Topic 12 - Male reproduction Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is the main function of the testes?
- Spermatogenesis
- Secretion of androgen hormones
What is spermatogenesis (& process of transition to sperm cells)?
- Formation of sperm
- It occurs in numerous seminiferous tubules within testes
- Process occurs in Sertoli cells (lie the lumen of seminiferous tubules)
PROCESS:
- spermatogonia –mitosis-> 1st spermatocytes –meiosis-> 2ndary spermatocytes –mitosis-> spermatids –specialisation-> sperm cells
What is the process of transition to sperm cells from germ cells?
PROCESS:
spermatogonia –mitosis-> 1st spermatocytes –meiosis-> 2ndary spermatocytes –mitosis-> spermatids (in lumen) –specialisation-> sperm cells
What is the main source of androgen hormone?
Leydig/interstitial cells which are b/w seminiferous tubules
*Note: androgen hormones are sex hormones
What is the role of testosterone?
- Maturation of genital organs
- Also has role in develop. of sexual characteristics
Where do the sperm go after form?
They merge into a single tube, start of epididymis
What are the 3 sections of the epididymis?
- Caput epididymis (Head)
- Corpus epididymis (Body)
- Cauda epididymis (Tail)
1 & 2 move sperm forward at constant rate - is where sperm maturation occurs (spermatid -> spermatozoa)
3 mature sperm are stored here. Surrounded by sympathetic nerves
What is the optimal temperature for producing sperm?
32-35 degrees
What is the Vas deferens?
- A wider, thicker-walled tube (compared to epididymis) - ITS A STRAIGHT TUBE
- 1st function is transport sperm from storage site in cauda epididymis (tail) to base of urethra prior ejaculation
What are the 3 accessory glands?
- Seminal vesicle
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral gland
What are the functions of semen?
- Nutrition
- Buffers for protect sperm (against vaginal secretions)
- Chemicals (from seminal vesicle) = increase sperm motility
- Bulbourethral gland contrib. small vol. lubricating mucoid secretions
