?

    <p>Interstitial cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which anatomical region are the intratesticular ducts located?

    <p>Inside the seminiferous tubules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the prostate gland?

    <p>To secrete prostatic fluid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes prostatic concretions (corpora amylacea)?

    <p>They are frequently calcified.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is rich in the prostate secretion?

    <p>Citric acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary energy source for sperm provided by the seminal vesicles?

    <p>Fructose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure that lines the bulbo-urethral glands (Cowper's glands)?

    <p>Simple cuboidal epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Sertoli cells in relation to developing spermatozoa?

    <p>Support, protect, and provide nutrition to developing spermatozoa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of the muscularis layer of the seminal vesicles?

    <p>Has outer longitudinal and inner circular layers of smooth muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance is secreted by Sertoli cells to concentrate testosterone for sperm maturation?

    <p>Androgen binding protein (ABP)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the pH of the prostate secretions?

    <p>7.29</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the blood-testis barrier primarily consist of?

    <p>Sertoli cell-to-Sertoli cell junctional complex and interstitial connective tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which gland contributes the lipochrome pigments that give semen a yellowish color?

    <p>Seminal vesicles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do Sertoli cells play in the process of spermatogenesis?

    <p>Phagocytose cytoplasmic fragments formed during spermatogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance in prostate secretion is involved in the liquefaction of semen?

    <p>Fibrinolysin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone secreted by Sertoli cells prevents the development of female reproductive structures in males?

    <p>Antimullerian hormone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cellular structures are prominent features of Sertoli cells?

    <p>Numerous mitochondria and elongated nuclei with prominent nucleoli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compartments do Sertoli cell junctions create within the seminiferous epithelium?

    <p>Basal and adluminal compartments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the roles of the peptides secreted by Sertoli cells?

    <p>Regulate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and release</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of germ cells are found in the basal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium?

    <p>Spermatogonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature of Sertoli cells aids in the junctional complex between them?

    <p>Flat cisterna of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and actin filament bundles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Male Reproductive System Anatomy Overview

    • The male reproductive system (MRS) is comprised of gonads (testes), genital excurrent ducts, accessory glands, the male urethra, and the copulatory organ (penis).
    • The primary functions of the MRS are to produce male gametes (spermatozoa) and to be responsible for the endocrine function (production of the androgen – testosterone).
    • The testes are the primary reproductive organs of the male and are situated within the scrotum, each testis is encased within a tunica vaginalis, composed of visceral and parietal layers, and a fibrous capsule known as the tunica albuginea.
    • The scrotum, a pouch of skin, holds the testes, maintaining a temperature 2-3 °C lower than core body temperature, crucial for healthy sperm production.

    Testis Structure & Function

    • The testes are divided into lobules, each containing 1-4 seminiferous tubules, where spermatogenesis occurs, and interstitial tissue (Leydig cells).
    • Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm development.
    • Spermatogonia within seminiferous tubules divide and differentiate into mature spermatozoa, taking 60 to 74 days to complete the cycle.
    • Spermiogenesis, the final stage of spermatogenesis, is the transformation of spermatids into mature spermatozoa.

    Sertoli Cell Structure & Function

    • Sertoli cells, located in the seminiferous tubules, are responsible for supporting and nourishing developing spermatozoa.
    • Sertoli cells act as a barrier between the blood and seminiferous tubules, called the blood-testis barrier.
    • This barrier strictly regulates what enters and exits the seminiferous tubules, protecting sperm cells from the immune system.
    • Sertoli cells synthesize and secrete androgen-binding protein, essential for high levels of testosterone within the seminiferous tubules.
    • Sertoli cells also secrete inhibin, a hormone that regulates FSH production in the anterior pituitary gland.

    Leydig Cell Structure & Function

    • Leydig cells are found in the interstitial spaces between seminiferous tubules.
    • Leydig cells synthesize and secrete testosterone, the primary male sex hormone which plays a vital role in spermatogenesis and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

    Intratesticular Ducts

    • Tubuli recti, the straight tubules, transition into the rete testis, a network of channels, and finally, to the efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
    • The tubules recti are lined with Sertoli cells in the initial portion and simple cuboidal epithelium in the distal region.
    • The rete testis is lined with simple cuboidal epithelium.
    • Efferent ductules, lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium, transport sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis.

    Excurrent Ducts

    • Excurrent ducts include the epididymis, ductus deferens, and the ejaculatory duct.

    Epididymis Structure & Function

    • The epididymis is a highly convoluted duct located on the posterior aspect of each testis.
    • It consists of three parts: head, body, and tail.
    • The epididymis is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium, where sperm undergo maturation and are stored.
    • The structure of the epididymis is highly adapted for sperm maturation and transport.

    Ductus Deferens Structure & Function

    • The ductus deferens, also known as the vas deferens, is a muscular tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
    • It serves as a conduit for sperm and exhibits peristaltic contractions to propel sperm during ejaculation.

    Accessory Glands: Prostate Gland

    • The prostate gland surrounds the urethra and contributes to the formation of seminal fluid.
    • The prostate gland secretes a milky, alkaline fluid that helps to neutralize vaginal acidity and enhance sperm motility.
    • The prostate gland contains corpora amylacea, small spherical bodies of glycoproteins that may be calcified.

    Accessory Glands: Seminal Vesicles

    • Seminal vesicles, located at the base of the urinary bladder, produce a viscous, alkaline fluid that makes up a significant portion of semen.
    • The fluid they produce is rich in fructose, which provides energy for sperm, as well as prostaglandins, which may aid in sperm transport.

    Accessory Glands: Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands)

    • The bulbourethral glands, located near the membranous portion of the urethra, secrete a clear, viscous mucus that lubricates the urethra before and during ejaculation.

    Semen Composition & Function

    • Semen is a mixture of fluids and sperm cells from various parts of the male reproductive system, primarily seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, the testes, and bulbourethral glands.
    • A normal ejaculate contains approximately 70 to 100 million spermatozoa per milliliter.
    • Semen is alkaline (pH 7.7) to counteract the acidity in the urethra and vaginal environment.

    Penis Structure & Function

    • The penis is the male copulatory organ.
    • It is composed of erectile tissue arranged in paired dorsal corpora cavernosa and one ventral corpus spongiosum.
    • Erectile tissue is comprised of arteries, shunts, venous sinusoids, CT, and smooth muscle.
    • During erection, blood fills the sinusoidal spaces within the erectile tissue causing the penis to become stiff and rigid.

    Factors Impacting Sperm Cell Development

    • Factors that can negatively impact the development of sperm cells include:
      • Chromosome abnormalities
      • Varicose veins
      • Testicular defects
      • Nutritional deficiencies
      • Systemic diseases and infections
      • Increased temperature
      • Endocrine disorders
      • Autoimmune sperm cell damage
      • Toxin exposure
      • Drug use
      • Unhealthy lifestyle
      • Post-testicular causes of male infertility

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    Male Reproductive System PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the anatomy and functions of the male reproductive system, focusing on the structure and function of the testes. Learn how the testes produce sperm and hormones, as well as the importance of temperature regulation for spermatogenesis. Test your knowledge on key components like the scrotum and accessory glands.

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