Male Repro

• What is the primary focus of the learning objectives in this material?

  Recognise the embryonic, molecular and cellular basis of life
• What is one objective related to body systems?

  Recognise anatomical structures and their functions
• How do environmental and dietary requirements affect body function?

  They contribute to normal function
• What do neuroendocrine interactions coordinate?

  Whole body processes and homeostasis
• What is the outer capsule of the testis called?

  Tunica albuginea
• What is contained within the tunica vaginalis?

  All structures of the testis
• What color is the parenchyma of the testis?

  Soft, yellow-brown
• What do Leydig cells secrete?

  Testosterone
• What is the role of Sertoli cells?

  Support and nourish developing sperm
• What is spermatogenesis?

  Process of sperm cell development
• How long does spermatogenesis take in bulls?

  60 days
• What is the spermatogenic cycle?

  Time for the same stage to appear again
• What does the spermatogenic wave refer to?

  Distance between same stage in tubules
• What initiates testis descent?

  Androgens and INSL3
• What is a cryptorchid?

  Animal with undescended testes
• What can cause cryptorchidism?

  Problems with AMH, androgens, CGRP
• Why is cryptorchidism important?

  Increases risk of testicular cancer
• What is the testicular thermoregulation mechanism?

  Maintains cooler temperature than core
• What is the role of the pampiniform plexus?

  Vascular regulation for temperature control
• What is the function of the epididymis?

  Induces sperm maturation
• What type of epithelium is found in the epididymis?

  Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
• What does the spermatic cord contain?

  Deferent duct and testicular vessels
• What is the function of the cremaster muscle?

  Allows retraction of the testis
• What do accessory reproductive glands produce?

  Bulk of semen volume
• What is the role of the prostate gland?

  Produces bulk of seminal fluid
• What do bulbo-urethral glands do?

  Cleanse urethra before coitus
• What is seminal plasma?

  Fluid containing nutrients for sperm
• How does seminal plasma vary among species?

  Large interspecies variation in composition
• What can affect sperm survival in seminal plasma?

  Energy, osmosis, free calcium
• What is a potential issue with seminal plasma in some species?

  Contains spermicidal contents
• What is the function of the ampullary glands?

  Reservoir of sperm before ejaculation
• What is the significance of the vesicular glands in ruminants?

  Produce large volume of secretion
• What is the prostate gland's anatomical structure?

  Divided into left and right lobes
• How does the prostate gland drain into the urethra?

  Via multiple small ducts
• What is the function of the bulbo-urethral glands?

  Release fluids to cleanse urethra
• What is the role of seminal plasma in sperm function?

  Provides energy and buffers for sperm
• What is the importance of calcium in seminal plasma?

  Essential for sperm survival and function
• What is the effect of seminal plasma on sperm motility?

  Can enhance or inhibit motility
• What is the significance of the testicular artery and vein?

  Supply blood to and from the testis
• What is the role of the deferent duct?

  Carries sperm to the prostatic urethra