PP3 - Male Genitalia (Reproductive Glands) Flashcards
(100 cards)
1
Q
list the male accessory reproductive organs (3)
A
prostate
seminal vesicles
bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands
2
Q
what are the seminal vesicles? function?
A
paired lobulated glands - secrete an alkaline fluid (consists of fructose & coagulating enzymes)
3
Q
which accessory reproductive gland contributes the most to total seminal fluid? - seminal vesicles, prostate gland or bulbourethral glands
A
seminal vesicles (70%)
4
Q
what does the secretion from the seminal vesicles consist of?
A
alkaline fluid - fructose & coagulating enzymes
5
Q
what female gland is the prostate considered homologous to?
A
the lesser vestibular/ Skene’s glands
6
Q
what structure does the prostate gland surround?
A
located anterior to the rectum & directly beneath the bladder
surrounds the prostatic urethra
7
Q
function of the prostate gland?
A
produces prostatic acid; slightly acidic secretion - (20-30% of total seminal fluid)
8
Q
what are the four zones of the prostate?
A
anterior
peripheral
central
transitional
9
Q
which zone of the prostate is the most common site for prostate cancer - anterior, peripheral, central, transitional? why?
A
the peripheral zone - as it has the highest concentration of glandular tissue
10
Q
what does prostate cancer originating from the peripheral zone feel like?
A
feels rock hard - palpable via a digital rectal exam
11
Q
why is the anterior region of the prostate not considered a primary prostate zone?
A
it’s mainly a fibromuscular area & contains minimal glandular tissue
12
Q
which zone of the prostate isn’t considered a primary prostate zone?
A
the anterior region
13
Q
why are prostate cancers arising from the central zone considered aggressive?
A
central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts - prostate cancer is considered aggressive as it can spread to the ducts
14
Q
what prostate zone surrounds the urethra?
A
transitional zone
15
Q
what structure does the central zone surround?
A
the ejaculatory ducts
16
Q
what clinical condition is the transitional zone associated with? how does it feel?
A
benign prostatic hyperplasia - feels ‘bulky’
17
Q
explain how benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect urination
A
transitional zone surrounds the urethra which is where BPH often occurs
if the transitional zone enlarges due to BPH, it can compress the urethra & cause difficulty with passing urine
18
Q
what does the prostatic urethra do?
A
runs through the prostate carrying urine and semen
19
Q
what structure in female genitalia is a homologue of the male prostate gland?
A
lesser vestibular (Skene’s) glands
20
Q
what structure of the prostate serves as a landmark during a transurethral resection of the prostate (for removing prostate tissue)?
A: urethral crest
B: prostatic utricle
C: prostatic urethra
D: seminal colliculus
A
D: seminal colliculus
21
Q
what do the ejaculatory duct openings of the prostate open into?
A
open into the seminal colliculus
22
Q
what is the seminal colliculus? function?
A
circular elevation of the prostate’s urethral crest - site where openings of ejaculatory ducts drain into
23
Q
what is the internal urethral sphincter? function?
A
smooth muscle ring that contracts during ejaculation & prevents retrograde flow of semen into the bladder
24
Q
difference in muscle composition & function between internal and external urethral sphincters?
A
internal - smooth muscle; prevents retrograde transport of sperm
external - skeletal muscle; maintains urinary continence under voluntary control
25
what is the external urethral sphincter? function?
skeletal muscle structure inferior to the prostate - contracts to maintain urinary continence under voluntary control
26
in what perineal pouch (superficial/deep) does the external urethral sphincter lie?
within the deep perineal pouch
27
where is the neck of the bladder located in relation to the prostate?
neck of bladder lies above the prostate - connects to the internal urethral sphincter
28
function of the bulbourethral glands?
release pre-ejaculate fluid into the spongy urethra - help lubricate the urethra before ejaculation
29
within what muscle are the bulbourethral glands embedded in?
external urethral sphincter muscle
30
attachment & function of the puboprostatic ligament?
