Male Ducts

Question 1

Tubuli recti features and function

Answer 1

• simple columnar epithelium (only Sertoli cells)
• non-motile spermatozoa w/o fertilizing capacity

Question 2

Rete testis features and function

Answer 2

• simple cuboidal epithelium
• conduit of spermatozoa

Question 3

Ductuli Efferentes features and function

Answer 3

• pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium w/ ciliated cells (saw-tooth lumen)
• basal and principal cells (stereocilia)
• limited smooth muscle
• absorb fluid from tubule (NaCl and H2O removed from lumen)

Question 4

Epididymis features and function

Answer 4

• pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium w/ stereocilia
• basal cell and principal cells (stereocilia - absorb)
• smooth muscle to move sperm
• store sperm, acquire motility and fertilize capacity

Question 5

Spermatic Cord/Vas Deferens Features and Function

Answer 5

• pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium w/ stereocilia
• basophillic cells around small lumen
• SM (in longitudinal, middle circular, out longitudinal)
• contract SM to propel sperm

Question 6

Components of Semen

Answer 6

• 100 million spermatozoa from seminiferous tubules
• secretions from testicular ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate gland
• mucus from bulbourethral glands
• cellular debris

Question 7

Seminal Vesicle Features and Function

Answer 7

• pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium
• folded mucosa
• viscous secretions for semen (fructose, prostaglandins)

Question 8

Prostate Gland Features and Function

Answer 8

• pseudo-stratified epithelium
• fibromuscular stroma + prostatic concretions
• secretion for semen (acid phosphatase, fibrinolysis, citric acid)

Question 9

Bulbourethral Glands Features and Function

Answer 9

• tubulo-alveolar glands
• secretions provide lubricant upon sex

Question 10

Structure of Penis

Answer 10

Corpus Cavernosum (2) - sinusoids with endothelial cells
- central artery
- surround by tunica albuginea
- dorsal arteries + veins
Corpus Spongiosum
- urethra

Question 11

Mechanisms Regulating Penile Erection

Answer 11

1) ACh = NO release –> smooth muscle around sinusoid
2) NO activate guanylate cyclase (GTP –> cGMP)
3) cGMP = Ca2+ uptake in cells = actin/myosin relax
4) Blood into relaxed sinusoids, compress vein, no drain

• phosphodiesterase break down cGMP = flaccid