Male Reproductive System Histology (MCQS)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the reproductive system?

Control of gonadotropin secretion

Regulation of body temperature

Production of reproductive cells and secretion of hormones (correct)

Production of testosterone

What is the weight range of each testis?

5-10 g

15-20 g

10-15 g (correct)

20-25 g

What is the function of testosterone in the reproductive system?

Spermatogenesis and sexual differentiation (correct)

Control of gonadotropin secretion

Regulation of body temperature

Production of reproductive cells

What is the purpose of the scrotum?

To keep the testes at a lower temperature than the core body temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Sertoli cells?

Support and nourishment of developing sperm cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Leydig cells?

Secretion of testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the rete testis?

Collection of sperm from seminiferous tubules Signup and view all the answers

What is the histology of the efferent duct?

Irregular epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure that connects the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis?

Efferent duct Signup and view all the answers

What is the region of the sperm that contains DNA and has a helmet-like acrosome?

Head Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pseudostratified columnar epithelium in the epididymis?

To secrete fluids to facilitate sperm transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the epididymis?

To store and protect spermatozoa Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for propelling spermatozoa through the epididymis?

Smooth muscle layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the microvilli (stereocilia) in the epididymis?

To increase the surface area for absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the epididymis is the primary storage location of spermatozoa?

Epididymis tail Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vas deferens?

To transport spermatozoa during ejaculation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

To produce seminal fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the prostate gland?

To produce alkaline mucus Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the epididymis to the vas deferens?

Ductus epididymis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ejaculatory duct?

To penetrate the wall of the prostate gland Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Male Reproductive System

The main task of the reproductive system is the production of reproductive cells and the secretion of hormones.

The Testis

The testis is egg-shaped, 5 cm long, 3 cm wide, and 2.5 cm thick, and weighs 10-15 grams.
It hangs in the scrotum and produces sperm, as well as contains endocrine cells that secrete hormones like testosterone.
Testosterone is important for spermatogenesis, sexual differentiation, and control of gonadotropin secretion.

Seminiferous Tubules

Seminiferous tubules are where sperm production takes place.
They have a basement membrane with lamina propria, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids.
Leydig cells are interstitial cells that produce testosterone.

Sperm

Sperm have three major regions: head, midpiece, and tail.
The head contains DNA and has a helmet-like acrosome containing hydrolytic enzymes that allow the sperm to penetrate and enter the egg.
The midpiece contains mitochondria spiraled around the tail filaments.
The tail is a typical flagellum produced by a centriole.

Epididymis

The epididymis has three functions: monitors and adjusts fluid produced by seminiferous tubules, recycles damaged spermatozoa, and stores and protects spermatozoa.
It has a head, body, and tail, with the head receiving spermatozoa from efferent ductules.
The epididymis body has pseudostratified columnar epithelium with microvilli, and the tail has loose connective tissue and a layer of smooth muscle.

Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens)

The ductus deferens is 40-45 cm long and begins at the tail of the epididymis, ascending through the inguinal canal.
It curves inferiorly along the urinary bladder toward the prostate gland and seminal glands.
The lumen enlarges into an ampulla, and the wall contains a thick layer of smooth muscle.

Ejaculatory Duct

The ejaculatory duct is a short passageway (2 cm) at the junction of the ampulla and seminal gland duct.
It penetrates the wall of the prostate gland and empties into the urethra.

Accessory Genital Glands

Seminal Vesicle

The seminal vesicle is about 15 cm long with short side branches from the body.
It is a tubular gland coiled and folded into a 5 cm by 2.5 cm mass.
It is an extremely active secretory gland, producing 60% of semen volume, including fructose, fibrinogen, and prostaglandins.

Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a small, muscular organ, about 4 cm in diameter, which encircles the proximal portion of the urethra.
It consists of 30-50 compound tubuloalveolar glands surrounded by smooth muscle fibers.

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Description

This quiz covers the male reproductive system, including the production of reproductive cells, hormone secretion, and the role of endocrine glands and the nervous system.