S1) The Man Flashcards
Label the following structures in the male reproductive system:
What are Sertoli cells?
Sertoli cells are the somatic cells of the testis that are essential for testis formation and spermatogenesis
Where are Sertoli cells found?
Found in the seminiferous tubule
What are Leydig cells and what do they do?
- Leydig cells are interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle.
- Produce testosterone in the presence of LH
Can testicles swap sides?
No, as a scrotal septum separates the two testicles
Describe the process in which the testes push through the abdominal wall
- The testes evaginate the abdominal wall as they are pulled through by the gubernaculum
- This forms the spermatic fascia (made of layers of abdominal muscle)
What are the three fascial layers in the spermatic cord?
- Internal fascia
- Cremasteric fascia
- External fascia
Identify the three arteries supplying the spermatic cord
- Testicular artery
- Artery to vas
- Cremasteric artery
Identify the three veins draining the spermatic cord
- Testicular vein
- Vein to vas
- Cremasteric vein
Identify the three nerves innervating the spermatic cord
- Ilioinguinal nerve
- Nerve to cremaster (genital branch of genitofemoral nerve)
- Sympathetic
What does the prostate do?
- Maintains urinary continence (surrounds urethra)
- Creates an alkali secretion
- Propels seminal fluid into urethra during ejaculation
What are the functions of the penis?
- Expulsion of urine via urethra
- Deposition of sperm in female genital tract
Describe the processes that guide erection
- Vasodilatation in penile arterioles, and compression of veins results in erection (parasympathetic)
- Erection is terminated by vasoconstriction (sympathetic)
Which nervous system orchestrates ejaculation?
Ejaculation is a complex process primarily orchestrated by the sympathetic system
Which artery is the main blood supply to the penis?
Pudendal artery
On the following figure of the testis, identify:
- Pampiniform plexus of veins
- Testicular artery
- Vas deferens
- Epididymis
- Seminiferous tubules
Where is the origin of the testicular arteries?
Branch of abdominal aorta, inferior to renal arteries
Describe the venous drainage of the right and left testis
- Right testis: inferior vena cava
- Left testis: renal vein
Discriminate between the lymphatic drainage of the scrotum and that of the testis
- Scrotum – drains into inguinal lymph nodes
- Testes – drains into para-aortic lymph nodes
From which layers of the anterior abdominal wall are the fascial coverings of the spermatic cord derived?
- External oblique muscle
- Internal oblique muscle
- Transversus abdominis muscle
On the diagram below, label:
- The vas deferens
- The spermatic cord
- External spermatic fascia
- Cremaster muscle
- Cremasteric fascia
- Internal spermatic fascia
- Tunica vaginalis
Identify the three accessory glands of the male reproductive system
- Seminal vesicles
- Bulbourethral gland
- Prostate gland
Which part of the prostate gland is felt on rectal examination?
Peripheral zone
Enlargement of which part of the prostate causes urethral obstruction?
Transitional zone
Name the erectile tissue in the penis
- Corpora cavernosa
- Corpus spongiosum
What is a hydrocoele?
Hydrocoele is a collection of serous fluid in the tunica vaginalis
What is a varicocoele?
Varicocoele is the gross dilation of veins draining the testes
Why is the left testicle commonly affected in varicocoele?
- Left testicular vein drains into the left renal vein at a 90o angle
- Renal vein is smaller than IVC and there is no valve, building up pressure
