VS331: Module 37: Male, Testes

1. Testes - Produce sperm

2. Epididymis - Matures sperm

3. Ductus deferens - Carry sperm

4. Accessory sex glands - Contribute to ejaculate

5. Penis - Carries urine & ejaculate out of the body

List the 5 organs that make up the male reproductive system & their general function

Scrotum

Black arrows = smooth muscle

Helps to maintain a constant temperature for the development & storage of sperm

Identify the structure, what is indicated by the black arrows, and its function.

Exocrine: Production & secretion of sperm

Endocrine: Synthesis of hormones, primarily testosterone

Describe the exocrine & endocrine functions of the testes.

1. Seminiferous tubules - Tubular exocrine gland that secretes via holocrine method

2. Interstitial cells (Leydig cells) - Produce testosterone

3. Tunica albuginea - Dense irregular connective tissue, penetrates into the parenchyma to form septa

Identify the #1-3, describe their characteristics & functions

1. Spermatogenic cells - Differentiate to mature sperm

2. Sertoli cells - Support cells: Produce small amount of estrogen, provide physical support of sperm cells, participate in the "blood-testis barrier"

Describe the two basic cell types in the seminiferous tubule.

1. Interstitial/Leydig cells - endocrine cells that produce testosterone

2. Peritubular cells - 2-3 layers of contractile cells & collagen fibers outside the basal lamina

3. Sertoli cells - Physical support of sperm cells, secrete androgen binding hormone & inhibin

4. Developing sperm - Youngest at the base, mature sperm near the lumen

- 1. Spermatocytes - Primary, diploid

- 2. Spermatids - Haploid, near lumen

- 3. Spermatazoa

Describe the 4 cells found in the testis

1. Spermatogonial phase - Spermatogonia: Needs hormonal influence, supported by Setoli cells that form the blood-testis barrier

2. Spermatocyte Phase - Primary spermatocytes: Loose half of its chromosomes, become secondary spermatocytes, & the spermatids

3. Spermatid Phase - Spermatids differentiate into sperm developing flagellum & and mature appearance

List the 3 phases of spermatogenesis, name the cell types found in each phase.

1. Rete Testis - Point where seminieferous tubules converge.

2. Mediastinum Testis - Connective tissue core surrounding rete testis

3. Straight tubules/ Efferent ductules - Lined by pseuodstratified columnar epithelium. Tall ciliated cells & short nonciliated cells. Has thin layer of smooth muscle & elastic fibers

Identify & describe #1-3. List common characteristics.

Epididymis - Lumen lined with pseudostratified sterociliated columnar epithelium

1. Smooth muscle

2. Connective tissue - Highly vascularized

3. Tunica albuginea - Dense connective tissue capsule

Identify the organ, & #1-3.

Ductus Deferens

- Function: carries sperm to pelvic urethra

- Epithelium: Pseudostratified sterociliated columnar epithelium

- Thick tunica muscularis

- Tunica serosa

Identify the organ, its function, the epithelium, and any tunica.