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66 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Male Genital Ducts:
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Epididymis
Vas deferens Ejaculatory duct Urethra |
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Male Accessory glands:
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Seminal vesicle
Prostate gland Bulbourethral glands |
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Testicular Descent
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Develops in abdomen & then migrates down, carrying with it a double layered peritoneal fold – the processus vaginalis
This gives rise to the tunica vaginalis which is double layered with serous fluid between them. |
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Tunica Vaginalis
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of testis
Parietal layer adheres to scrotum. Visceral layer adheres to capsule |
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Tunica Albuginea
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Fibrous capsule of the testis.
Thickened on posterior side – Mediastinum testis Lined by the vascular Connective Tissue (Tunica Vasculosa) |
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Gonadal sex is determined by...
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the presence of the SRY gene on the short arm of the Y chromosome
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Structure of Testis
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Septa divide testis into lobules.
Lobules contain 1-4 seminiferous tubules that converge to make the tubular recti that go on to form the rete testis. Rete testis joins the epididymis via efferent ductules. |
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Seminiferous Tubules
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the tunica propria, a fibrous tunic containing collagen fibrils & myoid cells that moves sperm and fluid through tubules
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Seminiferous Tubules Lined by...
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a stratified germinal epithelium that contains spermatogenic & Sertoli cells
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Leydig cell location
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in between the seminiferous tubes, not in the ST
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Seminiferous Tubule General Function
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where sperm develop
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Sertoli Cell Function
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1.Support, protect & nourish developing sperm cells
2.Phagocytosis of residual cytoplasm of spermatids 3.Secrete fluid to transport sperm and secrete androgen binding protein (under the influence of FSH) to concentrate testosterone in the seminiferous tubules in order for spermatogenesis to occur |
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Sertoli Cells Regulate...
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the function of Leydig cells to promote mesonephric (Wolffian) duct development
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Sertoli Cells Inhibit...
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FSH production and release from the pituitary (via production of the polypeptide inhibin)
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Sertoli Cells Promote...
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regression of Mullerian ducts in male fetus (via production of anti-Mullerian hormone-MIS)
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Sertoli Cells Histology
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Extend from basement membrane to the lumen of the seminiferous tubules.
Pale oval nucleus (stained evenly) with a large nucleolus. Zonulae occludens join adjacent Sertoli cells & form a blood testis barrier. |
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Blood Testis Barrier
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Sertoli cells have tight junctions that separate the tubules into 2 compartments:
1. Basal Compartment 2. Adluminal Compartment |
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Basal compartment
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contains the diploid spermatogonia
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Adluminal compartment
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contains the haploid spermatocytes & spermatids.
Prevents immune attack against sperm cells. |
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Leydig cells
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Present in interstitial tissue
large polygonal and have an eosinophilic cytoplasm with lipid droplets. have lipofusin pigment and crystals of Reinke Produce testosterone in response to LH released from the anterior pituitary |
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If too much testosterone is produced in Leydig Cells then...
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there is negative feedback inhibiting the production of more LH
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Temperature Control in Testis
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Lower temperature in testis is necessary for spermatogenesis (35˚ C vs. 37˚ C)
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Temperature in testis controlled by...
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Contraction of Cremaster muscles of spermatic cords if the external environment becomes too chilly
Evaporation of sweat from scrotum Counter-current blood flow by the action of the pampiniform plexus surrounding the testicular artery |
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Coordination of Spermatogenesis
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All sperm cells originate from cells at the base of the seminiferous tubules and are called spermatogonia at this point.
They remain attached by a series of cytoplasmic bridges until they become mature spermatids Entire process takes 2 months |
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The sertoli cell to cell junctions establish...
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Two compartments:
1. Early sperm cells near basal lamina (basal compartment) 2. More mature sperm cells near lumen (luminal compartment) |
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Spermiogenesis
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Process of formation of mature sperms from spermatids.
Takes place close to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. |
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Subcelluar events seen in spermiogenesis:
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The Golgi apparatus forms an acrosomal vesicle that contains an acrosomal granule that attaches to the nuclear membrane of the spermatid.
Acrosome is formed by spreading of the acrosomal vesicle over the anterior half of the nucleus. |
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Maturation phase of Spermiogenesis
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The spermatids usually attach by cytoplasmic bridges for communication.
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Spermatozoa (sperm) Head
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Nucleus made up of condensed chromatin & areas of dispersed chromatin (vacuoles)
Acrosomal cap contains hyaluronidase, neuraminidase, acid phosphatase & other proteases that degrade the corona radiata & zona pellucida of a female ovum (egg) |
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Spermatozoa (sperm) Mid Piece
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A short region that connects head to tail
Spirally arranged mitochondria surround fibrils and axoneme Region contains the most cytoplasm Thickening of plasma membrane keeps mitochondria in middle piece |
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Spermatozoa (sperm) Tail
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End piece
Axoneme surrounded by 9 parallel coarse fibrils 9 +2 arrangement End Piece contains only an axoneme. |
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Tubuli Recti
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Connects seminiferous tubules to rete testis.
Lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. |
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Rete Testis
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Anastomotic tubules in the mediastinum testis.
Lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. No smooth muscle |
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Efferent Ductules
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Connects rete testis to epididymis.
Lined by simple ciliated columnar epithelium alternating with non ciliated cells. Smooth muscle around the ductules also help in the movement. Cross section of the tubes has a scalloped appearance to it. Ciliated epithelium assist the sperm to move through tubular system |
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Steroids and Testes
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Affect leydig cell production of testosterone therefore decreasing the endogenous production of testosterone
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Epididymis
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Long convoluted tube 4-6 meters long on posterior aspect of the testis.
