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Microscopic Anatomy and Embryology > Male Reproductive Systems > Flashcards

Male Reproductive Systems Flashcards

1
Q

Upon viewing a histological section of prostatic tissue you not an increased amount of corpora amylacea within the lumen of the branched tubuloalveolar glands. Describe corpora amylacea. What does this finding indicate about the animal this prostate was sampled from?

A

Corpora amylacea, or prostatic concretions, are residual secretory products of the prostate gland that have hardened within the lumen of the secretory glands. The amount of corpora amylacea typically increases with age, so you can infer that the animal sampled here was an older individual.

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2
Q

What cells compose the seminiferous tubules?

A

Seminiferous tubues are composed of spermatogenic epithelium, which is surrounded by lamina propria of collagen and elastic fibers.

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3
Q

What are the male accessory sex glands?

A

The male reproductive system has four accessory sex glands: the bulbourethral glands, prostate gland, ampullary glands, and vesicular glands (seminal vesicles).

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4
Q

What are the two erectile structures are located within the penis?

A

The penis consists primarily of erectile tissue and the urethra. The corpora cavernosa, or musculo-cavernosum, is composed of paired masses of erectile tissue (muscular erectile tissue). The corpus spongiosum is a single mass of erectile tissue surrounding the urethra (vascular erectile tissue). The corpus spongiosum is more delicate than the corpora cavernosa.

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5
Q

What are the names for sperm cells through spermatogenesis (from immature to mature)?

A
  1. Spermatogonia stem cells
  2. Spermatogonia progenitor cells (type A spermatogonia)
  3. Spermatogonia (Type B spermatogonia)
  4. Primary spermatocyte
  5. Secondary spermatocyte
  6. Spermatid
  7. Spermatozoa
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6
Q

What are the three types of neoplasia (cancer) associated with the testes and what are their effects?

A
  1. Seminoma: functional neoplasia of the cells of the seminiferous tubules causing compression of adjacent seminiferous tubules
  2. Sertoli (nurse) cell tumor: functional neoplasia of the Sertoli (nurse) cells within the seminiferous tubules causing increased estorgen production and secretion, which “feminizes” the animal and decreases sperm production
  3. Leydig (interstitial) cell tumor: nonfunctional neoplasia of the Leydig (interstitial) cells in the interstitium of the lobules of the testes that has no effect on testosterone production and is often an incidental finding on necropsy
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7
Q

What is the function or purpose of the pampiniform plexus?

A

The pampiniform plexus is a counter-current heat exchange system between the testicular artery and the testicular vein. This system allows warm blood from the testicular artery to transfer heat to the testicular vein, which take the heat back into the body and prevents overheating of the testes.

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8
Q

What types of cells line the prostate gland?

A

The prostate gland is surrounded by a fibroelastic capsule and lined by simple cuboidal to simple columnar (sometimes pseudostratified) epithelial cells. The glandular tissue within the prostate gland is surrounded by the fibromuscular stroma, which is composed of smooth muscle cells, and forms multiple lobules of the prostate gland.

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9
Q

Both of the histological sections provided are of the epididymis. Identify the which part of the epididymis section A and section B came from.

A

The histological section labeled A is a cross-section of the cauda epididymis (tail of the epididymis), which is apparent from the numerous layers of smooth muscle surrounding the epididymal duct shown. The histological section labeled B is a cross-section of the caput epididymis (head of the epididymis), which is apparent from the single, or very few, layers of smooth muscle fibers surrounding the epididymal duct shown.

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10
Q

An intact, male dog is presented with a constant need to defecate without a bowel movement occuring. What can male reproductive organ is likely affected and what is the treatment?

A

In uncastrated dogs, prostatic hyperplasia can cause the enlarged prostate gland to press up against the colon. This increased pressure on the colon can cause the dog to feel as though it needs to defecate. Since prostatic hyperplasia is caused by testosterone (hormone), it is not classified as cancer. The treatment for prostatic hyperplasia is to castrate the animal to stop testosterone production.

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11
Q

What types of cells line the vesicular glands, or the seminal vesicles?

A

The vesicular glands (seminal vesicles) are lined by pseudostratified epithelial cells with tall columnar cells and basal cells.

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12
Q

Mesothelioma in a bovid can originate in the abdominal cavity and spread to what part of the male reproductive system?

