L8. Physiology Male Reproductive System
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

    <p>20%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average sperm concentration in semen?

    <p>100 million/ml</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the Sertoli cells in the testes?

    <p>Support and nurture developing sperm cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures is primarily responsible for sperm maturation?

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

    What is the primary purpose of the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?

    <p>Contribute nutrients and buffers to semen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do Leydig cells play in the testes?

    <p>Producing testosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of spermatogenesis results in the formation of what type of cells?

    <p>Haploid sperm cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is primarily synthesized in the testes and plays a vital role in male characteristics?

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

    Which structure carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?

    <p>Ductus deferens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary regulatory mechanism controlling male reproductive hormones?

    <p>Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the synthesis of testosterone?

    <p>Conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone?

    <p>5-alpha reductase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary location of aromatase in the body?

    <p>Brain and adipose tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is most of the circulating testosterone in a young adult male transported in the blood?

    <p>Bound to sex hormone binding globulin and albumin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the action of androgens in the male body?

    <p>They interact with specific intracellular receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does LH play in the function of Leydig cells?

    <p>Maintaining the Leydig cells themselves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following hormones is a more potent androgen than testosterone?

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

    What is the daily secretion level of testosterone in a young adult male?

    <p>7 mg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary location of the testes?

    <p>In the scrotal sac outside the body cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cells line the seminiferous tubules and nurture developing sperm?

    <p>Sertoli cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Leydig cells in the testes?

    <p>Synthesize and secrete testosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is necessary for maintaining spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells?

    <p>Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What crucial role does the blood/testis barrier serve?

    <p>Protects developing gametes from harmful substances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of androgen-binding protein (ABP) secreted by Sertoli cells?

    <p>Maintaining high concentrations of androgens in the tubules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are the testes maintained at a temperature 2°C below basal body temperature?

    <p>To ensure proper spermatogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone stimulates the production of testosterone by Leydig cells?

    <p>Luteinizing hormone (LH)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of androgens in male reproductive function?

    <p>They promote growth and differentiation of reproductive accessory organs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is crucial for the regulation of testosterone production by Leydig cells?

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

    What happens to the secretory epithelia of the seminal vesicles and prostate in the absence of androgens?

    <p>They atrophy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological changes do androgens stimulate during puberty?

    <p>Increased secretion of sebaceous glands and vocal cord thickening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of androgens on hair growth?

    <p>They stimulate growth of body hair and cause hair recession at the temples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often is Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) released into the portal circulation?

    <p>Once an hour to once every 3 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone works in concert with testosterone to stimulate Sertoli cells?

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

    What is one consequence of athletes using androgens to improve performance?

    <p>Hypothalamic feedback leading to reduced testicular size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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