1. Male Reproductive System
PAN 201
Male Reproductive System

2. Adolescence
Puberty
Burst of hormones activate maturation of the gonads: testes
Begins: 9 – 14 yrs of age
Abnormally early = precocious puberty
Delayed = eunuchoidism
period when the endocrine and gamete – producing functions of the gonads have first developed to where reproduction is possible

3. General Physical Changes
Enlargement of the external and internal genitalia
Voice changes
Hair growth
Mental changes
Changes in body conformation and skin
Sebaceous gland secretions thicken/increase  acne

4. Similarities and differences between males and females, but same goal: new life
Primary sex organs: gonads
Testes in males
Ovaries in females
These produce the gametes (sex cells)
Sperm in males
Ovum (egg) in females
Endocrine function also: secretion of hormones
Accessory sex organs
Internal glands and ducts
External genitalia

5. Male reproductive system
Testes (singular testis) or testicles: the gonads
In embryo, first develop in posterior abdominal wall, then migrate
Internal body temp too hot for viable sperm
Temp cooler in the scrotum because of superficial position

6. Testes
Each testis is an oval structure about 5 cm long and 3 cm in diameter
Covered by: tunica albuginea
Located in the scrotum
There are about 250 lobules in each testis. Each contains 1 to 4 -seminiferous tubules that converge to form a single straight tubule, which leads into the rete testis.
Short efferent ducts exit the testes.
Interstitial cells (cells of Leydig), which produce male sex hormones, are located between the seminiferous tubules within a lobule.
the tunica albuginea, surrounds each testis and extends inward to form septa that partition the organ into lobules There are about 250 lobules in each testis. Each contains 1 to 4 highly coiled seminiferous tubules that converge to form a single straight tubule, which leads into the rete testis. Short efferent ducts exit the testes.
Interstitial cells (cells of Leydig), which produce male sex hormones, are located between the seminiferous tubules within a lobule

9. scrotum consists of skin and subcutaneous tissue
A vertical septum, of subcutaneous tissue in the center divides it into two parts, each containing one testis.
Smooth muscle fibers, called the dartos muscle, in the subcutaneous tissue contract to give the scrotum its wrinkled appearance. When these fibers are relaxed, the scrotum is smooth.
the cremaster muscle, consists of skeletal muscle fibers and controls the position of the scrotum and testes. When it is cold or a man is sexually aroused, this muscle contracts to pull the testes closer to the body for warmth.
A vertical septum, or partition, of subcutaneous tissue in the center divides it into two parts, each containing one testis.
Smooth muscle fibers, called the dartos muscle, in the subcutaneous tissue contract to give the scrotum its wrinkled appearance. When these fibers are relaxed, the scrotum is smooth.
the cremaster muscle, consists of skeletal muscle fibers and controls the position of the scrotum and testes. When it is cold or a man is sexually aroused, this muscle contracts to pull the testes closer to the body for warmth

11. * * Scrotum (=pouch) has septum dividing it
Each testis is about 2.5cm x 4 cm in size, within scrotum
Dartos and cremaster muscles move testes in response to hot or cold
Serous sac partially encloses each testis: the tunica vaginalis*
Develops as outpocketing of peritoneal cavity
Just deep to tunica vaginalis is tunica albuginea* - fibrous capsule
Septal extensions of it divide testis into lobules
Each lobule contains 1-4 coiled seminiferous tubules: make sperm * *

12. Just deep to tunica vaginalis is tunica albuginea* - fibrous capsule
Septal extensions of it divide testis into lobules*
Each lobule contains 1-4 coiled seminiferous tubules*: make sperm
Converge to form straight tube (tubulus rectus), then conveys sperm into rete testis
Sperm leave testis through efferent ductules which enter epididymis*
Blood supply: pampiniform plexus: from L2 not pelvic level, since descended from abdomen
Pampiniform plexus
epididymis * * * * * * * *
Epididymis is comma-shaped
(lateral views)

13. Duct System
Sperm cells pass through a series of ducts to reach the outside of the body. After they leave the testes, the sperm passes through the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.

