26 Questions
Which cells are responsible for the production of spermatozoa in the testis?
Spermatogenic cells
What is the function of Leydig cells in the testis?
Secretion of testosterone
What is the purpose of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
Supporting the testicular connective tissue
Where are the Sertoli cells located in the testis?
In the seminiferous tubules
What is the function of the ciliated columnar cells present in the ductuli efferentes?
Movement of spermatozoa
Which epithelium lines the ductus epididymis?
Columnar pseudostratified epithelium
What is the function of the phagocytic cells in the ductus epididymis?
Spermatozoon nutrition
Which layer of the ductus deferens is composed of connective tissue rich in elastic fibers?
Lamina propria-submucosa
What is the function of the seminal plasma produced by the accessory glands?
Initiate the active movements of spermatozoa
Which portion of the prostate surrounds the pelvic urethra?
External or compact portion
What is the function of the bulbourethral gland secretion product?
Lubricate the urethra and vagina
Which erectile tissue surrounds the penile urethra all the way?
Corpus spongiosum
What forms a septum that penetrates between the two penile corpora cavernosa?
Tunica albuginea
Which part of penis is mainly formed by erectile tissue?
Corpora cavernosa
Which cells are present in the epididymal ductuli efferentes?
Ciliated columnar cells
What do venous sinuses compose?
Corpora cavernosa
Which cells continue to divide, while others differentiate into primary spermatocytes?
Type A spermatogonia
What connects intercellularly derived cells from a single spermatogonia?
Cytoplasmic bridges
What is responsible for male sexual characteristics?
Testosterone
Where do developing spermatids reside within the testes?
Sertoli cells
What forms the acrosomal cap over the nucleus of spermatozoa?
Golgi complex
Which part of the sperm tail is subdivided into neck, middle piece, principal piece, and end piece?
Tail
What prevents the entry of substances into the adluminal compartment of the testes?
Blood-testis barrier
Where are straight tubules initially composed solely of Sertoli cells located?
Connective tissue
What transports sperm to the epididymis?
Intratesticular ducts
What is produced by Leydig cells and is responsible for male sexual characteristics?
Testosterone
Study Notes
- Spermatogonia, located in the seminiferous tubules, undergo mitosis at sexual maturity.
- Type A spermatogonia continue to divide, while type B spermatogonia differentiate into primary spermatocytes.
- Primary spermatocytes enter meiosis and form secondary spermatocytes and spermatids.
- Cytoplasmic bridges connect intercellularly derived cells (primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids) from a single spermatogonia.
- Spermiogenesis involves changes in the Golgi complex, including the production of an acrosome, which covers the nucleus and forms the acrosomal cap.
- Spermatozoa have a head and a tail, with the head's shape determined by the species and the nucleus.
- The sperm tail is subdivided into the neck, middle piece, principal piece, and end piece.
- Sertoli cells, part of the germinal epithelium, provide support, protect, and control nutrition for developing sperm.
- Sertoli cells have a pyramidal shape and contain numerous invaginations where developing spermatids reside.
- Sertoli cells are linked together by occluding zonules, forming the blood-testis barrier, which prevents the entry of substances into the adluminal compartment.
- Interstitial or Leydig cells, found in the stroma, produce testosterone, which is responsible for male sexual characteristics.
- Straight tubules, the initial part of which is composed solely of Sertoli cells, lead to the intratesticular ducts, which transport sperm to the epididymis.
- Testis capillaries are fenestrated, allowing the free passage of macromolecules to the interstitial space.
- The seminiferous tubules are surrounded by connective tissue, nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels.
This lesson covers the structure and function of the male reproductive system, including the testes, genital ducts, accessory glands, and penis. It also discusses the dual role of the testis as both an exocrine and endocrine gland.
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