Lecture 43: Male Reproductive Microanatomy

Question 1

2 compartments of testis parenchyma

Answer 1

seminiferous tubules
interstitial tissue

Question 2

seminiferous tubules: function

Answer 2

where spermatogenesis takes place

Question 3

interstitial tissue of testis: function

Answer 3

steroidogenesis

Question 4

what cells secrete androgens and where do they do this

Answer 4

leydig cells
interstitial tissue of testis

Question 5

testis: stroma

Answer 5

connective tissue
fills space in between seminiferous tubules
support

Question 6

2 cell types in seminiferous epithelium: seminiferous tubules

Answer 6

sertoli cells
germ cells

Question 7

4 types of germ cells in seminiferous epithelium

Answer 7

elongated spermatids
rounded spermatids
spermatocytes
spermatogonia

Question 8

4 types of germ cells in seminiferous epithelium: rank based on least differentiated to most differentiated

Answer 8

least: spermatagonia –> spermatocytes –> rounded spermatids –> elongated spermatids

Question 9

location of spermatogonia in seminiferous epithelium

Answer 9

most basal

Question 10

spermiation

Answer 10

release of sperm into lumen

Question 11

what induces differentiation of spermatogonia

Answer 11

growth factors

Question 12

sertoli cells: 4 functions

Answer 12

-provide physical and nutritional support to germ cells
-mediate movement of cells and molecules across epithelium
-phagocytize degenerating germ cells
-secrete molecules into epithelium and interstitial tissue

Question 13

where is the blood-testis barrier located

Answer 13

seminiferous epithelium

Question 14

blood testis barrier is formed from

Answer 14

cell membrane of sertoli cells and tight junctions between adjacent sertoli cells

Question 15

blood testis barrier: 4 functions

Answer 15

create 2 compartments in seminiferous epithelium
protect germ cells from autoimmune response
sequester and secrete proteins, ions and carbs that are required by germ cells

Question 16

2 compartments created by blood testis barrier

Answer 16

adluminal
basal

Question 17

2 germ cells contained within adluminal compartment: seminiferous epithelium

Answer 17

spermatocytes
spermatids

Question 18

2 germ cells contained within basal compartment: seminiferous epithelium

Answer 18

spermatogonial stem cells
differentiating spermatogonia

Question 19

tubular wall of seminiferous tubules: made of

Answer 19

laminin
fibronectin
collagen

Question 20

what 2 cells contribute to forming the basal lamina: seminiferous tubules

Answer 20

sertoli
peritubular myoid

Question 21

what is found within interstitial tissue of testis (5)

Answer 21

leydig cells
blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, macrophages

Question 22

leydig cells

Answer 22

synthesize and secrete androgens

Question 23

2 steps of spermatogenesis

Answer 23

1) spermatocytogenesis
2) spermiogenesis

Question 24

spermatocytogenesis: process

Answer 24

first step of spermatogenesis
undifferentiated stem cell –> spermatogonium –> mitosis –> primary spermatocyte –> meiosis I –> secondary spermatocyte –> meiosis 2

Question 25

spermiogenesis

Answer 25

after meiosis II meiosis 2 --> early spermatid --> sperm

Question 26

excurrent ducts of testis: function

Answer 26

carry sperm through fluid to epididymis

Question 27

2 components of excurrent ducts

Answer 27

-rete testis -efferent ducts

Question 28

rete testis: definition, cell type

Answer 28

flattened channels cuboidal ciliated cells

Question 29

efferent ducts: 2 cell types, function

Answer 29

columnar ciliated cells columnar cells with microvilli absorb seminiferous fluid

Question 30

tubuli recti of testis: function, epithelium

Answer 30

simple, columnar or cuboidal no germ cells connect convoluted region of seminiferous tubules to rete testis

Question 31

3 regions of epididymis

Answer 31

head body tail

Question 32

where does sperm maturation occur in epididymis

Answer 32

head and body

Question 33

where does sperm storage take place in epididymis

Answer 33

tail

Question 34

2 aspects of sperm maturation

Answer 34

forward motility fertilization

Question 35

CT type in epididymis body

Answer 35

fibroelastic

Question 36

how many ducts is epididymis duct

Answer 36

1

Question 37

epididymis tail: epithelium

Answer 37

pseudostratified columnar

Question 38

epididymis tail: 2 cell types

Answer 38

principal basal

Question 39

function of myenteric plexus in tail of epididymis

Answer 39

ejaculation contraction of smooth muscle

Question 40

where does epididymis carry sperm to

Answer 40

ductus deferens

Question 41

ductus deferens: function

Answer 41

convey sperm to pelvic urethra

Question 42

ductus deferens: 2 muscle layers

Answer 42

longitudinal smooth muscle circular smooth muscle

Question 43

which accessory sex gland in males is an enlargement of ductus deferens

Answer 43

ampullary

Question 44

ampullary glands: function

Answer 44

secrete fluid rich in fructose and ergothioneine (antioxidant)

Question 45

ampullary glands: epithelium

Answer 45

simple, tall columnar

Question 46

importance of ampullary gland secretion

Answer 46

maintain sperm viability

Question 47

corpora arenacea is a result of

Answer 47

when ampullary gland secretion becomes calcified

Question 48

function and integrity of ampullary glands are highly dependent on what

Answer 48

testicular androgens

Question 49

what happens to ampullary glands if androgens are absent

Answer 49

atrophy

Question 50

2 regions of vesicular glands

Answer 50

stroma secretory epithelium

Question 51

vesicular glands: stroma

Answer 51

fibroelastic capsule extends as trabeculae to support secretory epithelium

Question 52

vesicular glands: secretory epithelium

Answer 52

simple, tall columnar

Question 53

vesicular glands: secretion (definition and function)

Answer 53

alkaline viscid fluid rich in fructose and coagulating proteins source of energy for sperm --> sperm viability, semen consistency

Question 54

are vesicular glands dependent on androgens

Answer 54

yes

Question 55

prostate: stroma

Answer 55

fibroelastic capsule that extends as trabeculae

Question 56

prostate: secretory epithelium (and cells)

Answer 56

pseudostratified with tall columnar cells and small reserve cells (stem cells)

Question 57

prostate: secretion (definition, function)

Answer 57

slightly acid fluid rich in acid phosphatase, citric acid and proteins semen liquification

Question 58

prostate: concretions

Answer 58

condensed secretion can be calcified

Question 59

which 2 accessory gland's secretions balance each other

Answer 59

vesicular glands = alkaline prostate = acidic

Question 60

bulbourethral glands: stroma

Answer 60

fibrous connective tissue that sends trabeculae covered by striated muscle on outer surface and smooth muscle on inner surface

Question 61

bulbourethral glands: secretory epithelium

Answer 61

simple, columnar

Question 62

bulbourethral glands: secretion (definition, function)

Answer 62

clear viscid mucus like fluid rich in sialoproteins and amino sugars urethral cleaning and lubrication before ejaculation

Question 63

cryptorchidism

Answer 63

absence of differentiating germ cells undescended testis

Question 64

testicular tumors: 3 types

Answer 64

seminoma sertoli cell tumor leydig cell tumor

Question 65

seminoma: testicular tumor

Answer 65

high presence of germ cells high nucleus: cytoplasm ratio round big nuclei

Question 66

leydig cell tumor: testicular tumor

Answer 66

high presence of cells with typical leydig cell phenotype

Question 67

sertoli cell tumor: testicular tumor

Answer 67

high presence of cells with nuclei of irregular shape high cytoplasm:nucleus ratio

Question 68

when does sperm become motile

Answer 68

after maturation in tail of epididymis