14. Epididymis
a long tube (about 6 meters) located along the superior and posterior margins of the testes.
Sperm that leave the testes are immature and incapable of fertilizing ova. They complete their maturation process and become fertile as they move through the epididymis. Mature sperm are stored in the lower portion, or tail, of the epididymis
a long tube (about 6 meters) that is tightly coiled to form a comma-shaped organ located along the superior and posterior margins of the testes.
Sperm that leave the testes are immature and incapable of fertilizing ova. They complete their maturation process and become fertile as they move through the epididymis. Mature sperm are stored in the lower portion, or tail, of the epididymis

15. Sperm are ejaculated from the epididymus
Not directly from the testes
Vas deferens* (or ductus deferens) 45cm (18”)
Stores and transports sperm during ejaculation
Runs superiorly from scrotum within spermatic cord, through inguinal canal and enters pelvis
Histo: see previous slide
Vas* arches medially over ureter
Descends along posterior wall of bladder
Ends in ampulla which joins duct of seminal vesicle to form short ejaculatory duct
Each ejaculatory duct runs within prostate where empties into prostatic urethra *

16. spermatic cord
contains the proximal ductus deferens, testicular artery and veins, lymph vessels, testicular nerve, cremaster muscle and a connective tissue covering.

17. Ductus Deferens [vas deferens]
a fibromuscular tube that is continuous with the epididymis.
enters the abdominopelvic cavity through the inguinal canal and passes along the lateral pelvic wall, behind bladder & toward the prostate gland. Just before it reaches the prostate gland, each ductus deferens enlarges to form an ampulla.
Sperm are stored in the proximal portion of the ductus deferens, near the epididymis
a fibromuscular tube that is continuous with the epididymis. It begins at the bottom (tail) of the epididymis then turns sharply upward along the posterior margin of the testes.
enters the abdominopelvic cavity through the inguinal canal and passes along the lateral pelvic wall. It crosses over the ureter and posterior portion of the urinary bladder, and then descends along the posterior wall of the bladder toward the prostate gland. Just before it reaches the prostate gland, each ductus deferens enlarges to form an ampulla. Sperm are stored in the proximal portion of the ductus deferens, near the epididymis,
peristaltic movements propel the sperm through the tube

18. Ejaculatory Duct
Each ductus deferens, at the ampulla, joins the duct from the adjacent seminal vesicle (one of the accessory glands) to form a short ejaculatory duct.
Each ejaculatory duct passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra.

19. Urethra
extends from the urinary bladder to the external urethral orifice at the tip of the penis.
It is a passageway for sperm and fluids from the reproductive system and urine from the urinary system.
divided into three regions: The prostatic urethra, the membranous urethra & the penile urethra (also called spongy urethra or cavernous urethra)
It is a passageway for sperm and fluids from the reproductive system and urine from the urinary system. While reproductive fluids are passing through the urethra, sphincters contract tightly to keep urine from entering the urethra.

20. Vas deference is the largest component
Inguinal hernia
Spermatic cord:
Vas deference is the largest component
Is a tube of fascia also containing nerves and vessels
Runs in inguinal canal
Inguinal canal has 2 rings:
Superficial (medial)
Deep

21. accessory glands
are the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and the bulbourethral glands. These glands secrete fluids that enter the urethra.

22. Sperm and seminal fluid mix in ejaculatory duct
Posterior view
Lateral view
Seminal vesicles
On posterior bladder
Secrete fluids and substances which constitute 60% of semen
Their ducts join vas deferens
Sperm and seminal fluid mix in ejaculatory duct
Prostate: note here and next slide
Bulbourethral glands
Secrete mucus during sexual excitement and ejaculation (lubricant)

23. Prostate
a firm, dense structure about the size of a walnut that is located just inferior to the urinary bladder.
encircles the urethra as it leaves the urinary bladder.
Numerous short ducts from the prostate gland empty into the prostatic urethra. The secretions of the prostate are thin, milky colored, and alkaline. They function to enhance the motility of the sperm.
a firm, dense structure that is located just inferior to the urinary bladder.
It is about the size of a walnut and encircles the urethra as it leaves the urinary bladder.
Numerous short ducts from the substance of the prostate gland empty into the prostatic urethra. The secretions of the prostate are thin, milky colored, and alkaline. They function to enhance the motility of the sperm.

