Anatomy of man Flashcards
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
In the seminiferous tubules
What are the testes surrounded by?
innermost - tunica albuginea which is connective tissue
outermost - tunica vaginalis - derived from peritoneum
What does tunica vaginalis also surround?
The epididymis
What muscles are in the scrotum?
dartos - contracts scrotal skin when its cold
Cremasteric - retracts testis towards abdomen
Why/How are the testes outside the body?
suspended by the spermatic cord
spermatogenesis optimum temperature is 2-3 degrees less than core body temp so outside to prevent cessation of sperm
What is the blood supply to the testes?
testicular artery (travels in the spermatic cord) - arises from the abdominal aorta
What is the venous drainage of the testes?
pampiniform plexus
-wrapped around the testicular artery to carry heat away to help keep the testicles cooler
What does the pampiniform plexus drain into?
The right and left testicular veins
Right then drains into the IVC
Left drains into left renal vein then the IVC
What happens if the blood supply to testes is obstructed?
varicocele - build up of blood causing swelling of veins
What is the lymphatic drainage of the testes?
the para-aortic lymph nodes
think about metastatic cancer
Where does the scrotal skin drain to?
the inguinal lymph nodes
Whats a hydrocele?
Where the tunica vaginalis fills with fluid - can shine light through it
What dorms the seminiferous tubules?
sertoli cells, lyedig cells
What are the function of sertoli and leydig cells?
sertoli - support developing sperm (responsible for spermatogenesis) - produces testicular fluid into tubules
leydig - synthesise testosterone from cholesterol metabolism - rich in smooth ER so have very active lipid metabolism
Where is the sperm made from?
germinal epithelium
