Male Reproductive System Flashcards
Where does gametogenesis occur in the testis?
Seminiferous tubules
Where is testosterone secreted from in the testis?
Leydig cells
What are the stages of development of a spermatozoon?
Spermatogonia –> primary spermatocyte –> secondary spermatocyte –> spermatid –> spermatazoon
How are meiotic cells protected from the immune system during spermatogenesis?
Meiosis occurs when the cells are already on the other side of the blood-testis barrier
Which muscle responds to temperature changes in the environment?
Cremasteric muscle can contract/relax to changes testis proximity to the body based on temperature
What is the motor protein responsible for spermatozoa motility?
Dynein arms
How long is the spermatogenic cycle?
64 days
What is the active form of testosterone?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
What does testosterone bind to in plasma?
Albumin or sex hormone binding protein (SHBP)
What stimulates release of testosterone?
Stimulated by LH, enhanced by prolactin from anterior pituitary
Name some constituents of seminal fluid.
High concentration of fructose/sorbitol, buffers, glycoproteins, prostaglandins, coagulants, leucocytes (sometimes - infective agents)
What are the erectile tissues of the penis?
Corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum
Which branch of the autonomic NVS stimulates erection?
Parasympathetic
What prevents urine from mixing with semen?
Sympathetic innervation of neck of bladder
What is capacitation?
Changes in macromolecular structure of sperm membrane (enables acrosome reaction)
