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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules?
How many lobules are approximately found in each testis?
What process involves the differentiation of germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatozoa?
What is the significance of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
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Where does spermatogenesis primarily take place?
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What is found in the interstitial spaces between the seminiferous tubules?
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What is the outcome of the sequential mitotic and meiotic divisions during spermatogenesis?
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Which layer is closest to the lumen of the seminiferous tubules during spermatogenesis?
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What primarily stimulates the regrowth of the stratum functionalis during the proliferative stage of the uterine cycle?
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What is a distinguishing feature of the secretory stage of the uterine cycle?
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During the menstrual stage, what happens to the stratum functionalis?
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Which layer of the vaginal wall is primarily composed of smooth muscle?
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What characterizes the lamina propria of the vaginal wall?
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What is the primary function of the vas deferens?
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Which layer of the vas deferens is responsible for its peristaltic contractions?
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What percentage of the total volume of seminal fluid is produced by seminal vesicles?
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What type of epithelium is found in the seminal vesicles?
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Which of the following is NOT a component produced by seminal vesicles?
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Where do the secretory cells of the prostate gland predominantly reside?
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Which structure of the penis contains the urethra?
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Which type of cells are prominent in the epithelium of the prostate gland?
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What structure encloses the erectile tissues of the penis?
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Which type of epithelium lines the external opening of the penile urethra?
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What hormone is responsible for stimulating primordial follicles to re-enter development?
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What is a characteristic feature of primary follicles during development?
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Which layer develops between the oocyte and the granulosa cells during primary follicle formation?
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Which component of the penis is involved in creating an erection by filling with blood?
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What is the primary role of the para-urethral glands in the penis?
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Which component of the ovary contains undeveloped follicles?
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What characterizes the secondary follicle in terms of oocyte positioning?
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Which layer differentiates into thecal cells during secondary follicle development?
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What structure is formed by the fusion of fluid-filled spaces between granulosa cells?
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At what stage does the oocyte become a secondary oocyte?
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Which component forms a layer of even thickness around the periphery of the follicle in a mature follicle?
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What is the diameter of a mature Graafian follicle?
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What type of cells comprises the theca interna?
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What is the primary function of the cumulus oophorus in a secondary follicle?
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Study Notes
Testis
- Each testis is an oval structure.
- Located in the scrotum, they are about 5cm long and 3cm in diameter.
- Covered by the tunica albuginea, a fibrous capsule that covers each testis.
- The tunica albuginea gives rise to septa that divide the testis into lobules.
- Each lobule contains 3 or 4 highly coiled seminiferous tubules.
- The seminiferous tubules converge to form the rete testis which transports sperm to the epididymis.
Seminiferous Tubules
- Lined by germ cells in various stages and non-germ cells called Sertoli cells.
- Germ cells are referred to as the spermatogenic series.
- Sertoli cells support and nourish developing spermatozoa.
Spermatogenesis
- A tightly regulated developmental process.
- Involves sequential mitotic and meiotic cellular divisions.
- Occurs within seminiferous tubules and is orchestrated by Sertoli cells.
- Differentiating germ cells must migrate through the lumen as they develop.
- There are typically 4-5 concentric layers of spermatogenic cells at different developmental stages.
- Cells move from the basement membrane (BM) of the seminiferous tubule towards the lumen.
Interstitial Cells of Leydig
- Principal cell type found in interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules.
Epididymis
- Consists of three parts: the head, body, and tail.
- The head is composed of a series of highly coiled tubules.
- The body and tail are less coiled.
- Principal cells of the epididymis have stereocilia.
- The epididymis is lined by epithelium.
- The inner lumen is lined by basal cells and principal cells.
Vas (Ductus) Deferens
- Conducts spermatozoa from the epididymis to the seminal vesicles.
- Thick-walled muscular tube with inner & outer longitudinal layers and a thick intermediate circular layer.
- Innervated by the sympathetic nervous system which produces strong peristaltic contractions to expel contents into the urethra during ejaculation.
- Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia.
Seminal Vesicles
- Secrete 50-70% of the total volume of seminal fluid.
- Have a pseudostratified tall columnar epithelium.
- Contain secretory cells with lipid droplets, giving a foamy appearance.
- The lumen is highly irregular.
- Produce a yellowish viscid alkaline fluid containing fructose, fibrinogen, Vitamin C and prostaglandins.
- Prominent muscular wall arranged into inner circular and outer longitudinal layers.
- Supplied by sympathetic nervous system to contract during ejaculation.
Prostate Gland
- Secretory product makes up 30-50% of the seminal fluid volume.
- Composed of glands and stroma.
- Stroma is a mixture of collagenous fibrous tissue and smooth muscle fibers.
- The glands show a convoluted pattern.
- Epithelium contains tall columnar secretory cells with prominent round basal nuclei and pale-staining cytoplasm.
- Scanty population of small, flat, basal cells at the base of the gland in contact with the basement membrane.
Penis
- Erectile tissues arranged into three columns: two dorsal (corpora cavernosa) and one ventral (corpus spongiosum).
- Penile urethra runs through the center of the corpus spongiosum, which expands distally to form the glans penis.
- Erectile corpora are enclosed within and separated by a fibrocollagenous capsule.
- A sheath of skin encloses the erectile center of the penis.
- Erectile tissues consist of lacunae, spaces surrounded by collagenous connective tissue.
Penile Urethra
- Lined by stratified or pseudostratified columnar epithelium.
- May contain small areas of stratified squamous epithelium.
- The external opening, the urethral meatus is lined by stratified squamous epithelium.
- Lubricated by mucous secretions from para-urethral glands and bulbo-urethral glands of Cowper.
Ovary
- Review the basic structure of the ovary and the stages of follicular development.
Follicle Development - Primordial Follicles
- Undeveloped follicles, inactive structures awaiting stimulation from FSH before re-entering their developmental pathway.
- Composed of a primary oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened follicular cells.
Follicle Development - Primary Follicles
- Once stimulated by FSH, 30-50 primordial follicles become primary follicles.
- The primary follicle oocyte has enlarged, and the follicular cells (now called granulosa cells) have multiplied.
- A zona pellucida layer develops between the oocyte and the granular cells.
Follicle Development - Secondary Follicle
- The zona granulosa continues to proliferate.
- Small fluid-filled spaces develop between the granulosa cells, fusing to form the follicular antrum.
- The oocyte is situated eccentrically within a thickened area of the zona granulosa called the cumulus oophorus.
- Stroma around the developing follicle differentiates into thecal cells with two layers: theca interna and theca externa.
Follicle Development - Graafian Follicle
- The oocyte at this stage is called the secondary oocyte.
- The follicular antrum is markedly enlarged.
- The zona granulosa forms a layer of even thickness around the periphery.
- The maturing follicle has reached 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter.
Uterus (Proliferative)
- Stratum basalis regrows the stratum functionalis.
- Long and straight non-functional uterine glands are present.
Uterus (Secretory)
- Uterine glands of the stratum functionalis become functional.
- Uterine glands produce glycogen.
- Curvy, serrated-looking glands are present.
Uterus (Menstrual)
- Stratum functionalis dies and loses its anatomical integrity.
- The stratum functionalis sheds from the stratum basalis.
Vagina
- Consists of three layers: mucosal, muscular, and adventitial layer.
- The mucosal layer is lined by stratified squamous epithelium.
- The muscular layer has smooth muscle bundles arranged as inner circular and outer longitudinal layers.
- The adventitial layer contains elastin fibers, a rich plexus of small veins, and is devoid of glands.
- Lubricated by cervical mucus.
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Description
This quiz covers the anatomy and functions of the testis, specifically focusing on the structure of seminiferous tubules and the process of spermatogenesis. Test your knowledge on the role of Sertoli cells and the stages of sperm development. Perfect for students studying male reproductive biology.
