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Questions and Answers
Which structure in the male reproductive system is classified as an exocrine gland?
Which structure in the male reproductive system is classified as an exocrine gland?
What is the role of the Sertoli cell within the seminiferous tubule?
What is the role of the Sertoli cell within the seminiferous tubule?
Which phase of spermatogenesis involves the first meiotic division?
Which phase of spermatogenesis involves the first meiotic division?
What is the primary function of the epididymal duct's principal cells?
What is the primary function of the epididymal duct's principal cells?
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How does the histology of the ampulla of the ductus deferens compare to that of the seminal vesicle?
How does the histology of the ampulla of the ductus deferens compare to that of the seminal vesicle?
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What type of cells are located at the adluminal compartment created by Sertoli cells?
What type of cells are located at the adluminal compartment created by Sertoli cells?
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What is the major secretory molecule produced by the seminal vesicle?
What is the major secretory molecule produced by the seminal vesicle?
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Which component is involved in establishing haploid gametes during spermatogenesis?
Which component is involved in establishing haploid gametes during spermatogenesis?
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What role does nitric oxide (NO) play in the mechanism of producing an erection?
What role does nitric oxide (NO) play in the mechanism of producing an erection?
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Which neurotransmitter is involved in the initial signal that leads to the production of nitric oxide in the erectile tissue?
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the initial signal that leads to the production of nitric oxide in the erectile tissue?
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What is the effect of phosphodiesterase on cGMP in the context of erectile dysfunction?
What is the effect of phosphodiesterase on cGMP in the context of erectile dysfunction?
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How do phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil citrate, assist men with erectile dysfunction?
How do phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil citrate, assist men with erectile dysfunction?
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What physiological change occurs when cGMP levels are increased in the smooth muscle of the erectile tissue?
What physiological change occurs when cGMP levels are increased in the smooth muscle of the erectile tissue?
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What type of epithelium lines the straight tubules?
What type of epithelium lines the straight tubules?
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What is the primary function of the straight tubules and the rete testis?
What is the primary function of the straight tubules and the rete testis?
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Where are the intratesticular ducts located?
Where are the intratesticular ducts located?
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What structure does the rete testis merge to form?
What structure does the rete testis merge to form?
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What type of channel system is the rete testis classified as?
What type of channel system is the rete testis classified as?
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What is the connective tissue surrounding the rete testis known as?
What is the connective tissue surrounding the rete testis known as?
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Which of these is true about the epithelial lining of the rete testis?
Which of these is true about the epithelial lining of the rete testis?
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Which fluid is responsible for moving sperm through the ducts?
Which fluid is responsible for moving sperm through the ducts?
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What happens if the Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctions are compromised?
What happens if the Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctions are compromised?
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How long does spermatogenesis take to complete in humans?
How long does spermatogenesis take to complete in humans?
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What are the three phases of spermatogenesis?
What are the three phases of spermatogenesis?
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What is the primary function of the bulbourethral glands?
What is the primary function of the bulbourethral glands?
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Which portion of the penis contains the urethra?
Which portion of the penis contains the urethra?
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What is the role of Type Ad spermatogonia?
What is the role of Type Ad spermatogonia?
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What type of epithelium is commonly found in the male urethra?
What type of epithelium is commonly found in the male urethra?
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What is a characteristic feature of all spermatogonia?
What is a characteristic feature of all spermatogonia?
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What are the vascular spaces in erectile tissue called?
What are the vascular spaces in erectile tissue called?
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Which statement best describes the differentiating function of spermatids?
Which statement best describes the differentiating function of spermatids?
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Which structure surrounds the cylinders of erectile tissue in the penis?
Which structure surrounds the cylinders of erectile tissue in the penis?
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What type of cells can be classified as spermatogonia?
What type of cells can be classified as spermatogonia?
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Where do the ducts of the bulbourethral glands open?
Where do the ducts of the bulbourethral glands open?
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What occurs during the spermatocyte phase of spermatogenesis?
What occurs during the spermatocyte phase of spermatogenesis?
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What is the role of the trabecculae in erectile tissues?
