Post Lab Activity 22 - Male Reproductive System PDF

POST LAB ACTIVITY 22- MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Hypophyseal control of the male reproductive system Spermatogenesis Substances/Secretions of the Male Reproductive System 1. Sperm Description: Male gametes produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Function: Carry p...

POST LAB ACTIVITY 22- MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Hypophyseal control of the male reproductive system Spermatogenesis Substances/Secretions of the Male Reproductive System 1. Sperm Description: Male gametes produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Function: Carry paternal genetic material to fertilize the female egg. 2. Semen Description: A viscous fluid composed of sperm and secretions from accessory glands (seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands). Function: Provides a medium for sperm transport, nourishment, and protection. 3. Testosterone Description: Primary male sex hormone produced by Leydig cells in the testes. Function: Stimulates spermatogenesis, regulates libido, and promotes secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., muscle growth, voice deepening). 4. Seminal Vesicle Secretions Description: Alkaline fluid rich in fructose, prostaglandins, and clotting factors. Functions: Fructose: Provides energy for sperm motility. Prostaglandins: Stimulate uterine contractions to aid sperm transport. Clotting Factors: Help semen coagulate after ejaculation, protecting sperm temporarily. 5. Prostatic Fluid Description: Slightly acidic fluid containing citrate, zinc, polyamines, and enzymes such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Functions: Neutralizes vaginal acidity to protect sperm. Liquefies coagulated semen, releasing sperm for fertilization. Supports sperm motility and survival. 6. Bulbourethral Gland Secretions Description: Clear, mucus-like fluid released before ejaculation. Functions: Lubricates the urethra for smooth sperm passage. Neutralizes residual acidity in the urethra caused by urine. 7. Epididymal Secretions Description: Glycoproteins (e.g., CRISP1, Immobilin), enzymes, and small molecules such as carnitine. Functions: Promote sperm maturation, motility, and storage. Protect sperm by coating them with stabilizing proteins. Maintain sperm in an immotile state to conserve energy until ejaculation. 8. Immobilin Description: A high-molecular-weight glycoprotein in epididymal fluid. Functions: Keeps sperm immobile during their storage in the epididymis. Helps conserve energy and allows time for maturation. 9. Hormones a. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Description: Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Function: Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone. b. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Description: Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Function: Stimulates Sertoli cells to facilitate spermatogenesis. c. Inhibin Description: Hormone secreted by Sertoli cells. Function: Inhibits FSH secretion, regulating spermatogenesis. 10. Mucus Description: Secreted by various glands along the reproductive tract. Functions: Provides lubrication for sperm passage. Protects sperm and supports their mobility. Summary of the key substances and secretions in the male reproductive system pH Contents Use Location % Contribution Secretion to Semen Sperm Neutral (~7) Genetic material Fertilizes the Seminiferous ~1-5% (DNA), enzymes, female egg tubules (testes) mitochondria Seminal Vesicle Slightly alkaline Fructose, Provides energy, Seminal vesicles ~60-70% Fluid (~7.2-7.6) prostaglandins, enhances clotting proteins motility, and facilitates transport Prostatic Fluid Slightly acidic Citrate, zinc, Liquefies semen, Prostate gland ~25-30% (~6.5) enzymes (e.g., neutralizes PSA), vaginal acidity, polyamines and enhances sperm motility  pH Contents Use Location % Contribution Secretion to Semen Bulbourethral Slightly alkaline Mucus, small Lubricates Bulbourethral ~1-5% Fluid (~7.2-8) amounts of urethra and glands bicarbonate neutralizes acidity Epididymal Neutral (~7) Glycoproteins Maturation, Epididymis Trace amounts Secretions (e.g., CRISP1, storage, Immobilin), protection, and carnitine, lipids transport of sperm Mucus Slightly alkaline Mucoproteins, Lubrication and Various glands Minimal (~7.4) ions facilitation of contribution sperm passage  Summary of the role of the endocrine system in the male reproductive system Function Hormones Involved Role/Description Regulation of - Follicle-Stimulating - FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to support sperm Spermatogenesis Hormone (FSH) production and maturation. - Testosterone - Testosterone is essential for sperm development. Production of - Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce Testosterone - Testosterone testosterone. - Testosterone supports spermatogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics. Hormonal Feedback - Inhibin - Inhibin inhibits FSH production to maintain Mechanisms - Testosterone balance. - Testosterone regulates LH and FSH through negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary. Function Hormones Involved Role/Description Sexual Development - Gonadotropin-Releasing - GnRH stimulates LH and FSH release, initiating (Puberty) Hormone (GnRH) puberty. - LH - Promotes growth of reproductive organs and - FSH secondary sexual traits. Regulation of Libido - Testosterone enhances libido and sexual - Testosterone behavior. Support of - Testosterone - Maintains function of prostate, seminal vesicles, Accessory Glands and bulbourethral glands for seminal fluid production. Pathologic Conditions of the Male Reproductive System 1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Description: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly in older men. Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, nocturia, weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Complications: Urinary retention, UTIs, or bladder stones. Treatment: Medications: Alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Surgery: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). 2. Testicular Cancer Description: Rare malignancy affecting the testes, typically in young men (15–35 years). Symptoms: Lump/swelling in the testicle, dull ache in the groin, or discomfort in the scrotum. Risk Factors: Cryptorchidism, family history. Treatment: Surgery (orchiectomy). Chemotherapy or radiation, depending on cancer type and stage. Prognosis: Excellent when detected early, with survival rates exceeding 95%. 3. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Description: Inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual activity. Causes: Physical: Diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis. Psychological: Stress, anxiety, depression. Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol, lack of exercise. Treatment: Medications: Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil). Therapy: Counseling for psychological factors. Lifestyle changes: Improved diet, exercise, cessation of smoking. 4. Prostatitis Description: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which may be acute or chronic. Symptoms: Pain during urination, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and flu-like symptoms (in acute cases). Causes: Bacterial infection (E. coli), trauma, or autoimmune reactions. Treatment: Antibiotics for bacterial prostatitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs or alpha-blockers for chronic cases. 5. Varicocele Description: Enlarged veins in the scrotum (pampiniform plexus), impairing testicular temperature regulation. Symptoms: Aching scrotal pain, visible/palpable veins, and potential infertility. Treatment: Surgery: Varicocelectomy. Minimally invasive embolization. 6. Hydrocele Description: Fluid accumulation around the testicle, causing scrotal swelling. Symptoms: Painless swelling or heaviness in the scrotum. Causes: Congenital defect (in infants) or secondary to injury/infection (in adults). Treatment: Observation (infants). Surgical drainage or hydrocelectomy for symptomatic cases. 7. Prostate Cancer Description: A malignancy of the prostate gland, often slow-growing but can metastasize in advanced stages. Symptoms: Difficulty urinating or interrupted flow. Blood in urine or semen. Pelvic or back pain (if metastasized). Risk Factors: Older age, family history, and African descent. High-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle. Diagnosis: PSA blood test, digital rectal exam, biopsy. Treatment: Active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.