Male Reproductive Histology Flashcards
(34 cards)
Tunica albeginea
outer, large capsule of testis
Tunica vaginalis
embryological remnant
superficial to tunica albeginea
What is the area where the sperm mature etc called
seminiferous tubules
Spermatigonia
1˚ or 2˚ spermatocytes
Spermatids
Spermatozoa
order of maturation in seminiferous tubule
Order of maturation and descriptions in seminiferous tubule
spermatagonia: bottom layer 1˚ spermatocytes: look granulated and wacky 2˚ spermatocytes: not visible Spermatids: circular Spermatozoa: with tails
How long do spermatocytes last before they enter meiosis I
22 days
Spermiogenesis
spermatids –> spermatozoa
describes last step only
Spermatids –> spermatozoa
what is that called
spermiogenesis
Sertoli cells
histo
function
oval w/ distinct nucleolus
function: blood-testes barrier, phagocytose residual bodies
Where are Sertoli cells found
in seminiferous tubules
Sertoli cells vs Leydig cells
sertoli: in seminiferous tubules
-blood-testes barrier
-phagocytose residual bodies
Leydig cells
-produce testosterone
-found in interstitial space between seminiferous tubule networks
Sertoli cell receptors
FSH
- produce androgen binding protein
- produce inhibin
What occurs during spermiogenesis
spermatids –> spermatozoa
- cap is added
- acrosome added
- residual body shed
Where are the mitochondria found in the spermatozoa
in the middle piece
Components of interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules
Leydig cells
+other CT stuff
Leydig cells
- histology
- function
large, eosinophlic w/ large, round nuclei
produce testosterone
Undescended testicle
what does it affect
affects Sertoli cells: spermatogenesis
not Leydig cells: testosterone production
LH receptors in testis
on Leydig cells: testosterone release
estrogen release in women
FSH receptors in testis
on Sertoli cells
-promote spermatogenesis
Labyrinth excretory duct
rete testis
-simple cuboidal
Conical spiraling excretory ducts from post aspect of testis
efferent ducts
-simple columnar
How to identify efferent ducts
alternating mix of tall and short cells
- tall: ciliated
- short: microvilli for absorption
Tall and short cells are found where in excretory duct system
efferent ducts
- tall: ciliated
- short: microvilli for absorption
How to differentiate efferent ducts from epididymus
efferent: tall and short cell
epididymus: very smooth