Head, body & tail. Site of sperm maturation; Sperm become motile here Consists of the efferent ductules and the duct of the epididymis Have smooth muscle |
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Epididymis Lined by...
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pseudostratified epithelium with prinicpal and basal cells
The epithelial cells have long modified microvilli called sterocilia |
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Sperm mature in the epididymis because...
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the head of sperm is modified by surface associated decapacitation factor (made by the epididymis) which is taken off when the sperm is to fertilize the ovum
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Epididymis smooth muscle
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layer around the tube that assists in peristalsis.
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Vas (Ductus) Deferens
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Narrow lumen, pseudostratified epithelium with reduced stereocilia.
Lumen is star shaped! Has a thick smooth muscle wall 3 layers– inner & outer longitudinal with circular muscle in between them. Distal portion is dilated to form the ampulla that joins the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct. |
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Assecessory Organs of Male Reproductive Tract
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Seminal Vesicles
Prostate Gland Cowper’s (Bulbourethral ) glands |
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Functions of Seminal Vesicle
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Under the control of testosterone.
Produce a viscous alkaline fluid consisting of fructose (most abundant and is the principal metabolic substance for sperm), and citrate, Vitamin C, fibrinogen & prostaglandins. |
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Seminal Vesicle
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Extensively coiled structure lined by pseudostratified or simple columnar epithelium.
Epithelial cells are rich in secretory granules, lipofuscin granules & lipid droplets. Lamina propria consists of fibroelastic tissue. Has inner circular & outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers that contract during ejaculation. |
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Prostate Gland Organ
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Capsule: Fibroelastic capsule rich in smooth muscle is continuous with septa that divide the gland.
Stroma: made of smooth muscle |
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Small glands of the Prostate Gland Organ
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Collection of 30-50 branched compound tubuloalveolar glands.
Epithelial lining is pseudostratified columnar. Ducts of the empty into prostatic urethra |
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Prostate Zones
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Transitional Zone
Central Zone Peripheral Zone Anterior Fibromuscular stroma |
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Prostate Transitional zone
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surrounds the prostatic urethra.
5% of glandular tissue. Major site of benign prostatic hyperplasia. |
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Prostate Central zone
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surrounds ejaculatory duct.
25% of glandular tissue |
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Prostate Peripheral zone
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70% of glandular tissue
major site of prostate cancer. |
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Prostate Anterior Fibromuscular stroma
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contains stroma, NO glands.
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Small Gland locations of the Prostate Gland Organ
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3 concentric layers of glands surround the urethra:
1. Mucosal glands (closest to urethra)– drain directly into urethra from the central zone. 2. Submucosal glands(middle layer)– empty into urethra via short ducts from the transitional zone. 3. Main prostatic glands (outer layer glands) – open via long ducts from the peripheral zone |
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Glandular Epithelium of Prostate
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Pseudostratified columnar.
Cells contain numerous RER, Golgi complex, lysosomes & secretory granules. |
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Prostatic Concretions
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With increasing age, lamellated glycoprotein masses called corpora amylacea (CA) form in the glandular lumen.
These concretions may be calcified. Characteristic for prostate! |
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Prostatic Gland secretions
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1.Produces a thin milky fluid that contains citric acid, acid phosphatase, amylase & lipids and fibrolysin (which liquefies the semen)
2. secretes a serine protease –or PSA (can be detected in the blood serum-PSA blood test) 3.The synthesis & release of the secretion is regulated by dihydrotestosterone. |
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Prostate Cancer
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1.Commonly originates in the peripheral zone.
2.Occurs in 1/3rd men over 75 & is the 2nd most common cancer in men. 3.Associated with an elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in blood. 4.PSA & a Per Rectal exam are screening methods that are recommended. |
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Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands
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Paired glands in the membranous urethra.
Lined by mucus secreting cuboidal to columnar epithelium. Analogous to Bartholin’s gland in the female |
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Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands
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a fibroelastic capsule containing smooth & skeletal muscle.
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Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands Secrete...
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pre ejaculate fluid that contains glacatose and galactosamine
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Penis
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Consists of 3 erectile tissues:
1. Paired corpora cavernosa & single corpus spongiosum which surrounds the urethra & becomes the glans penis. 2. Tunica albuginea surrounds the cavernosa. 3. Hypodermis forms the outermost layer of the penis just under the skin. |
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Corpus Cavernosum
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Paired masses that contain irregular vascular spaces separated by trabeculae of connective tissue & smooth muscle.
Numerous helicine (convoluted) arteries supply blood to the vascular spaces which drain into veins outside the erectile tissue |
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Corpus Spongiosum
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Contains vascular spaces of uniform size within a fibroelastic lamina containing smooth muscle fibers.
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Erection
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Parasympathetic innervation is responsible for filling the blood sinuses in the corpa cavernosum and bulbus spongiosum
From local sensory input |
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Ejaculation
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Controlled by Sympathetic motor neurons when sufficient sensory input from the penis to sensory neurons reaches the ejaculatory threshold in neuron
Neuron sends a message to the CNS CNS sends a message back to the motor neurons stimulate the contraction of glands and urethra |
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Penile Urethra
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Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium except at urethral meatus (very tip) which is lined by stratified squamous.
Glands of Littre are mucus secreting glands in the penile urethra. |
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Semen
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Contains spermatozoa, seminal fluid which contains fructose & citrate to provide energy
Also contains desquamated cells, prostatic concretions & urinary debris. |
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Semen
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Avg volume 2.5-5ml/ejaculate
50-150million sperm/ml At least 60% of sperms should have a normal shape & motility. |