A

Mesothelioma is a tumor composed of meothelial cells. Therefore, mesothelioma can spread from the abdominal cavity to the tunica vaginalis of the testis.

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13
Q

Where is the ampulla located within the male reproductive tract? Is this structure present across all species?

A

The ampulla is a male accessory sex gland found in ruminant species and is located near the junction between the ductus (vas) deferens and the pelvic urethra.

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14
Q

What structures compose the spermatic cord?

A

The spermatic cord is composed of the testicular artery, testicular vein, lymphatic vessels, and the ductus deferens.

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15
Q

What is/are the main function(s) of the epididymus, or epididymal duct?

A

The epididymal duct is responsible for 90% of the fluid reabsorption occuring within the testes and the secretion of glycerophosphocholine.

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16
Q

What is the function of the stereocilia within the epididymis, or epididymal duct?

A

The epididymal duct is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissues with stereocilia, which is used to increase surface area for absorption and secretion (not for moving sperm down the spermatic pathway).

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17
Q

What cells compose the tunica vaginalis of the testis?

A

The tunica vaginalis of the testis is composed of mesothelium and connective tissue.

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18
Q

What structures compose the majority of the testes?

A

The majority of the testes are composed of the seminiferous tubules.

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19
Q

What types of cells line the rete testis?

A

The rete testis is lined by simple squamous or simple cuboidal epithelial cells.

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20
Q

What do the vesicular glands (seminal vesicles) produce and secrete?

A

The seminal vesicles (vesicular glands) produce and secrete fructose, which provides energy for the sperm cells.

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21
Q

What are the effects of an intersitial, or Leydig, cell tumor?

A

Leydig (interstitial) cell tumors do not cause an increase in testosterone production (nonfunctional tumor) and are typically an incidental finding on necropsy. Leydig (interstitial) cell tumors are characteristically small tumors, which means that there enlargement of the affected testis or testes.

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22
Q

Where are mature sperm cells stored?

A

Mature sperm cells are stored in the tail of the epididymis (cauda epididymis).

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23
Q

Which region of the epididymis has an abundant amount of smooth muscle cells lining the duct?

A

The tail of the epididymis, or the cauda epididymis, has an abundant amount of smooth muscle cells lining the walls of the duct.

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24
Q

What are the portions of the male urethra?

A

The male urethra has three portions: the prostatic urethra, the pelvic urethra, and the penile urethra.

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25
Q

What structures are associated with the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis of the testis?

A

The parietal layer of the tunica vaginalis blends and is attached to the connective tissue of the scrotum. The visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis surrounds the testis and the epididymis.

26
Q

What hormone regulates the secretion of testosterone from Leydig, or interstitial, cells?

A

Testosterone secretion from Leydig (interstitial) cells is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), also referred to as intersititial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) in males, which is produced and secreted by δ-1 basophilic gonadotropes within the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis).

27
Q

Where is the interstitium of the testis? What cells are found in this tissue?

A

The interstitium of the testis is located within a lobule of the testis outside of the seminiferous tubules. The interstitium contains interstitial cells, or Leydig cells, which secrete testosterone.

28
Q

What are the protective functions of Sertoli (nurse) cells within the seminiferous tubules of the testis?

A

Sertoli, or nurse, cells support, protect and nourish spermatogenic cells. Sertoli (nurse) cells secrete testicular fluid and protect spermatids from the immune system via tight junctions, which for the blood-testis barrier. The tight junctions of the Sertoli (nurse) cells divide the seminiferous tubules into basal and adluminal (next to the lumen) compartments. Spermatogonia reside in the basal compartment and have direct access to blood vessels. Once spermatogonia divide and mature into early spermatocytes, they pass through the sustentacular cell barrier into the adluminal compartment, where they are isolated from the blood.

29
Q

What is a seminoma?

A

A seminoma is a functional tesiticular tumor composed of intratubular neoplastic cells originating from the seminiferous tubules. A seminoma is a soft, white tumor growing in the center of the testicle that is typically observed in dogs with an enlarged testicle. A seminoma causes compression of the adjacent seminiferous tubules, preventing sperm cell delivery/flow down the spermatic pathway.

30
Q

What testicular cells produce and secrete testosterone?

A

Leydig cells, or interstitial cells, of the testis produce and secrete the sex hormone testosterone.

31
Q

What is the spermatic pathway?

