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Questions and Answers
What distinguishes the β subunits of LH and FSH?
What distinguishes the β subunits of LH and FSH?
- They influence the secretion of inhibin.
- They determine the overall structure of the proteins.
- They determine receptor-binding specificity. (correct)
- They regulate testosterone production.
How does hCG function in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
How does hCG function in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
- It blocks the secretion of GnRH.
- It directly causes sperm maturation.
- It acts like LH to upregulate testosterone production. (correct)
- It inhibits testosterone production.
What is the primary function of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive system?
What is the primary function of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive system?
- They transport sperm through the ducts.
- They produce inhibin, inhibiting FSH secretion. (correct)
- They produce fructose in semen.
- They mature sperm within the epididymis.
What is the approximate contribution of the prostate gland to the total volume of semen?
What is the approximate contribution of the prostate gland to the total volume of semen?
What is the average sperm concentration in semen?
What is the average sperm concentration in semen?
What is the main function of the Sertoli cells in the testes?
What is the main function of the Sertoli cells in the testes?
Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for sperm maturation?
Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for sperm maturation?
What is the primary purpose of the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
What is the primary purpose of the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
What role do Leydig cells play in the testes?
What role do Leydig cells play in the testes?
The process of spermatogenesis results in the formation of what type of cells?
The process of spermatogenesis results in the formation of what type of cells?
Which hormone is primarily synthesized in the testes and plays a vital role in male characteristics?
Which hormone is primarily synthesized in the testes and plays a vital role in male characteristics?
Which structure carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?
Which structure carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?
What is the primary regulatory mechanism controlling male reproductive hormones?
What is the primary regulatory mechanism controlling male reproductive hormones?
What is the first step in the synthesis of testosterone?
What is the first step in the synthesis of testosterone?
Which enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone?
Which enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone?
What is the primary location of aromatase in the body?
What is the primary location of aromatase in the body?
How is most of the circulating testosterone in a young adult male transported in the blood?
How is most of the circulating testosterone in a young adult male transported in the blood?
Which statement accurately describes the action of androgens in the male body?
Which statement accurately describes the action of androgens in the male body?
What role does LH play in the function of Leydig cells?
What role does LH play in the function of Leydig cells?
Which of the following hormones is a more potent androgen than testosterone?
Which of the following hormones is a more potent androgen than testosterone?
What is the daily secretion level of testosterone in a young adult male?
What is the daily secretion level of testosterone in a young adult male?
What is the primary location of the testes?
What is the primary location of the testes?
What type of cells line the seminiferous tubules and nurture developing sperm?
What type of cells line the seminiferous tubules and nurture developing sperm?
What is the primary function of Leydig cells in the testes?
What is the primary function of Leydig cells in the testes?
Which hormone is necessary for maintaining spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells?
Which hormone is necessary for maintaining spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells?
What crucial role does the blood/testis barrier serve?
What crucial role does the blood/testis barrier serve?
What is the role of androgen-binding protein (ABP) secreted by Sertoli cells?
What is the role of androgen-binding protein (ABP) secreted by Sertoli cells?
Why are the testes maintained at a temperature 2°C below basal body temperature?
Why are the testes maintained at a temperature 2°C below basal body temperature?
Which hormone stimulates the production of testosterone by Leydig cells?
Which hormone stimulates the production of testosterone by Leydig cells?
What is the primary role of androgens in male reproductive function?
What is the primary role of androgens in male reproductive function?
Which hormone is crucial for the regulation of testosterone production by Leydig cells?
Which hormone is crucial for the regulation of testosterone production by Leydig cells?
What happens to the secretory epithelia of the seminal vesicles and prostate in the absence of androgens?
What happens to the secretory epithelia of the seminal vesicles and prostate in the absence of androgens?
What physiological changes do androgens stimulate during puberty?
What physiological changes do androgens stimulate during puberty?
What is the effect of androgens on hair growth?
What is the effect of androgens on hair growth?
How often is Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) released into the portal circulation?
How often is Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) released into the portal circulation?
Which hormone works in concert with testosterone to stimulate Sertoli cells?
