p.1
Male Reproductive System Anatomy
What are the internal genitalia in the male reproductive system?
The vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct, and prostate.
p.3
Spermatogenesis Process
What are the initial cells involved in spermatogenesis?
Germ cells known as spermatogonia.
p.3
Spermatogenesis Process
What happens to spermatogonia before puberty?
They remain quiescent within layers of seminiferous tubules.
p.3
Spermatogenesis Process
What occurs to some spermatogonia at puberty?
They undergo mitosis continuously and enter into meiosis.
p.3
Spermatogenesis Process
What is the significance of mitosis and meiosis in spermatogenesis?
They ensure a continuous supply of spermatogonia.
p.1
Male Reproductive System Anatomy
What are the secondary or accessory sexual organs in the male reproductive system?
Genitalia, which include internal and external genitalia.
p.1
Male Reproductive System Anatomy
What are the external genitalia in the male reproductive system?
The epididymis, scrotum, penis, and bulbourethral glands.
p.2
Spermatogenesis Process
What is the primary function of the male reproductive tract?
To produce, maintain, and transport viable spermatozoa.
p.2
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What role do hormones play in male reproductive physiology?
They develop secondary sexual characteristics and are involved in feedback mechanisms relating to spermatogenesis.
p.17
Testosterone Chemistry and Biosynthesis
What other substance can testosterone be formed from?
Androstenedione secreted by the adrenal cortex.
p.10
Functions of Leydig Cells
What do Leydig cells produce?
Androgens such as testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
p.6
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What role do estrogens play in spermatogenesis?
Estrogens, formed from testosterone by Sertoli cells, are essential for spermiogenesis.
p.6
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What stimulates Sertoli cells to form estrogens?
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
p.10
Functions of Leydig Cells
What effects do androgens have in the body?
They stimulate spermatogenesis and the growth of secondary sex characteristics.
p.20
Functions of Testosterone
What is one primary function of testosterone in males?
It promotes the development of male reproductive tissues.
p.20
Functions of Testosterone
How does testosterone affect muscle mass?
It increases muscle mass and strength.
p.17
Testosterone Chemistry and Biosynthesis
From what is testosterone synthesized?
Cholesterol in the Leydig cells.
p.12
Functions of Seminal Vesicles
What is the role of fructose in seminal fluid?
It provides considerable nutrient value for the sperm.
p.16
Spermatogenesis Process
Why does almost only one sperm enter the oocyte during fertilization?
Due to the release of cortical granules that prevent additional sperm binding.
p.10
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What hormone stimulates Leydig cells to produce androgens?
Luteinizing hormone (LH).
p.16
Spermatogenesis Process
What happens after the first sperm penetrates the zona pellucida of the ovum?
Calcium ions diffuse inward through the oocyte membrane.
p.12
Functions of Seminal Vesicles
What do the seminal vesicles secrete?
A mucoid material containing fructose, citric acid, and other nutrients, along with prostaglandins and fibrinogen.
p.6
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What happens to spermatogenesis in the absence of growth hormone?
Spermatogenesis is severely deficient or absent, causing infertility.
p.7
Spermatogenesis Process
What dietary conditions can arrest spermatogenesis?
Complete starvation and protein deficiency.
p.10
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
How does FSH affect Leydig cells?
FSH increases the response of Leydig cells to LH.
p.8
Functions of Sertoli Cells
How does inhibin affect FSH release?
Inhibin decreases FSH release from the anterior pituitary.
p.16
Spermatogenesis Process
What do the cortical granules contain?
Substances that prevent binding of additional sperm.
p.5
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What is the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in spermatogenesis?
It stimulates Sertoli cells for the last stages of spermatid maturation (spermiogenesis).
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
What role does testosterone play during intrauterine life?
It stimulates the maturation of the Wolffian ducts, developing into male internal genital organs.
p.7
Spermatogenesis Process
What is the optimum temperature for spermatogenesis?
About 3-5 degrees below body temperature.
p.14
Spermatogenesis Process
What is spermiation?
The process of release of mature spermatozoa from the protective Sertoli cells into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.
p.8
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What effect does activin have on FSH and LH?
Activin increases FSH release and enhances LH function.
p.16
Spermatogenesis Process
What is released by the oocyte after the first sperm penetrates?
Multiple cortical granules by exocytosis.
p.7
Spermatogenesis Process
What effect does irradiation have on spermatogenesis?
It leads to irreversible damage in the germinal epithelium.
p.14
Spermatogenesis Process
What does the acrosome of spermatozoa contain?
Digestive enzymes like hyaluronidase and proteolytic enzymes.
p.21
Functions of Testosterone
What is semen?
The milky fluid ejaculated during the male sexual act.
p.9
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What is one function of Sertoli cells related to testosterone?
Secretion of androgen binding protein (ABP) to bind testosterone and increase its concentration in seminiferous tubule fluid.
p.5
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What happens without the stimulation from follicle-stimulating hormone?
The conversion of spermatids to sperm will not occur.
p.17
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
Which hormone controls the secretion of testosterone?
LH (Luteinizing Hormone).
p.9
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What role do Sertoli cells play in the nutrition of spermatids?
They provide nutrition and support maturation of spermatids, containing glycogen to nourish them.
p.21
Functions of Testosterone
What are the main components of semen?
Sperm, seminal vesicles secretion (60%), prostatic secretion (30%), vas deferens secretion (10%).
p.16
Spermatogenesis Process
What effect do the substances from cortical granules have on sperm?
They cause any sperm that have already begun to bind to fall off.
p.21
Functions of Testosterone
What are some key substances found in semen?
Fructose, buffers (phosphates and bicarbonates), fibrinogenase, fibrinolysin, and hyaluronidase.
p.20
Functions of Testosterone
How does testosterone influence libido?
It enhances sexual drive and libido.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
What does testosterone contribute to the development of during puberty?
Development of secondary sex organs.
p.13
Functions of Prostate Gland
What happens to the semen clot after it is formed?
Fibrinolysin acts to dissolve the clot.
p.9
Functions of Sertoli Cells
Why is the blood-testis barrier important?
It protects germ cells from noxious agents and prevents autoimmune responses.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
How does testosterone influence red blood cell production?
It stimulates the secretion of erythropoietin hormone, increasing the formation of RBCs.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
What is the significance of the acrosome releasing enzymes?
It allows the sperm to penetrate the granulosa cell mass surrounding the ovum.
p.6
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What is the role of growth hormone in spermatogenesis?
Growth hormone promotes early division of spermatogonia.
p.21
Functions of Testosterone
What is the pH level of semen?
Alkaline with a pH of 7.4.
p.12
Functions of Seminal Vesicles
How do seminal vesicles contribute to ejaculation?
They empty their contents, adding greatly to the bulk of the ejaculated semen.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
What is one essential function of testosterone at puberty?
It is essential for spermatogenesis.
p.13
Functions of Prostate Gland
What is the role of the clotting enzyme secreted by the prostate gland?
It clots semen to hold it around the cervix.
p.5
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
What hormone stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone?
Luteinizing hormone (LH).
p.8
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What is the role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) during embryogenesis?
AMH prevents the development of the Müllerian ducts.
p.21
Functions of Testosterone
What happens to semen after ejaculation?
It clots but liquefies again due to fibrinolysin.
p.18
Transport of Testosterone
What is the primary protein that binds testosterone in plasma?
Gonadal steroid binding globulin (GBG) or sex steroid-binding globulin.
p.4
Spermatogenesis Process
What is spermiogenesis?
The final stage of sperm development where spermatid becomes motile spermatozoa.
p.9
Functions of Sertoli Cells
How do Sertoli cells support spermatogenesis?
By secreting estrogen from androgen.
p.9
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What structure do Sertoli cells form that protects germ cells?
Tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells form the blood-testis barrier.
p.9
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What does the blood-testis barrier prevent?
It prevents large molecules and antigenic products of germ cell division from entering circulation.
p.23
Mechanism of Erection
How is an erection terminated?
By sympathetic vasoconstrictor impulses to penile arterioles.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
How does capacitation affect the permeability of the sperm membrane?
It becomes more permeable to calcium ions.
p.14
Spermatogenesis Process
What happens to spermatozoa after they are formed?
They are initially unable to move.
p.23
Mechanism of Erection
What initiates an erection?
Dilatation of the arterioles of the penis.
p.13
Functions of Prostate Gland
What does the prostate gland secrete?
A thin, milky fluid containing calcium, citrate ion, phosphate ion, a clotting enzyme, and profibrinolysin.
p.14
Spermatogenesis Process
When do spermatozoa's flagella become motile?
They become motile but are not used until ejaculated.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
What are the anabolic effects of androgens like testosterone?
They increase protein synthesis and decrease protein breakdown, leading to increased growth rate.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
What is capacitation in spermatozoa?
The process that makes sperm capable of penetrating the ovum.
p.7
Spermatogenesis Process
What other factors can depress spermatogenesis?
Oxygen lack, various bacterial and chemical toxins.
p.5
Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis
How does FSH maintain a high concentration of testosterone in the seminiferous tubular fluid?
By promoting secretion of androgen binding protein (ABP) and sensitizing Leydig cells to LH.
p.23
Mechanism of Erection
How does an erection increase the length and strength of the penis?
Veins are compressed, blocking blood outflow.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
How do androgens affect electrolyte and water retention?
They cause moderate retention of Na+, K+, H2O, Ca2+, SO4, and PO4.
p.4
Spermatogenesis Process
What occurs during spermatocytogenesis?
The conversion of spermatogonia to spermatid.
p.20
Functions of Testosterone
What role does testosterone play in bone density?
It helps maintain bone density.
p.11
Maturation and Storage of Sperm
What prevents sperm from achieving final motility in the epididymis?
Several inhibitory proteins in the epididymal fluid.
p.4
Spermatogenesis Process
What does spermiation refer to?
The release of mature spermatozoa from Sertoli cells into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
What effect do calcium ions have on sperm movement?
They strengthen the movement of the flagella.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
What are secondary sex characteristics influenced by testosterone?
Development of secondary sex characteristics such as body hair and voice changes.
p.11
Maturation and Storage of Sperm
Where is sperm stored after maturation?
Some in the epididymis, most in the vas deferens.
p.12
Functions of Seminal Vesicles
What are the two believed ways prostaglandins aid fertilization?
1) By making the female cervical mucus more receptive to sperm movement. 2) By causing reverse peristaltic contractions in the uterus and fallopian tubes to move sperm toward the ovaries.
p.13
Functions of Prostate Gland
How does prostatic fluid affect sperm motility and fertility?
It helps to neutralize the acidity of other seminal fluids, enhancing sperm motility and fertility.
p.8
Functions of Sertoli Cells
What condition is associated with the presence of Müllerian duct derivatives in genetically male individuals?
Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS).
p.12
Functions of Seminal Vesicles
What is the significance of the seminal fluid during ejaculation?
It adds bulk to the semen and provides nutrients for the sperm.
p.17
Testosterone Chemistry and Biosynthesis
Where is small amounts of testosterone secreted in females?
From the ovary and the adrenal gland.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
What happens to the sperm membrane during capacitation?
It becomes weaker due to the loss of cholesterol covering.
p.20
Functions of Testosterone
What effect does testosterone have on fat distribution?
It influences fat distribution in the body.
p.23
Mechanism of Erection
What type of nerves are responsible for initiating an erection?
Parasympathetic pelvic nerves.
p.4
Spermatogenesis Process
What are the two stages of sperm production?
1. Spermatocytogenesis 2. Spermiogenesis.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
What changes occur in the acrosome during capacitation?
Calcium ions cause changes that allow rapid release of enzymes.
p.20
Functions of Testosterone
In addition to physical traits, what psychological effect does testosterone have?
It can affect mood and energy levels.
p.14
Spermatogenesis Process
What is the end result of spermiation?
The structure of mature sperm.
p.19
Functions of Testosterone
What effect does testosterone have on the kidneys?
It increases the size of the kidneys.
p.15
Spermatogenesis Process
What role do uterine and fallopian tube fluids play in capacitation?
They wash away inhibitory factors that suppress sperm activity.
