Male Reproductive Histology

Question 1

List the different secretions that come from the Sertoli cells.

Answer 1

1. Inhibin B
2. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (Aka Mullerian Inhibiting Factor)
3. Androgen Binding Protein

Question 2

Which cell creates the blood-testes barrier?

Answer 2

Sertoli Cell

Question 3

Which cell contains aromatase?

Answer 3

Sertoli Cell

Question 4

What are the different functions of the Sertoli Cells?

Answer 4

• Phagocytosis of Residual Bodies
• Support, protect and nourish growing spermatogenic cells
• SPERMIATION: help in the release of mature spermatids through actin mediated contraction

Question 5

Where are spermatogonia located and in which cell?

Answer 5

Basal Seminiferous Tubule

Question 6

Differentiate between Type A and Type B spermatogonia.

Answer 6

Type A: Oval, Euchromatic with nucleolus attached to nuclear envelope

Type B: ROUND, Heterochromatin attached to nuclear envelope. NUCLEOLUS is in the middle of the cell.

Question 7

Name the reason why there are more Primary Spermatocytes than Secondary Spermatocytes in the Seminiferous Tubules.

Answer 7

The 1st meiotic division is going to take significantly longer than the second division.

Primary: 2n
Secondary: n

Question 8

Differentiate between Early and Late Spermatids.

Answer 8

Early: Round, housed in Cytoplasm of Sertoli Cells

Late: Elongated, housed in Crypts of Apical Sertoli Cells

Question 9

List the four main phases in spermiogenesis.

Answer 9

1. Golgi Phase
2. Cap/Acrosomal Phase
3. Tail Phase
4. Maturation Phase

Question 10

Describe what happens in the Golgi Phase of spermiogenesis

Answer 10

• Polarity Develops
• Golgi forms at the head and creates enzymes that will become the acrosome
• Centrioles begin formation of AXONEME
• DNA becomes transcriptionally active

Question 11

Describe what happens in the Cap/Acrosomal Phase of spermiogenesis.

Answer 11

• Golgi apparatus caps the condensed nucleus and becomes the acrosome
• Spermatid ROTATES 180 degress so that the acrosome points BASALLY and tail points toward the LUMEN

Question 12

Describe what happens in the Tail Phase of spermiogenesis.

Answer 12

• ONE CENTRIOLE becomes the tail
• MANCHETTE forms temporarily to assist in elongation of the tail
• Mitochondria lineup along the base of the tail

Question 13

Describe what happens in the Maturation Phase of spermiogenesis.

Answer 13

• Excess cytoplasm forms residual bodies

- RESIDUAL BODIES are phagocytosed by sertoli cells

Question 14

What is the formation of the microtubules in the middle piece of a spermatozoa?

Answer 14

9 by 2

Question 15

Where are the mitochondria located in a spermatozoa?

Answer 15

The Middle Piece

Question 16

Describe the characteristics of Leydig Cells.

Answer 16

• Located in intertubular space
• Steroid Production (Testosterone and Estrogen)
• Well-Developed Smooth ER

Question 17

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Tubulus Rectus (straight tubules).

Answer 17

• Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
• BASAL Tight Junctions between columnar epithelium in seminiferous tubules changes to APICAL tight junctions in the straight Tubules
• Will see Sertoli Cells

Question 18

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Rete Testis.

Answer 18

• Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
• APICAL tight junctions
• Apical side of epithelium contains microvilli and a single cilium

Question 19

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Efferent Ductiles of the Epididymis.

Answer 19

• Arise from Rete Testis and pierce the Tunica Albuginea

- SCALLOPED epithelial lumen

Question 20

What at the two types of cells within the Efferent Ductules?

Answer 20

1. Principal cells with microvilli

2. Ciliated Cells

Question 21

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Epididymis.

Answer 21

• Extremely coiled
• Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium
• Circular and Longitudinal smooth muscle starts to form more proximally

Question 22

What are the two types of cells within the Epididymis?

Answer 22

1. Basal Cells (on the outside)

2. Principal cells with Sterocilia (Elongated and in the middle)

Question 23

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Vas Deferens.

Answer 23

• Pseudostratified Columnar Stereo-Ciliated Epithelium

- Smooth Muscle Layers: Inner Longitudinal Layer, Middle Circular Layer, Outer Longitudinal Layer

Question 24

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Seminal Vesicles.

Answer 24

• Folded Mucosa supported by Lamina Propria
• Simple Columnar to Pseudostratified Epithelium
• Smooth Muscle: OUTER Longitudinal M. and INNER Circular M.
• Secretes alkaline fluid that makes up ~75% of ejaculate (contains fructose, prostaglandins, and seminal coagulating proteins)

Question 25

What is the largest gland in the male reproductive tract?

Answer 25

Prostate Gland

Question 26

List the three types of glands that are found within the prostate gland. Which type of epithelium is going to line the glands?

Answer 26

1. Periurethral Mucosal Glands
2. Periurethral Submucosal Glands
3. Peripheral Prostatic Glands (main)

Glands are line with Simple or Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Question 27

When breaking the glands of the prostate down into peripheral and central glands, which abnormal clinical presentation is associated with the different areas?

Answer 27

Central (Periurethal Areas) - Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Peripheral (main) - Carinoma of the Prostate

Question 28

Describe the histological Characteristics of the Bulbourethral Glands.

Answer 28

• Stratified Columnar Epithelium

- Tubuloalveolar Glands that secrete Mucus that is important for lubricating the spongy urethra prior to ejaculation

Question 29

Which vessels supply and drain the erectile tissue in the Penis?

Answer 29

Supply: Deep and Dorsal aa. of the Penis

Drain: Deep and Superficial vv. of the Penis