A
  1. Lobules of the testis
    1. Seminiferous tubules
  2. Tubuli recti (straight tubules)
  3. Rete testis
  4. Efferent ductules
  5. Epididymis
    1. Caput (head of the) epididymis
    2. Corpus (body of the) epididymis
    3. Cauda (tail of the) epididymis
  6. Ductus (vas) deferens
  7. Pelvic urethra
  8. Penile urethra
32
Q

Are vesicular glands (seminal vesicles) present across all species?

A

No, vesicular glands (seminal vesicles) are not present in carnivores (i.e. the dog and the cat).

33
Q

What are the [physical and chemical] symptoms associated with a Sertoli (nurse) cell tumor?

A

Physical/observable symptoms

  • Bilateral alopecia
  • Enlarged mammary gland (“man boobs”)
  • Attracted to male dogs
  • Bone marrow abnormalities
    • Anemia
    • Low white blood cell (WBC) count
  • Enlarged testis, or testes

Chemical/clinical symptoms

  • Increased number of Sertoli (nurse) cells
  • Increased estrogen production causing “feminization” of the animal (functional neoplasia)
  • Decreased sperm production (functional neoplasia)
34
Q

What is the function of the testis?

A

The testis is the site of spermatogenesis and production of the sex hormone testosterone.

35
Q

What is the terminal portion of the ductus (vas) deferens called?

A

The terminal portion of the ductus (vas) deferens is called the ejaculatory duct.

36
Q

What types of cells line the epididymis?

A

The epididymis is lined by columnar or pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells with stereocilia.

37
Q

What are the layers of the ductus (vas) deferens?

A

The ductus (vas) deferens is composed of a serosa layer, prominent muscularis layer (used to propel sperm out of down the spermatic pathway), and the mucosa layer, which is lined by stereocilia.

38
Q

What are the functions, or effects, of testosterone in males?

A
  • High concentrations of testosterone is necessary to maintain spermatogenesis
  • Testosterone is responsible for secondary male characteristics and libido (sexual drive)
  • Testosterone stimulates growth of skeletal muscles and bones (anabolic effect)
  • Testosterone has other androgenic effect, such as stimulation of development and secretory activity of male accessory sex glands
39
Q

What testicular structure is commonly referred to as “a long, highly convoluted tube [or loops]”?

A

The seminiferous tubules of the testes are long, highly convoluted tubules, or loops.

40
Q

Identify the structure within the gold brackets labeled A and the type of cell within the blue box labeled B on the histological section of a testis.

A

The structure within the gold brackets labeled A is the tunica albuginea, which can be identified from the dense connective tissue and the location (surrounding all the seminiferous tubules). The cell within the blue box labeled B is a myofibroblast, which are the only other cells present in the tunica albuginea besides collagen and elastic fibers.

41
Q

What types of cells line the bulbourethral glands?

A

The bulbourethral glands are lined by tall simple cuboidal to simple columnar epithelial cells.

42
Q

Which region of the epididymis has the thickest epithelial lining?

A

The head of the epididymis, or the caput epididymis, has the thickets epithelial lining.

43
Q

What is anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)?

A

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by the Sertoli (nurse, sustentacular) cells in the developing male embryo. This hormone promotes the degeneration of the female duct system (Mullerian duct) present in all bipotential embryos.

44
Q

What surrounds the testis?

A

The testis is surrounded by two types of tunicae: the tunica vaginalis, which has a parietal and visceral layer, and the tunica albuginea.

45
Q

Identify the structures indicated on the diagram.

A

Testicular Tunics (gold)

  • L: Parietal layer of the tunica vaginalis
  • K: Visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis
  • I: Tunica albuginea

Structures within the Testis (green)

  • J: Lobule
  • H: Septum (septule testis)
  • G: Seminiferous tubule
  • M: Tubuli recti (straight tubules)
  • E: Mediastinum testis
  • F: Rete testis

Structures outside of the Testis (red)

  • C: Efferent ducts (ductuli efferentes)
  • B: Caput epididymis (head of the epididymis)
  • D: Corpus epididymis (body of the epididymis)
  • N: Cauda epididymis (tail of the epididymis)
  • A: Vas deferens (ductus deferens)
46
Q

How many ducts compose the epididymis?

A

The epididymis is composed of one long, highly convoluted epididymal duct.

47
Q

What tissue(s) must be submitted for histopathology upon completion of a vasectomy?

