116 Questions
What is the primary function of Sertoli cells in relation to spermatogenesis?
To provide a supportive structure for spermatogenic cells
What is the result of the second meiotic division in spermatogenesis?
The formation of haploid cells with 23 chromosomes
Which type of spermatogonia acts as stem cells and undergoes self-renewal?
Type A spermatogonia
What is the term for the process by which haploid cells differentiate into mature spermatozoa?
Spermiogenesis
What is the result of the separation of chromatids during the second meiotic division?
The amount of DNA per cell is decreased by half
What is the function of the clonal nature of spermatogenesis?
To maintain the stem cell population
What is the primary function of the cytoplasmic bridges between spermatogenic cells during spermiogenesis?
To supply haploid cells with products of the complete diploid genome
In which structure is the sperm nucleus half-covered during spermiogenesis?
Sertoli cell cytoplasm
What is the primary function of the manchette during spermatid elongation?
To transport vesicles, mitochondria, and keratins into position
Approximately how long does it take for the spermatogenic cells to undergo the necessary changes between the final mitoses of spermatogonia and the formation of spermatids?
2 months
What is the term for the group of cells linked through meiosis during spermiogenesis?
Spermatogenic syncytium
In which direction does the flagellum emerge from the basal body during spermiogenesis?
Away from the nucleus
What is the primary function of the blood-testis barrier?
To isolate spermatogenic cells from plasma proteins and nutrients
What is the approximate number of developing germ cells supported by each Sertoli cell?
30-50
What is the function of androgen-binding protein (ABP) in spermiogenesis?
To concentrate testosterone to a level required for spermiogenesis
What is the function of transferrin in Sertoli cells?
To transport iron into the lumen
What is the function of Sertoli cells in terms of spermatogenic cells?
To provide nutrients and metabolites to spermatogenic cells
What hormone promotes the production of nutrients and androgen-binding protein (ABP) in Sertoli cells?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
What is the primary function of the tunica albuginea in the testes?
To provide a dense connective tissue capsule
What is the role of the mediastinum testis in the testes?
To thicken the posterior side of the tunica albuginea
What is the purpose of the secretions produced by the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
To provide nutrients for spermatozoa
Which structure introduces the semen into the female reproductive tract in the male reproductive system?
Penis
What is the term for the mixture of spermatozoa and the secretions of the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
Semen
Which hormone is important for spermatogenesis, sexual differentiation during embryonic and fetal development, and control of gonadotropin secretion in the pituitary?
Testosterone
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the ductus deferens?
Pseudostratified with sparse stereocilia
Which layer of the muscularis in the ductus deferens is absent in the epididymal duct?
Longitudinal outer layer
What is the structure where the ends of the two ampullae merge with the ducts of the two seminal vesicles?
Prostate gland
What is the name of the enlarged portion of the ductus deferens where it passes over the urinary bladder?
Ampulla
Which component of the spermatic cord is responsible for the blood supply to the testes?
Testicular artery
What is the type of muscle present in the muscularis of the ductus deferens?
Smooth
What is the primary function of the circularly oriented smooth muscle cells in the walls of efferent ductules?
To aid the movement of sperm into the duct of the epididymis
What is the name of the network of channels embedded in the connective tissue of the mediastinum testis?
Rete testis
What is the purpose of the fluid flow created by the absorption of fluid by nonciliated cells and ciliary activity?
To aid in the movement of sperm out of the testis
What is the name of the duct that connects the epididymis to the urethra?
Ductus deferens
What is the name of the epithelium lining the straight tubules near their connection to the rete testis?
Simple cuboidal epithelium
What are the three parts of the excretory genital ducts?
Epididymis, ductus deferens, and urethra
What is the main function of prostaglandins in the seminal vesicles' secretion?
to stimulate activity in the female reproductive tract
What is the primary component of the seminal vesicles' secretion that makes up about 70% of the ejaculate?
viscid, yellowish fluid
What is the specialized function of the muscularis in the ductus deferens?
to facilitate the movement of sperm during ejaculation
What is the structure that surrounds the urethra below the bladder?
prostate gland
What is the function of fructose in the seminal vesicles' secretion?
to provide energy for sperm
What is the primary function of the smooth muscle cells in the epididymis?
To propel sperm through the epididymal duct
What is the characteristic of the mucosa of the seminal vesicles?
It has a mucosa with many thin, complex folds
What type of epithelial cells are present in the epididymal duct?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells
What is the purpose of the elastic fibers in the lamina propria of the seminal vesicles?
To provide mechanical support to the mucosa
What is the function of the tunica vaginalis in the epididymis?
To cover and protect the epididymal duct
What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testes?
To provide a dense connective tissue capsule
What is the role of the intratesticular ducts in the male reproductive system?
To transport spermatozoa from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis
Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for introducing the semen into the female reproductive tract?
Penis
What is the function of the excretory genital ducts in the male reproductive system?
To transport spermatozoa from the epididymis to the penis
What is the role of the accessory glands in the male reproductive system?
To provide nutrients for spermatozoa
What is the primary function of the nonciliated cells in the seminiferous tubules?
To absorb some of the fluid secreted by the Sertoli cells
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the straight tubules near their connection to the rete testis?
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Which part of the excretory genital ducts is responsible for storing sperm?
Epididymis
What is the purpose of the circularly oriented smooth muscle cells in the walls of efferent ductules?
