testes, epididymis and scrotum

what is the main function of the testes? (2)

- sperm production

- hormone synthesis

what is the main function of the epididymis?

storage of sperm

where are the testes located?

in scrotum

which testis is usually lower?

left

how are the testes suspended?

spermatic cord

where are the epididymis located?

posterior and superior to each testis

what do the lobules of the testes contain? (2)

seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue

what lines the seminiferous tubules?

sertoli cells

what do sertoli cells do?

aid maturation of spermatozoa

what cells lie in the interstitial tissue?

leydig cells

what do leydig cells do?

produce testosterone

what is the first layer covering the testes called?

tunica vaginalis

what is the tunica vaginalis?

closed fluid-filled sac of peritoneum

what does the tunica vaginalis allow?

friction-free movement

what is the layer covering the testicular parenchyma called?

tunica albuginea

what is the tunica albuginea?

fibrous capsule surrounding testes

what are the 3 parts of the epididymis?

- head

- body

- tail

what is the head of the epididymis connected to?

efferent tubules of testes

what comes after the tail of the epididymis?

vas deferens

what is the route of sperm to be released?

1) spermatozoa made in seminiferous tubules

2) travels and collects in rete testes

3) move into efferent tubules to head of epididymis

4) moves from head of epididymis to body and then tail

5) from tail of epididymis to vas deferens

6) moves from vas deferens to urethra

7) leaves via urethral meatus

what arteries supply the testes? (3)

- testicular arteries - from abdominal aorta

- cremasteric artery - from inf epigastric artery

- artery of the vas deferens - from inf vesical artery

what veins drain the testes?

pampiniform plexus

what is the scrotum?

fibromuscular sac

what are the contents of the scrotum?

- testes

- epididymis

- spermatic cord

what is the spermatic cord?

a collection of muscle fibres, vessels, nerves and ducts running to and from testes

what lies just under the surface of the scrotum?

dartos muscle

what does the dartos muscle do?

regulates the temperature of scrotum by wrinkling

why does skin wrinkling reduce heat loss?

decreases surface area

what arteries supply the scrotum?

ant and post scrotal arteries

which veins drain the scrotum?

scrotal veins

which nerves supply the scrotum?

anterior - genitofemoral and iliolingual nerve

posterior - pudendal and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve