Male Reproductive Physiology and Spermatogenesis Notes
Chapter Overview
- Focus: Reproductive System
- Key Areas:
- Male reproductive physiology
- Spermatogenesis
- Endocrinology
- Female reproductive physiology
- Oogenesis
- Reproductive cycles
Male Reproductive Physiology
- Sperm maturation takes about 74 days.
- Main components:
- Spermatogenesis: sperm production.
- Endocrinology: study of hormones associated with the reproductive system.
Spermatogenesis
- Definition: Sperm formation occurs in the seminiferous tubules.
- Components involved in the process:
- Spermatic cord
- Blood vessels and nerves
- Head and tail of epididymis
- Ductus deferens
- Interstitial cells
Structure of the Seminiferous Tubule:
- Cross-section diagram components:
- Sustenacular (Sertoli) cells: provide support and regulation for spermatogenesis.
- Germ cells: include spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa.
- Relational positioning:
- Spermatogonia: located along outer wall
- Maturing spermatocytes: in the middle
- Spermatozoa: closest to the lumen
Role of Sustentacular Cells
- Also known as Sertoli cells.
- Function:
- Provide nutritional and metabolic support for developing sperm.
- Regulate spermatogenesis with hormones and mediators.
- Assist in the movement of cells toward the lumen of the tubule.
Maturation and Storage of Sperm
- Location: Sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis and ductus deferens.
- Structures involved:
- Ureter
- Urinary bladder
- Seminal vesicle
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral gland
Endocrine Functionality
- Interstitial endocrine cells (Leydig cells):
- Found between seminiferous tubules.
- Function: produce androgens, including testosterone.
Hormonal Regulation of the Reproductive System
- Key hormones:
- GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)
- FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
- LH (luteinizing hormone)
- Regulation Circuit:
- GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary
- Anterior pituitary releases FSH and LH
- FSH acts on Sertoli cells, while LH acts on Leydig cells for testosterone production.
Effects of Endocrine Dysfunction
- Autoimmune disease impacting Leydig cells can lead to:
- Reduction of testosterone production.
- Possible impacts on estrogen levels depending on the balance of hormones.
Quiz Questions
What would happen if interstitial endocrine cells were destroyed?
- a) Testosterone production would plummet.
- b) Estrogen levels would decrease.
- c) Testosterone levels would soar.
- d) Estrogen levels would increase.
Which structure produces seminal fluid?
- a) Testes
- b) Seminal vesicles
- c) Prostate
- d) b and c
Males produce gametes due to the presence of:
- a) Type A daughter cells
- b) Primary spermatocytes
- c) Spermatozoa
- d) Spermatogonia
Hormones secreted by males include:
- a) Testosterone
- b) FSH
- c) LH
- d) All of the above.