Which hormone works in concert with testosterone to stimulate Sertoli cells?
What is one consequence of athletes using androgens to improve performance?
What is one consequence of athletes using androgens to improve performance?
Flashcards
Testes
Testes
The primary male reproductive organ responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
The process of developing sperm cells from diploid germ cells into haploid sperm cells, each with 23 chromosomes.
Sertoli Cells
Sertoli Cells
Specialized cells in the testes that nurture developing sperm cells and produce proteins necessary for their maturation.
Leydig Cells
Leydig Cells
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Testosterone
Testosterone
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Epididymis
Epididymis
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Ductus deferens
Ductus deferens
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Accessory Glands
Accessory Glands
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Blood-Testis Barrier
Blood-Testis Barrier
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Androgen-Binding Protein (ABP)
Androgen-Binding Protein (ABP)
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
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Sperm Transport
Sperm Transport
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What are the two key steps in testosterone synthesis?
What are the two key steps in testosterone synthesis?
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How is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced?
How is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced?
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What enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen?
What enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen?
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Where is testosterone primarily synthesized?
Where is testosterone primarily synthesized?
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What is the role of LH in testosterone production?
What is the role of LH in testosterone production?
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How does testosterone exert its effects?
How does testosterone exert its effects?
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Why is DHT considered more potent than testosterone?
Why is DHT considered more potent than testosterone?
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What are some of the actions of testosterone in the male body?
What are some of the actions of testosterone in the male body?
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
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Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
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Testosterone and FSH Interaction
Testosterone and FSH Interaction
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Pulsatile Release of LH and FSH
Pulsatile Release of LH and FSH
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What is the HPG axis?
What is the HPG axis?
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What is testosterone's role?
What is testosterone's role?
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What does inhibin do?
What does inhibin do?
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What happens in the epididymis?
What happens in the epididymis?
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What is semen composed of?
What is semen composed of?
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Study Notes
Male Reproductive System Physiology
- Learning Objectives: Summarize functions related to gamete production and sperm transport, describe testis physiology (Sertoli and Leydig cells, hormone synthesis and action), explain duct and accessory gland function, and discuss clinical problems.
Overview of Male Reproductive System
- The male reproductive system's purpose is sexual reproduction. This includes sperm production and delivery to the female reproductive tract.
Physiology of the Testes
- Sertoli Cells: Nourish and support developing sperm. They also form the blood-testis barrier maintaining a specialized environment.
- Leydig Cells: Produce testosterone (T), the main male sex hormone.
- Endocrine Role: Testes play a crucial endocrine role, producing hormones that regulate development and function.
- Testosterone Synthesis: Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone, then to testosterone. This process is a key step.
- Actions of Androgens: Testosterone affects various bodily functions, including development of male characteristics (muscle mass, bone density, secondary sex characteristics), libido, and spermatogenesis.
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis: This axis regulates testosterone production and is a critical feedback loop. LH, FSH, and testosterone interact in this complex process.
Functions of Ducts & Accessory Glands
- Ducts: Epididymis for sperm maturation, ductus deferens for sperm transport and storage, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra, which are involved in overall transport of sperm and fluids.
- Accessory Glands: Seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands produce fluids that nourish and protect sperm, forming semen. These secretions are crucial for sperm viability and motility, and the volume of semen.
Male Reproductive Pathophysiology
- Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS): Genetic condition where the body does not respond to androgens, often presenting as female phenotype.
- Hypogonadism: Impaired testicular function, which can be primary or secondary. This may cause low testosterone levels.
- Aromatase deficiency: A condition where the conversion of testosterone to estrogen is compromised, affecting bone development, fertility and other metabolic processes.
- Other mutations and diseases: Mutations of genes associated with the male reproductive system can lead to various conditions. Other diseases like pituitary tumors can also impact hormone production.
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Description
Explore the fascinating functions of the male reproductive system, focusing on gamete production and sperm transport. Learn about the roles of Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testes, hormone synthesis, and the physiological processes involved. The quiz also covers the functions of various ducts and accessory glands, alongside clinical issues related to male reproductive health.