24. The Prostate Size & shape of a chestnut Encircles 1st part of urethra
3 types of glands
Contribute to semen (milky fluid and enzymes)
PSA measured as indicator of prostate cancer (“prostate specific antigen”)
Fibromuscular stroma

25. Male external genitalia
Posterior view
Male external genitalia
Scrotum
Penis
Penis: 3 parts
Root (attached)
Free shaft or body
Enlarged tip called glans penis
Skin of penis is loose
Prepuce or foreskin
Cuff around glans
Removed if circumcision
See cross section, penis
Urethra (called spongy or penile urethra here)
3 erectile bodies (parasympathetic stimulation during sexual excitation causes engorgement with blood allowing erection):
Corpus spongiosum
Pair of corpora cavernosa
Vessels and nerves
Ejaculation caused by sympathetic nerves
Contraction of smooth muscle of ducts and penis

26. Review pics

27. Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's)
small, about the size of a pea, and located near the base of the penis. A short duct from each enters the proximal end of the penile urethra.
In response to sexual stimulation, the bulbourethral glands secrete an alkaline mucus-like fluid
small, about the size of a pea, and located near the base of the penis. A short duct from each gland enters the proximal end of the penile urethra.
In response to sexual stimulation, the bulbourethral glands secrete an alkaline mucus-like fluid. This fluid neutralizes the acidity of the urine residue in the urethra, helps to neutralize the acidity of the vagina, and provides some lubrication for the tip of the penis during intercourse.

28. Seminal Vesicles glands posterior to the urinary bladder.
Each has a short duct that joins with the ductus deferens at the ampulla to form an ejaculatory duct, which then empties into the urethra.
The fluid is viscous and contains fructose, prostaglandins and proteins.
saccular glands posterior to the urinary bladder.
Each gland has a short duct that joins with the ductus deferens at the ampulla to form an ejaculatory duct, which then empties into the urethra.
The fluid is viscous and contains fructose, which provides an energy source for the sperm; prostaglandins, which contribute to the mobility and viability of the sperm; and proteins that cause slight coagulation reactions in the semen after ejaculation.

29. Sperm and seminal fluid mix in ejaculatory duct
Posterior view
Lateral view
Seminal vesicles
On posterior bladder
Secrete fluids and substances which constitute 60% of semen
Their ducts join vas deferens
Sperm and seminal fluid mix in ejaculatory duct
Prostate: note here and next slide
Bulbourethral glands
Secrete mucus during sexual excitement and ejaculation (lubricant)

30. penis
is a cylindrical pendant organ located anterior to the scrotum and functions to transfer sperm to the vagina.
consists of three columns of erectile tissue that are wrapped in connective tissue and covered with skin. The two dorsal columns are the corpora cavernosa. The single, midline ventral column surrounds the urethra and is called the corpus spongiosum.
the male copulatory organ, is a cylindrical pendant organ located anterior to the scrotum and functions to transfer sperm to the vagina.
consists of three columns of erectile tissue that are wrapped in connective tissue and covered with skin. The two dorsal columns are the corpora cavernosa. The single, midline ventral column surrounds the urethra and is called the corpus spongiosum.

31. penis 3 parts: a root, body (shaft), and glans penis.
The root of the penis attaches it to the pubic arch
the body is the visible, pendant portion.
The corpus spongiosum expands at the distal end to form the glans penis.
The urethra, which extends throughout the length of the corpus spongiosum, opens through the external urethral orifice at the tip of the glans penis. A loose fold of skin, called the prepuce, or foreskin, covers the glans penis.

33. Erection Involves increase in length, width & firmness
Changes in blood supply: arterioles dilate, veins constrict
The spongy erectile tissue fills with blood
spongy erectile tissue is a loose network of connective tissue with many spaces
ED – inability to achieve or maintain an erection
Affects approx. 30 mil men in USA. Not unusual to experience sometime – usually due to psychological problems: stress, depression, worrying, grief
Physical problems: nerve damage – usually accompanying diabetes or alcoholism
Atherosclerosis [fatty deposits] in arteries supplying penis
medications: HTN, antihistamines, antinausea & antiseizure, antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilzers
Cigarettes, marijuana & alcohol
Treat ED – eliminate problem. Medications: Viagra type enhance nitric oxide that is released with arousal and caused arterioles to dilate

34. Hormones Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates spermatogenesis
Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH) stimulates the production of testosterone
testosterone stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics & spermatogenesis.