What is the role of the trabecculae in erectile tissues?
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What are the glands that secrete mucous in the male urethra called?
What are the glands that secrete mucous in the male urethra called?
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What structural change occurs to the nucleus during the acrosome phase of sperm development?
What structural change occurs to the nucleus during the acrosome phase of sperm development?
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What characterizes the middle piece of the spermatozoan?
What characterizes the middle piece of the spermatozoan?
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What happens to the excess cytoplasm during the maturation phase of sperm development?
What happens to the excess cytoplasm during the maturation phase of sperm development?
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How are late spermatids typically recognized?
How are late spermatids typically recognized?
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What is the status of newly shed spermatozoa immediately after they are released?
What is the status of newly shed spermatozoa immediately after they are released?
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What aids in the movement of spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules?
What aids in the movement of spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules?
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Which structure is the first component of the excretory duct system?
Which structure is the first component of the excretory duct system?
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What is the primary function of the Sertoli cells in relation to sperm?
What is the primary function of the Sertoli cells in relation to sperm?
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Study Notes
Male Reproductive System
-
Testes: Classified as an exocrine gland by morphology and secretion
- Covered by coverings, lobular organization, and interstitium
- Contains an endocrine component
- Seminiferous tubules are the histological organization
- Sertoli cells create basal and adluminal compartments in the seminiferous epithelium
- Sertoli cells have functions
-
Spermatogenic cells: Involved in spermatogenesis
- Spermatogonial cells: Location, function, and histology
- Primary spermatocytes: Location and histology; first meiotic division (reductional)
- Second meiotic division (equatorial) of spermatocyte phase, role in establishing haploid gametes
- Spermatids: DNA, chromosome content, location and histology of round/elongated spermatids, Golgi, cap, acrosome, and maturational phases
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Excretory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System:
- Straight tubules: Location, histological features, and function
- Rete testis: Location, histological features, and function
- Efferent ductules: Location, histological features, and function
- Epididymal duct: Location, histological features, function of principal cells
- Ductus deferens: Histological features
- Ampulla function, comparison with seminal vesicles
-
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System:
- Seminal vesicle: Histological organization, typical secretory epithelium classification, major secretory molecules
- Prostate gland: Organization, secretory epithelium, secretions and function
- Role of testosterone in accessory gland function
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Penis: Microanatomy and function
- Histological organization of corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum and penile urethra
- Connective tissue and vascular components of erectile (cavernous) tissues
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Testes (Detailed):
- Endocrine gland (Leydig cells) producing testosterone
- Exocrine organ producing spermatozoa
- A compound tubular gland utilizing a holocrine mechanism
- Surrounded by the tunica albuginea, with an inner layer, the tunica vasculosa
- Posteriorly thickened into the mediastinum testis, the connective tissue creating lobules, each containing seminiferous tubules.
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Sertoli Cells:
- Columnar epithelium stretching from the basal lamina to the lumen
- Indistinct plasma membrane boundaries, indented, vesiculated nucleus, and prominent nucleolus
- Create microenvironments for spermatogenic cell development
-
Spermatogenesis:
- Spermatogonial phase: Production of spermatocytes from spermatogonial cells (gonial cells) - 3 main types Ad (dark), Ap (pale) and B
- Spermatocyte phase: Meiotic divisions of spermatocytes, reducing DNA to one copy per cell
-
Spermatid Phase:
- Undifferentiated cells undergoing biochemical and morphological changes (spermiogenesis)
- Golgi, cap, acrosome, and maturation stages
- Acrosomal vesicle production
- Tail formation, nuclear condensation
- Mitochondria migration
- Extrusion of residual body
- Efferent ductules: Passageway from rete testis to epididymis; Facilitate sperm movement
- Epididymis: Sperm storage; Important in maturation
- Ductus deferens: Transport sperm; Muscular walls
- Seminal vesicles: Secrete majority of semen volume, e.g., fructose; Produce prostaglandins, proteins, bicarbonate
- Prostate, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands: Important for sperm motility and nutrition
- Penis: Consists of erectile tissue (corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum); Urethra runs through; Enables copulation.
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