To facilitate the movement of sperm into the epididymis
What is the name of the network of channels embedded in the connective tissue of the mediastinum testis?
Rete testis
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the ductus deferens?
Pseudostratified with some cells having sparse stereocilia
What is the structure that forms part of the spermatic cord?
Ductus deferens
What is the purpose of the strong peristaltic contractions during ejaculation in the ductus deferens?
To move sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Where do the ends of the two ampullae merge with the ducts of the two seminal vesicles?
In the prostate gland
What is the name of the structure where the ductus deferens enlarges as it passes over the urinary bladder?
Ampulla
What is the primary function of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) produced by the prostate gland?
To help liquefy coagulated semen for the slow release of sperm
What is the primary function of the tunica vaginalis in the testes?
To cover the tunica albuginea on the anterior and lateral sides of the testis
What is the approximate number of testicular lobules into which the testes are divided?
250
What is the characteristic of the mucosal folds in the seminal vesicles?
Thin and highly folded
What type of cells are present in the connective tissue of the testicular lobules?
Endocrine interstitial cells (Leydig cells)
Which type of glands contributes the major volume to semen?
Seminal vesicles and prostate gland
What is the purpose of the scrotal sac in the male reproductive system?
To regulate the temperature of the testes
What is the structure that consists mainly of mucous acini?
Bulbourethral gland
What is the structure where the ducts of the seminal vesicles merge with the ductus deferens?
Ejaculatory duct
What is the term for the region of the testes where the septa penetrate and divide the organ into testicular lobules?
Fibrous region
What is the function of the seminiferous tubules in the testicular lobules?
To produce spermatozoa
How many seminiferous tubules are present in each testicular lobule?
One to four
What is the structure that carries the testes from the abdominal cavity to the scrotal sac during fetal development?
Spermatic cord
What is the purpose of the serous sac that surrounds the testes during migration from the abdominal cavity?
To cover the tunica albuginea
What is the structure that forms the boundary between the testicular lobules and the rete testis?
Tunica albuginea
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the urethra?
Pseudostratified columnar
What is the function of the corpus spongiosum?
To surround the urethra
What is the primary function of Sertoli cells in relation to spermatogenesis?
To provide nutrients to developing sperm
What is the structure that surrounds the urethra below the bladder?
Prostate gland
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the ductus deferens?
Pseudostratified columnar
What is the primary function of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) produced by the prostate gland?
To help liquefy coagulated semen for the slow release of sperm after ejaculation
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the ductus deferens?
Non-ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium
What is the function of the bulbourethral glands in the male reproductive system?
To produce a secretion that lubricates the urethra before ejaculation
What is the structure that forms the boundary between the testicular lobules and the rete testis?
Septa
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the epididymal duct?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
What is the primary function of the corpora amylacea in the prostatic tubuloacinar glands?
To have no physiologic function
What is the significance of elevated levels of circulating PSA?
Indication of abnormal glandular mucosa
Which structure surrounds the urethra below the bladder?
Prostate
What is the primary function of the seminal vesicles?
To produce seminal fluid
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the ductus deferens?
Pseudostratified
What is the organization of the prostate?
30-50 branched tubuloacinar glands organized into three layers
What is the structure that introduces the semen into the female reproductive tract in the male reproductive system?
Urethra
What is the primary function of the prostate?
To produce seminal fluid
What is the structure that surrounds the prostatic urethra?
Transition zone
What is the characteristic of the corpora amylacea in the prostatic tubuloacinar glands?
Small, spherical, and calcified
Which type of epithelium lines the tubuloacinar glands of the prostate?
Simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelium
What is the function of the glands in the peripheral zone of the prostate?
To secrete a fluid that is rich in prostaglandins and glycoproteins
What percentage of the prostate's tissue is comprised of the peripheral zone?
70%
What is the arrangement of the glands in the prostate around the urethra?
Arranged in three major zones around the urethra
What is the approximate weight of the prostate?
20 g
What is the primary function of the corpus spongiosum in the penis?
To surround the penile urethra
What type of epithelium lines the penile urethra in the glans?
Stratified squamous epithelium
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the bulbourethral glands?
Mucus-secreting simple columnar epithelium
What is the function of the Sertoli cells in relation to spermatogenesis?
To support and nourish developing germ cells
What is the structure that forms the boundary between the testicular lobules and the rete testis?
Septula
What is the primary function of the mucosal folds in the seminal vesicles?
To increase the surface area for secretion
Which type of epithelial lining is characteristic of the epididymal duct?
Ciliated pseudostratified
What is the role of Sertoli cells in relation to spermatogenesis?
To regulate the development of spermatogenic cells
What is the anatomical structure that surrounds the urethra below the bladder?
Fibroelastic capsule
In which region of the epididymis does sperm maturation occur?
Body of the epididymis
What is the characteristic of the epithelial lining in the ductus deferens?
Pseudostratified with sparse stereocilia
What is the structure where the ducts of the seminal vesicles merge with the ductus deferens?
Ejaculatory ducts
What is the characteristic of the mucosal folds in the epididymal duct?
Longitudinal folds
What is the function of the muscularis in the ductus deferens?
Produces peristaltic contractions
What is the characteristic of the lamina propria in the ductus deferens?
Contains many elastic fibers
This quiz covers the structure and function of Sertoli cells and their role in supporting developing germ cells. Learn about the ultrastructure of Sertoli cells and their relationship with spermatogenic cells. Test your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system.
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