- attaches prostate to pubic symphysis
- supports & maintains position of the prostate - reduces risk of organ prolapse
31
the scrotum consists of skin & WHAT fascia. what is this fascia?
dartos fascia - consists of smooth muscle fibres that contract & wrinkle the scrotal sac for thermoregulation
32
what is the scrotal raphae?
external visible line on scrotal surface - represents fusion of labioscrotal swellings
33
the scrotum and labia majora in females both come from the labioscrotal swellings - but what is the difference in fusion?
scrotum = swellings fuse
labia majora = remain unfised
34
why are scrotum & testes located outside the body cavity?
optimal temperature for spermatogenesis is approx. 2-3 degrees below core body temp
35
what is the mechanism for temperature regulation of the scrotum & testes when it gets too cold?
muscle of dartos fascia contract - scrotal skin wrinkles & draws closer to body heat
36
what are the two main functions of the testes?
spermatogenesis
androgen production
37
what cells in the testes are primarily involved in androgen secretion?
Leydig cells - located in the spaces between seminiferous tubules
38
in what structure does spermatogenesis take place in the testes?
seminiferous tubules
39
describe spermatogenesis from the testes to epididymis - structures it goes through
production of spermatozoa in SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES > travel through STRAIGHT TUBULES > collected in channels called RETE TESTIS > enter efferent ductules > to EPIDIDYMIS
40
what structure collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules?
rete testis
41
how many seminiferous tubules are present approximately in each testis?
400-600
42
what are spermatozoa sent to the epididymis for?
maturation and storage
43
name the dense fibrous capsule that encloses the testes
tunica albuginea
44
what is the role of the gubernaculum during foetal development in males?
guides the descent of the testes from the posterior abdominal wall through the inguinal canal into the scrotum
45
what is the adult derivative of the gubernaculum in females?
round ligament of uterus
46
what is the processus vaginalis?
outpouching of parietal peritoneum - forms pathway allowing testes to descend into scrotum (whilst 'herniating' through abdominal wall layers)
47
what happens to the processus vaginalis after testicular descent
normally degenerates - distal position becomes tunica vaginalis (serous covering of testes)
48
homologues of testes & scrotum in females?
testes - ovaries
scrotum - labia majora
49
A cremasteric reflex is elicited by stroking the inner thigh. Which nerve is responsible for the motor limb of this reflex?
A. Ilioinguinal nerve
B. Pudendal nerve
C. Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
D. Obturator nerve
C. Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve - supplies cremaster muscle for motor response
50
A surgeon is tracing the layers of the spermatic cord. Which of the following contributes the cremasteric fascia?
A. Transversus abdominis
B. Internal oblique
C. External oblique
D. Parietal peritoneum
B. Internal oblique
51
A newborn has a right-sided hydrocele. This likely results from persistence of which embryological structure?
A. Gubernaculum
B. Processus vaginalis
C. Tunica albuginea
D. Mesonephric duct
B. Processus vaginalis - patent processus vaginalis can accumulate fluid, leading to hydrocele
52
Which of the following best describes the anatomical path of testicular descent?
A. Pelvic cavity → inguinal canal → abdominal wall
B. Posterior abdominal wall → inguinal canal → scrotum
C. Peritoneal cavity → bladder → scrotum
D. Renal fossa → ureter → scrotum
B. Posterior abdominal wall → inguinal canal → scrotum (guided by gubernaculum)
53
list the layers surrounding the testes from outer to inner & their abdominal wall derivatives
- (outer) skin
- external spermatic fascia > external oblique muscle (aponeurosis)
- cremasteric muscle/ fascia > internal oblique muscle
- internal spermatic fascia > transversalis fascia
- tunica vaginalis > parietal peritoneum
- (inner) tunica albuginea (fibrous capsule surrounding testes)
54
what nerve supplies the cremasteric muscle for motor function?
genital branch of genitofemoral nerve (L1-2)
55
During testicular descent, which layer of the abdominal wall gives rise to the internal spermatic fascia?
A) Peritoneum
B) External oblique muscle
C) Internal oblique muscle
D) Transversalis fascia
D) Transversalis fascia
56
What forms the external spermatic fascia surrounding the spermatic cord?
A) Transversalis fascia
B) Internal oblique muscle
C) External oblique aponeurosis
D) Parietal peritoneum
C) External oblique aponeurosis
57
Which muscle gives rise to the cremaster muscle and fascia?
A) Transversalis fascia
B) External oblique
C) Rectus abdominis
D) Internal oblique
D) Internal oblique
58
The tunica vaginalis is derived from which structure?
A) Peritoneum
B) Tunica albuginea
C) Gubernaculum
D) External oblique
A) Peritoneum
59
Why are the testes located outside the body cavity?
A) For better protection
B) To maintain a cooler temperature for spermatogenesis
C) To avoid abdominal pressure
D) To stay close to the epididymis
B) To maintain a cooler temperature for spermatogenesis
60
Which of the following correctly matches the abdominal wall layer with the derived covering of the testes?
A) Peritoneum – Cremasteric fascia
B) External oblique muscle – Internal spermatic fascia
C) Transversalis fascia – Internal spermatic fascia
D) Internal oblique – External spermatic fascia
C) Transversalis fascia – Internal spermatic fascia
61
The cremaster muscle is derived from which abdominal wall structure and innervated by which nerve?
A) External oblique; ilioinguinal nerve
B) Internal oblique; genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
C) Transversalis fascia; femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve
D) Rectus abdominis; pudendal nerve
B) Internal oblique; genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
62
Which layer of the testicular coverings contains no muscle fibres?
A) Cremasteric fascia
B) Internal spermatic fascia
C) External spermatic fascia
D) Dartos fascia
C) External spermatic fascia
63
Which of the following is TRUE regarding a hydrocele of the spermatic cord?
A) It occurs in a completely closed processus vaginalis.
B) It transilluminates due to blood accumulation.
C) It results from fluid in the tunica vaginalis cavity.
D) It occurs due to a patent processus vaginalis that remains partly open.
D) It occurs due to a patent processus vaginalis that remains partly open.
64
Which structure is not a direct contributor to the layers surrounding the testes during descent?
A) Transversalis fascia
B) Internal oblique
C) Transverse abdominal muscle
D) Parietal peritoneum
C) Transverse abdominal muscle
65
A scrotal swelling is noted in a newborn, and transillumination is positive. Which structure is most likely overproducing serous fluid?
A) Parietal tunica vaginalis
B) Dartos fascia
C) Visceral tunica vaginalis
D) Epididymis
C) Visceral tunica vaginalis
66
the tunica vaginalis consists of parietal & visceral layers, with a cavity in between filled with serous fluid
a) which layer is producing the fluid?
b) function of the fluid?
c) condition resulting from overproduction of fluid?
a) visceral layer of tunica vaginalis
b) reduces friction, allows testes to move within scrotum smoothly
c) hydrocele of testes
67
function of the epididymis?
storage & maturation of spermatozoa
68
function of the vas/ ductus deferens?
transports sperm from testes to ejaculatory ducts
69
the union of WHAT ducts forms the ejaculatory duct
union of the PAIRED VAS DEFERENS (from either testes) and SEMINAL VESICLE DUCT
70
through the spermatic cord, there are 3 arteries, 3 nerves, and 3 other structures - list these structures
3 arteries
- testicular artery (directly off abdominal aorta)
- cremasteric artery
- artery to vas deferens
3 nerves
- autonomic nerves (sympathetic & parasym.)
- genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
- ilioinguinal nerve
3 others
- lymphatic vessels
- vas deferens
- pampiniform plexus of veins (+ testicular veins)
71
what are the three arteries that run through the spermatic cord?
testicular artery
cremasteric artery
artery to vas deferens
72
what are the three nerves that run through the spermatic cord? what do they do?
