T2 L13: Anatomy of the male reproductive tract

Question 1

What is the SRY gene for?

Answer 1

It initiates the development of a male baby.

It causes cells within the gonad to develop into Sertoli cells

Without this gene functioning, there won’t be any testicular development

Question 2

Which duct does the ductus deferens develop from?

Answer 2

The mesonephric duct

Under the influence of the SRY gene, the duct stays to carry sperm but degenerates in women

Question 3

What does the gubernaculum do?

Answer 3

It leads the testes while they descend

Question 4

When testes descend, do they cross the ureter?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

At what age do testes begin to descend?

Answer 5

At 12 weeks. By week 32 they arrive in the scrotum

Question 6

Which artery supplies the testes?

Answer 6

The testicular artery

Question 7

Which vein drains the testes?

Answer 7

Veins from the pampiniform plexus

Question 8

Which nerve innervates the testes?

Answer 8

The spermatic plexus

Question 9

What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?

Answer 9

They are coiled tubules where sperm is produced

Question 10

What is the function of epididymis?

Answer 10

To transport and store sperm

Question 11

Why is the vas deferens surrounded by smooth muscle?

Answer 11

To allow for ejaculation

Question 12

Describe the structure of seminiferous tubules

Answer 12

Highly tortuous and lined by a seminiferous epithelium

They’re surrounded by stroma, loose connective tissue

Question 13

Why do Sertoli cells enfold developing spermatozoa?

Answer 13

• Protect them from blood antibodies
• Provide nutrients
• Phagocytose excess cytoplasm
• Secrete androgen binding protein
• Secrete inhibin
• Add fluid to the lumen

Question 14

Between which layers does an inguinal hernia occur?

Answer 14

Between the deep and superficial inguinal rings

Question 15

What goes through the inguinal canal in men?

Answer 15

Ductus deferens
Testicular artery and vein
Nerves

Question 16

Does the round ligament go through the inguinal canal in men?

Answer 16

No. The round ligament develops into the vas deferens in men

The round ligament goes through the inguinal canal in women

Question 17

What % of inguinal hernias affect men?

Answer 17

98%

Question 18

What is a patent processus vaginalis (PPV)?

Answer 18

It allows a communication between the peritoneum and scrotum. It typically presents as hydrocele

Question 19

What is the function of the cremaster muscle?

Answer 19

It moves the testes to suit the temperature (Closer if it’s cold and lower when its warm)

Question 20

Which VAN supply the ductus deferens?

Answer 20

Inferior vesical and middle rectal

Question 21

What do seminal vesicles secrete?

Answer 21

Alkaline fluid, fructose, and coagulate

Question 22

What does the prostate secrete?

Answer 22

Prostatic fluid (20% of total fluid)

Question 23

What do bulbourethral glands secrete?

Answer 23

Lubricants for the ducts

Question 24

Where are seminal vesicles found?

Answer 24

The posterior aspect of the bladder

Question 25

What is the nerve supply the seminal vesicles?

Answer 25

Sympathetic and causes ejaculation

Question 26

Which veins and arteries supply the seminal vesicles?

Answer 26

Inferior vesicle and prostatic vessels

Question 27

Which veins and arteries supply the prostate?

Answer 27

Prostatic veins and arteries

Question 28

Which nerves supply the prostate?

Answer 28

Inferior hypogastric and parasympathetic from the pelvic splanchnic nerves

Question 29

Where are bulbourethral glands found?

Answer 29

In the external urethral sphincter

Question 30

Which veins and arteries supply the bulbourethral glands?

Answer 30

Inferior vesicle and prostatic vessels

Question 31

What is the superficial perineal pouch?

Answer 31

A space between the perineal fascia and the perineal membrane

Question 32

What does the superficial perineal pouch in men contain?

Answer 32

``` The root (bulb and crura) of the penis Ischiocavernosus Bulbospongiosis Urethra Superficial transverse perineal muscle Pudendal vessels ```

Question 33

What does the superficial perineal pouch in women contain?

Answer 33

``` Clitoris Ischiocavernousus Bulb of vestibule (bulbospongiosis) Greater vestibular gland Urethra Superficial transverse perineal muscle Pudendal vessels ```

Question 34

What does the deep perineal pouch contain in men?

Answer 34

``` Bulbourethral glands Dorsal neurovascularture of the penis Urethra and external urethral sphincter Ischioanal fat pads Deep transverse perineal muscle ```

Question 35

What does the deep perineal pouch contain in women?

Answer 35

Dorsal neurovasculature of the clitoris Urethra and external urethral sphincter Ischioanal fat pads Deep transverse perineal muscle

Question 36

Which parasympathetic nerves supply the perineum?

Answer 36

Pevic splanchnic nerves (S2-4)

Question 37

Which sympathetic nerves supply the perineum?

Answer 37

Sacral sympathetic trunk | Superior and inferior hypogastric plexuses

Question 38

Which nerves does the pudendal nerve give rise to?

Answer 38

Inferior rectal Perineal branches Posterior scrotal/labial Dorsal nerve to the penis/clitoris

Question 39

Which nerve supplies the anterior scrotum?

Answer 39

The hypogastric nerve

Question 40

At which gestation do external genitalia begin to develop?

Answer 40

At week 3

Question 41

What happens to external genitalia development without androgens?

Answer 41

The genital tubercle elongates only slightly to form the clitoris and the urethral folds form the labia minora

Question 42

What is the penile raphe?

Answer 42

It's the line where the scrotal swellings fused during development to create a penis

Question 43

What are the 3 cylindrical bodies of the penis?

Answer 43

Paired corpora cavernosa and 1 corpus spongiosum

Question 44

Which nerves supply the penis?

Answer 44

S2/4 pudendal nerve, dorsal nerve to penis, and ilioinguinal nerve

Question 45

Which veins and arteries supply the penis?

Answer 45

The internal pudendal arteries and external pudendal veins

Question 46

What encapsulates the cavernous bodies of the penis?

Answer 46

A tough fibrous sheath called the Tunica Albuginea

Question 47

What are the 3 divisions of urethra in men?

Answer 47

Prostatic, membranous, and penile

Question 48

What is the prostatic utricle?

Answer 48

The remains of what could have developed if they were female

Question 49

What is cryptorchidism?

Answer 49

Undescended testes

Question 50

What is a hematocele?

Answer 50

A collection of blood within the scrotum

Question 51

What is an orgasm in men physiologically?

Answer 51

A contraction of the bulbospongiosis muscle