Unit 1- Reproduction Flashcards
What is the function of testes?
Sperm production and production of androgen (such as testerone)
What are androgens?
The Classification for male sex hormones
Describe the structure of testes.
The testes are an external organ that is outside of the abdomin al cavity. The testes are comprised of lobules, seminiferous tubules, tubulus rectus, rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymis
Why is it important that the testes are located in the scrotum?
he scrotum is able to adjust itself in order to maintain optimal temperature. Temperature maintenance is important because sperm is only viable at 3 degrees Celcius lower than the body temperature.
What is the role of the epididymis?
Acts as a storage site for sperm and collects immature sperm from the testes and allows for them to continue their development
True or False: Sperm has become fully functional by the time it arrives in a woman’s reproductive tract.
False, sperm doesn’t become fully functional until it is inside of a woman’s reproductive tract.
Why does sperm sometimes undergo phagocytosis?
Sperm will sometimes undergo phagocytosis to ensure that viable sperm is utilized during reproduction.
What are lobules?
The segments that the testes are divided into.
What is the actual site for sperm production? ( Be as specific as possible)
Seminiferous tubules
Where would mature sperm be found?
The lumen of the seminiferous tubule
Describe the structure of the lumen.
The lumen is a cavity that is found in the seminiferous tubule that connects to the epididymis and ductus deferens
What is the role of the tubulus rectus? Describe the structure of the tubulus rectus.
Tubulus rectus is a one way straight tubulue that acts as a passageway for sperm to move into the rete.
What is the role of the rete testis
The location where all of the tubulus rectus merge together
What is the role of the efferent ductulues?
Act as an exit for the rete testis
Where are the intersitiial cells of leydig found and what is the role of these cell?
The interstitial cells of leydig are found between the seminiferous tubulues
The interstitial cells of leydig produce sex hormones( also refered to as andorgens) like testosterone
What organ is responsible for absorbing heat?
Pampiniform plexus
Describe the passage for Testicular Blood Flow
Blood will be supplied via the testicular arteries where it will then pass thru the pampinform plexus. The blood is then drained by the testicular veins
Why is the role of the pampinform plexus so important?
It ensures that viable sperm is produced
Describe the structure of the scrotum.
The scrotum is a sac like structure that is made up of superficial fascia and skin
What finding came about sperm production came out of mens fashion in the 1980s?
That temperature is a key component in producing viable sperm and if sperm is kept at too high of a temperature it can lead to a reduction in sperm count
How does the scrotum allow for maintence of optimal temperature?
Does so through either the contraction or relaxing of two muscles: via dartos and cremaster muscles
How does the via dartos muscle play a role in maintaining the temperature of the testes?
This muscle will contract and bring the scrotum closer to the body if the temperature is too low
How does cremaster muscles allow for the maintenance of optimal temperature of testes?
This muscle will relax and pull the scrotum away from the body if the temperature is too high.
True or false: In the scrotum testes are not separated into compartments
False