1. genital branch of genitofemoral nerve (L1-2; lumbar plexus) = motor supply to cremasteric muscle
2. autonomic nerves (sym. & parasym.) = regulate vascular tone & temperature of testes
3.. ilioinguinal nerve = sensory innervation to scrotum & root of penis; motor innervation to parts of ab. wall muscles
73
how do the right and left testicular veins drain differently?
right testicular vein > IVC
left testicular vein > left renal vein (then IVC)
74
what is the importance of the pampiniform plexus of veins?
network of veins surrounding the testicular artery - important for thermoregulation of testes
75
what is the cremasteric reflex?
stroking the inner thigh = contraction of the cremaster muscle = elevates the testicle on the same side
76
how does the vas deferens cross relative to the ureter?
crosses ABOVE ureter
77
function of the urethra in males?
expels urine and semen via the external urethral meatus in males
78
function of ureter?
transport urine from kidneys to bladder
79
what are the three parts to the male urethra?
prostatic - through the prostate
membranous - through the deep perineal pouch
spongy - through the bulbospongiosus muscle of the penis
80
in a flaccid penis, the urethra bends twice before expanding distally into the WHAT before leading out to the external urethral meatus
NAVICULAR FOSSA
81
what are the three cylindrical bodies of erectile tissue in the penis?
two corpora cavernosa
one corpus spongiosum
82
which erectile tissue of the penis contains the spongy urethra?
corpus spongiosum
83
what structure does the corpus spongiosum expand to form distally and proximally?
distally - glans penis
proximally - bulb of penis
84
which muscle covers the crus of the penis and assists with erection by compressing outflow veins?
ischiocavernosus muscle
85
how does the ischiocavernosus muscle help maintain erection?
compresses nerves and veins, prevents blood leaving penis - maintains erection
86
a) what muscle COVERS the crura/root of the penis?
b) what erectile tissue makes up the crura of the penis, that attach onto the ischiopubic rami?
a) ischiocavernosus muscle
b) corpora cavernosa
87
what is the role of the bulbospongiosus muscle in ejaculation?
propels semen & urine through the spongy urethra; compresses bulb to help maintain erection
88
which muscle of the penis helps propel semen through the spongy urethra & covers the bulb of the penis?
bulbospongiosus muscle
89
what nerve innervates the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles? (+ nerve roots)
perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2-4)
90
Which ligament supports the shaft of the penis and acts like a sling? - fundiform ligament or suspensory ligament of penis
fundiform ligament
91
what does the suspensory ligament of penis attach to?
from pubic symphysis > body/ shaft of penis
92
what erectile tissue is the bulb of penis made up of?
corpus spongiosum
93
which erectile tissue is most vulnerable to urethral rupture during catheterization? why?
corpus spongiosum - contains the spongy urethra
94
why can damage to the perineal body affect urinary continence and ejaculation?
anchors muscles like bulbospongiosus and contributes to pelvic support
95
Which erectile tissue surrounds the penile urethra and forms the glans penis?
A. Corpus cavernosum
B. Corpus spongiosum
C. Bulb of the penis
D. Crus of the penis
B. Corpus spongiosum
96
The perineal nerve, a branch of the pudendal nerve, innervates:
A. Corpora cavernosa
B. Ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles
C. Cremaster muscle
D. Dartos muscle
B. Ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles
97
Which structure directly supports the shaft of the penis and arises from the pubic symphysis?
A. Dartos fascia
B. Suspensory ligament
C. Fundiform ligament
D. Buck's fascia
B. Suspensory ligament
98
Which muscle assists in ejaculation and supports the perineal body?
A. Dartos
B. Cremaster
C. Bulbospongiosus
D. Ischiocavernosus
C. Bulbospongiosus
99
During a penile surgery, the surgeon notes damage to the structure arising from the linea alba. What is the likely structure?
A. Suspensory ligament
B. Fundiform ligament
C. Cremaster muscle
D. Ischiocavernosus muscle
B. Fundiform ligament
100
The bulb of the penis is covered by which muscle, and what is its main function during ejaculation?
A. Ischiocavernosus – restrict venous flow
B. Bulbospongiosus – compress urethra
C. Cremaster – raise testes
D. Dartos – contract scrotum
B. Bulbospongiosus – compress urethra