36. Spermatogenesis Sperm are produced within the seminiferous tubules.
Interspersed within the tubules are large cells which are the sustentacular cells (Sertoli's cells), which support and nourish the other cells.
Sperm are produced within the seminiferous tubules. A transverse section of a seminiferous tubule shows that it is packed with cells in various stages of development. Interspersed with these cells, there are large cells that extend from the periphery of the tubule to the lumen. These large cells are the supporting, or sustentacular cells (Sertoli's cells), which support and nourish the other cells

37. Spermatogenesis
Early in embryonic development, primordial germ cells enter the testes and differentiate into spermatogonia
Spermatogonia are diploid cells, each with 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) located around the periphery of the seminiferous tubules.
At puberty, hormones stimulate these cells to begin dividing by mitosis. Some remain at the periphery as spermatogonia.
Others become primary spermatocytes. Because they are produced by mitosis, primary spermatocytes, like spermatogonia, are diploid and have 46 chromosomes.

38. Spermatogenesis
Each primary spermatocytes goes through the first meiotic division, meiosis I, to produce two secondary spermatocytes, each with 23 chromosomes (haploid). Just prior to this division, the genetic material is replicated
During meiosis I, one chromosome, goes to each secondary spermatocyte. In the second meiotic division, meiosis II, each secondary spermatocyte divides to produce two spermatids. There is no replication of genetic material in this division, but a single-stranded chromatid goes to each cell.
As a result of the two meiotic divisions, each primary spermatocyte produces four spermatids.
each spermatid has 23 chromosomes (haploid), one from each pair in the original primary spermatocyte.

39. Spermatogenesis
The final step in the development the spermatids formed from spermatogenesis become mature spermatozoa, or sperm.
The mature sperm cell has a head, midpiece, and tail. The head, also called the nuclear region, contains the 23 chromosomes surrounded by a nuclear membrane. The tip of the head is covered by an acrosome, which contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the female gamete. The midpiece, metabolic region, contains mitochondria that provide adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The tail, locomotor region, uses a typical flagellum for locomotion.
The final step in the development of sperm is called spermiogenesis. In this process, the spermatids formed from spermatogenesis become mature spermatozoa, or sperm.
The mature sperm cell has a head, midpiece, and tail. The head, also called the nuclear region, contains the 23 chromosomes surrounded by a nuclear membrane. The tip of the head is covered by an acrosome, which contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the female gamete. The midpiece, metabolic region, contains mitochondria that provide adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The tail, locomotor region, uses a typical flagellum for locomotion.
The sperm are released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule and leave the testes. They then enter the epididymis where they undergo their final maturation and become capable of fertilizing a female gamete.
Sperm production begins at puberty and continues throughout the life of a male. The entire process, beginning with a primary spermatocyte, takes about 74 days. After ejaculation, the sperm can live for about 48 hours in the female reproductive tract.

40. Spermatogenesis: sperm formation
Cross section of seminiferous tubule
Begins at puberty
400 million sperm/day
For baby not to end up with twice as many chromosomes as the parents, the sperm (as well as the egg) needs to have only half (1n) the # of chromosomes (1 of each of the 23)
(2n means 2 of each chromosome, one from each parent, totaling 23 pairs = 46 chromosomes)
Three stages:
Formation of spermatocytes
Meiosis
Spermiogenesis

41. 1st stage: formation of spermatocytes
Cross section of seminiferous tubule
1st stage: formation of spermatocytes
Spermatogonia are stem cells
Least differentiated (earliest in the process)
Lie in basal lamina
Divide continuously by mitosis (result 2n or diploid): daughter cells A (remains a stem cell) or B (goes on)
When start to undergo meiosis are by definition called spermatocytes
2nd stage: meiosis I
Each primary spermatocytes (2n) undergoes meiosis I to become 2 secondary spermatocytes:
Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis II to become 2 spermatids
Therefore 4 total spermatids from each spermatogonium
3rd stage: spermiogenesis
Spermatids differentiate into sperm

42. Stage 3: Spermiogenesis: spermatid streamlined to sperm
Head contains
Nucleus with chromatid (genetic material)
Acrosome with enzymes for penetrating egg
Midpiece: mitochondria spiraled around the core of the tail
Tail is an elaborate flagellum (allows sperm to swim)
know these parts

43. Sperm can swim only after they have left the testis
Process of spermatogenesis is controlled by two hormones
FSH (follicle stimulating hormones) from anterior pituitary
Testosterone
primary male hormone
produces by testes
Sperm surrounded by Sertoli* (sustenacular) cells: tight junctions
Prevents escape of unique antigens seen as foreign
These would activate the immune system
Autoimmune response would cause sterility
Other functions as well
Interstitial or Leydig cells: secrete androgens
Male sex hormones
Main one is testosterone
Into blood, sustain all male sex characteristic and sex organs *

44. * