Pathology Exam 3: Male Reproductive System

What are the main components of the male reproductive system?

Testes, epididymides, vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis.

Where are the testes located and why?

In the scrotum, outside the body cavity, to keep sperm below body temperature for normal development.

What are the two main functions of the testes?

Spermatogenesis (sperm production) and secretion of testosterone.

What is the epididymis?

Coiled duct posterior to the testis where sperm mature and are stored.

What is the function of the vas deferens?

Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.

What do the seminal vesicles contribute to semen?

Alkaline fluid rich in fructose to nourish sperm.

What is the function of the prostate gland?

Secretes thin, milky fluid containing enzymes that enhance sperm motility.

What is the bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland?

Secretes mucus for lubrication during ejaculation.

Which gland controls male reproductive hormones?

The anterior pituitary gland through FSH and LH secretion.

What is the function of FSH in males?

Stimulates Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules to promote sperm maturation.

What is the function of LH in males?

Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

What is testosterone responsible for?

Development of male secondary sex characteristics, muscle and bone growth, libido, and spermatogenesis.

How is testosterone secretion regulated?

By negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (inhibits LH secretion).

What is urethritis?

Inflammation of the urethra, usually caused by sexually transmitted infections.

What are the most common causes of urethritis?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

What are symptoms of urethritis?

Painful urination, burning, and purulent discharge.

What is prostatitis?

Inflammation of the prostate gland.

What causes acute prostatitis?

Bacterial infection spread from the bladder or urethra.

What causes chronic prostatitis?

Recurrent mild bacterial infection or noninfectious inflammation.

What are symptoms of prostatitis?

Low back pain, pelvic pain, dysuria, and enlarged tender prostate.

How is prostatitis treated?

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapy.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to hyperplasia of glandular and stromal tissue.

What part of the prostate is affected in BPH?

The inner periurethral glands surrounding the urethra.

At what age is BPH most common?

In men over 60 years old.

What causes BPH?

Age-related hormonal imbalance (relative increase in estrogen and decreased testosterone).

What are symptoms of BPH?

Urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, weak stream, and difficulty starting urination.

What complications can arise from BPH?

Urinary tract infections, cystitis, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, and bladder stones.

How is BPH treated?

Alpha-blockers to relax muscle tone, 5α-reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate, or transurethral resection (TURP).

What is carcinoma of the prostate?

Malignant tumor of the outer (posterior) group of prostate glands.

Who is at greatest risk for prostate cancer?

Elderly men, especially over age 65.

How does prostate cancer typically spread?

By direct extension to nearby tissues and metastasis to bones and lymph nodes.

What are symptoms of prostate cancer?

Often asymptomatic early; later causes urinary obstruction, hematuria, or bone pain from metastases.

What are diagnostic methods for prostate cancer?

Digital rectal examination, PSA testing, transrectal ultrasound, and biopsy.

What tumor markers are elevated in prostate cancer?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and acid phosphatase.

What are treatments for prostate cancer?

Radical prostatectomy, radiation, androgen suppression (orchiectomy or estrogen therapy).

How does prostate carcinoma differ from BPH in location?

BPH affects the inner periurethral zone; carcinoma arises in the outer peripheral zone.

What is cryptorchidism?

Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum.

Why is cryptorchidism clinically important?

It causes infertility and increases risk of testicular cancer.

What is torsion of the testis?

Twisting of the spermatic cord cutting off blood supply to the testis.

What are the symptoms of testicular torsion?

Sudden, severe scrotal pain and swelling.

How is testicular torsion treated?

Immediate surgical detorsion to restore blood flow or orchiectomy if necrosis occurs.

What is hydrocele?

Excess fluid accumulation between layers of the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testis.

What causes hydrocele?

Congenital persistence of the processus vaginalis or secondary to infection or trauma.

What is a varicocele?

Dilation of the veins in the spermatic cord ("bag of worms" appearance).

What are consequences of varicocele?

Impaired venous drainage and possible infertility due to heat buildup.

What is epididymitis?

Inflammation of the epididymis, usually due to infection (gonococcal, chlamydial, or coliform bacteria).

What is the most common type of testicular tumor?

Germ cell tumors (seminoma and nonseminomatous types).

What are seminomas?

Malignant germ cell tumors composed of uniform cells resembling primordial germ cells.

What are nonseminomatous germ cell tumors?

More aggressive tumors including embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and mixed types.

What are markers for testicular cancer?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

How does testicular carcinoma usually spread?

Via lymphatics to retroperitoneal nodes and then to lungs.

How is testicular carcinoma treated?

Orchiectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation (seminomas are highly radiosensitive).

What is the prognosis for seminoma?

Excellent with early detection and treatment.

What is carcinoma of the penis?

Squamous cell carcinoma of the glans or prepuce.

Who is most at risk for penile carcinoma?

Uncircumcised men with poor hygiene or HPV infection.

How can penile carcinoma be prevented?

Circumcision and good genital hygiene.

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

What are common organic causes of ED?

Diabetes, vascular disease, neurological disorders, or low testosterone.

What are psychological causes of ED?

Stress, anxiety, or relationship factors.

What medications commonly cause ED?

Antihypertensives, antidepressants, and sedatives.

What is the physiological mechanism of erection?

Parasympathetic release of nitric oxide causing smooth muscle relaxation and increased penile blood flow.

What are common treatments for ED?

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil).

What is the mechanism of action of PDE-5 inhibitors?

They enhance nitric oxide effects by inhibiting cGMP breakdown, promoting vasodilation.