A

Upon completion of a vasectomy you must submit a complete cross-section of both the left and right ductus (vas) deferens for histopathology to confirm removal of the correct structure and complete removal.

48
Q

What types of cells line the ductus (vas) deferens?

A

The ductus (vas) deferens is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells with stereocilia. The ductus (vas) deferens is also characterized by a prominent muscularis layer, which provides peristaltic contractions that propel spermatozoa (mature sperm cells) down the spermatic pathway.

49
Q

Identify the structures within the gold circle labeled A on the histological section of epididymal tissue. What type of cells are within the blue box labeled B? What stage of spermatogenesis are the cells within the green square labeled C?

A

The structures located within the gold circle labeled A are stereocilia, which are attached to the columnar epithelium located within the blue box labeled B. It is important to note that pseudostratified epithelial cells may also line the epididymal duct (as seen in the supplemental image). Spermatogenesis occurs within the seminiferous tubules of the testis, which means that the sperm cells present within the green square labeled C in this section of the epididymis are mature spermatozoa.

50
Q

What structure is continuous with the tunica albuginea of the testis?

A

The tunica albuginea of the testis is continuous with the connective tissue trabeculae, referred to as the septum (septule testis), that separates seminiferous tubules into different lobules.

51
Q

What are the main functions of the male reproductive organs?

A

The male reproductive organs are responsible for the production of male sex cells (sperm), production of the male sex hormone testosterone, introduction of male gametes into the female reproductive organs, and production of other hormones such as anti-Mullerian duct hormone (AMH) in the male embryo and inhibin in the adult male.

52
Q

What types of cells and glands line the male accessory sex glands?

A

The male accessory sex gland are lined by simple or pseudostratified epithelial cells with tubuloalveolar glands.

53
Q

What is the parenchyma of the testis composed of? What cells can be found within this tissue?

A

The parenchyma of the testis is composed of seminiferous tubules. Within the seminiferous tubules are sperm cells at various stages of development and sustentacular cells, or Sertoli (nurse) cells, which provide a supportive environment to aid in sperm development.

54
Q

What cells compose the tunica albuginea of the testis?

A

The tunica albuginea of the testis is a capsule of dense connective tissue composed of collagen fibers, few elastic fibers, and myofibroblasts.

55
Q

What is secreted by bulbourethral glands? Where do bulbourethral glands empty?

A

The bulbourethral glands empty their mucous secretions into the pelvic urethra, which acts as a lubricant.

56
Q

What species have a fibroelastic penis? What muscle is present in animals with a fibroelastic penis? What is an identifiable characteristic of a fibroelastic penis?

A

The bull, ram, and boar all have a fibroelastic penis. The fibroelastic penis is held within the body in s-shape, which is called sigmoid flexure, by the retractor penis muscle. Upon relaxation of the penis retractor muscle, the penis loses this sigmoid flexure and the penis is extends out of the prepuce.

57
Q

What type of cells compose the majority of the male urethra?

A

Most of the male urethra is composed of transitional, or urogenital, epithelium.

58
Q

What are the endocrine functions of Sertoli (nurse) cells?

A

Sertoli (nurse) cells have receptors for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), synthesize anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the developing male embryo, and release the hormone inhibin.

  • When follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors are stimulated they release androgen-binding protein (ABP). Androgen-binding protein (ABP) binds to androgens, which influences germ cell differentiation.
  • During the development of the male embryo, Sertoli (nurse) cells produce and secrete anit-Mullerian hormone (AMH), which promotes the degeneration of the Mullerian duct (female duct system), preventing the formation of the oviduct. Both the Mullerian duct and Wolffian duct (male duct system) are present in the bipotential embryo.
  • Sertoli (nurse) cells release the hormone inhibin, which mainly functions to supress the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis), more specifically the δ-2 basophilic gonadotropes. This creates the pituitary negative feedback on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
59
Q

What composes the urethral muscle?

A

The urethral muscle is composed of both skeletal and smooth muscle fibers.

60
Q

Identify the types of cells within the seven colored squares on the histological section of a seminiferous tubule.

A

Red: Smooth muscle fibers lining the seminiferous tubule

Light blue: Spermatogonia

Green: Sertoli (nurse, sustentacular) cells

Yellow: Primary spermatocyte

Gold: Leydig (interstitial) cells

Mint: Early spermatid

Blue: Late spermatid

Microscopic Anatomy and Embryology (3 decks)

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