Semen ch11 objectives

State the structures involved in sperm production and their function.

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Describe the four components of semen with regard to source and function.

Spermatozoa- fertilize egg

Seminal fluid- transport medium; contains fructose which provides energy for motility

Prostate fluid- responsible for coagulation and liquefaction

Bulbourethral gland fluid- neutralize acidity from prostate and vaginal secretions

Explain the procedures for collecting and handling semen specimens.

• 48- to 72-hour abstinence prior to collection

• Properly labeled and delivered to lab within 30-60 minutes (keep warm).

Describe the normal appearance of semen and three abnormalities in appearance.

Normal: gray-white color, appears translucent, characteristic musty odor

Abnormalities: Clear, Increased white turbity, varying red coloration, yellow coloration

State two possible causes of low semen volume.

• After periods of extended abstinence.

• Improper functioning of one of the semen-producing organs, primarily the seminal vesicles.

Discuss the significance of semen liquefaction and viscosity.

Viscosity: The normal semen specimen should be drawn into a pipette easily and form small discrete droplets that do not appear clumped or stringy when falling by gravity from the pipette

Liquefaction: A fresh semen specimen is clotted and should liquefy within 30 to 60 minutes after collection, failure to do this may be aused by a deficiency in prostatic enzymes and should be reported.

Calculate a sperm concentration and count when provided with the number of sperm counted, the dilution, the area of the counting chamber used, and the ejaculate volume

(number counted)(dilution factor)/number of sq counted)(0.1)

Define round cells, and explain their significance.

• Immature sperm and leukocytes in semen

• Speed and direction> 1 million WBCs per mL of ejaculate indicates and inflammatory condition associated with infection and poor sperm quality

State the two parameters to consider when evaluating sperm motility.

Speed and direction

Describe the appearance of normal sperm, including structures and their functions.

• Head

• Midpiece

  • Surrounded by mitochondrial sheath

  • produces energy for tail motality

• Tail

Differentiate between routine and strict criteria for evaluating sperm morphology.

Routine:minimum 200 evaluated

Strict: used for assisted reproduction

Given an abnormal result in a routine semen analysis, determine additional tests that might be performed.

Nonviable: Look pink under the microscope

Seminal fluid fructose

Describe the two methods routinely used to detect antisperm antibodies.

Female: May be demonstrated by mixing the semen with the female cervical mucosa or serum and observing for agglutination.

Male: Microscopically when clumps of sperm are observed

Mixed agglutination reaction (MAR) test and Immunobead test

List two methods for identifying a questionable fluid as semen.

Microscopically and Seminal fluid

State the World Health Organization reference values for routine and follow-up semen analysis.

Specimens are tested routinely at monthly intervals, beginning at 2 months post-vasectomy and continuing until two consecutive monthly specimens show no spermatozoa.

Discuss the types and significance of sperm function tests.

• Done for assisted reproduction and IVF

Describe methods of quality control appropriate for semen analysis.