L24 - Male Reproductive system

• What are the primary sex organs in the reproductive system?

  Ovaries and testes
• What is the function of the interstitial endocrine cells in the testes?

  They produce androgens like testosterone
• What is the role of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive system?

  They nourish and protect spermatogenic cells
• What is the blood-testis barrier?

  A barrier that protects sperm from toxins
• What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

  They produce seminal fluid for sperm
• What is the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis?

  It regulates reproductive hormone secretion
• What hormone does the hypothalamus release to stimulate the anterior pituitary?

  Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• What are gonadotropins?

  Hormones that stimulate gonads for gamete production
• What are the two main gonadotropins released by the anterior pituitary?

  Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• How does testosterone affect spermatogenesis?

  It acts as the final trigger for spermatogenesis
• How does negative feedback control work in the HPG axis?

  High testosterone inhibits GnRH and gonadotropins
• What is the primary function of the corpus luteum?

  To secrete estrogen and progesterone
• What happens to testosterone levels after birth?

  They decrease and remain low until puberty
• What are the secondary sex characteristics induced by testosterone?

  Facial hair and deepening of voice
• What are the steps of meiosis in gamete formation?

  1. Chromosome replication
  2. Meiosis I: Homologous chromosomes separate
  3. Meiosis II: Sister chromatids separate
  4. Results in haploid gametes
• What are the functions of the male reproductive system's accessory glands?

  • Produce seminal fluid
  • Nourish and transport sperm
  • Contribute to sperm motility and viability
• What is the structure and function of the scrotum?

  • Sac of skin housing testes
  • Maintains temperature 3°C below body temperature
  • Responds to temperature changes for optimal sperm production
• What is the role of the pampiniform venous plexus?

  • Surrounds testicular artery
  • Absorbs heat to maintain temperature homeostasis
• What are the effects of testosterone on accessory organs?

  • Growth to adult size
  • Maintenance of function
  • Prevention of atrophy
• What is the significance of the Sertoli cells releasing androgen-binding protein?

  • Keeps testosterone levels high around spermatogenic cells
  • Supports spermatogenesis
• What are the effects of inhibin in the male reproductive system?

  • Inhibits FSH release
  • Regulates sperm production
• What is the significance of meiosis in gamete formation?

  • Produces haploid cells
  • Introduces genetic variation
• What is the role of the corpus albicans?

  • Degenerated corpus luteum
  • Marks the end of the ovarian cycle
• What is the function of the ovarian follicles?

  • House and mature oocytes
  • Produce hormones like estrogen
• What are the components of the male reproductive system?

  • Primary sex organ: testes
  • Accessory ducts: epididymis, vas deferens
  • Accessory glands: seminal vesicles, prostate
• What do transcription factors activate?

  Specific genes to increase protein synthesis
• What is the role of testosterone in accessory organs?

  It causes them to grow to adult size
• How do normal plasma testosterone levels affect organs?

  They maintain organs and prevent atrophy
• What type of hormone is testosterone?

  Lipid-soluble hormone
• How does testosterone move through the plasma membrane?

  By simple diffusion
• What testosterone levels do male infants have before birth?

  Two-thirds that of adult levels
• What is the importance of high testosterone levels before birth?

  For male reproductive system development
• What happens to testosterone levels soon after birth?

  They decrease and remain low until puberty
• What secondary sex characteristics does testosterone induce?

  Facial hair and deepening of voice
• What is the role of the epididymis in sperm development?

  It provides a place for immature sperm to develop
• How long do immature sperm take to pass through the epididymis?

  2 to 6 days
• What ability do sperm gain while in the epididymis?

  The ability to swim
• What does the ductus deferens connect?

  Epididymis to pelvic cavity
• What does the urethra carry?

  Both urine and sperm
• What is semen composed of?

  Sperm and accessory gland secretions