Histology Testbank: Male Reproductive System 3

Instructions: For each histology question, pick the one best answer. This histology test bank is also useful for the histology questions on the USMLE (USMLE step 1).

1.
How many corpora cavernosa are there?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. 5

Answer: b

The corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum are erectile tissue. There are two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The word "corpora" is plural; "corpus" is singular. It is derived from the Latin word meaning "body".

2.
Which one of the following are the earliest cells of spermatogenesis?
a. Primary spermatocytes
b. Secondary spermatocytes
c. Spermatids
d. Spermatozoa
e. Spermatogonia

Answer: e

The earliest cells of spermatogenesis are spermatogonia; these are primitive cells. The primary spermatocyte is derived from spermatogonia. This then develops into secondary spermatocytes . The secondary spermatocyte is haploid. These develop into spermatids. The mature sperm cell is spermatozoa.

3.
Which cells are also called "nurse cells"?
a. Interstitial cells
b. Leydig cells
c. Sertoli cells
d. Sustentacular cells
e. Both c and d

Answer: e

Leydig cells produce testosterone. These are also called "interstitial cells" or "interstitial cells of Leydig". Sertoli cells are directly involved in spermatogenesis. They are also called "sustentacular cells" or "nurse cells".

4.
When do the testes descend into the scrotum?
a. Fetal development
b. Infancy
c. Puberty
d. Adulthood
e. During arousal

Answer: a

The testes develop in the abdominal cavity. During fetal development, they descend to the
scrotum.

5.
Which is the largest accessory structure of the male reproductive system
a. Epididymis
b. Prostate
c. Seminal vesicle
d. Bulbourethral gland
e. Cowper's gland

Answer: b

The prostate is the largest accessory structure of the male reproductive system.

6.
What is the capsule that surrounds the testes?
a. Tunica adventitia
b. Tunica externa
c. Tunica media
d. Tunica intima
e. Tunica albuginea

The tunica albuginea is the thick capsule around each testis.

7.
What is the "cap"at the anterior portion of a spermatazoon?

a. Head
b. Tail
c. Acrosome
d. End piece
e. Middle piece

The acrosome is the "cap" at the anterior portion of a spermatozoon.

8.
What is another term for the corpus cavernosum urethrae?
a. Corpora cavernosa
b. Corpus spongiosum
c. Urethra
d. Corpus cavernosum clitoridis
e Erectile tissue

The corpus spongiosum is also called the corpus cavernosum urethrae. The corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum are erectile tissue. The corpus cavernosum clitoridis is in the female. The urethra is a muscular tube that runs from the bladder. It transports both urine and semen.

9.
How many corpus spongiosum are there?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. 5

Answer: a

The corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum are erectile tissue. There are two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The word "corpora" is plural; "corpus" is singular. It is derived from the Latin word meaning "body".

10.
What is the mature sperm cell?
a. Primary spermatocytes
b. Secondary spermatocytes
c. Spermatids
d. Spermatozoa
e. Spermatogonia

Answer: d

The earliest cells of spermatogenesis are spermatogonia; these are primitive cells. The primary spermatocyte is derived from spermatogonia. This then develops into secondary spermatocytes . The secondary spermatocyte is haploid. These develop into spermatids. The mature sperm cell is spermatozoa.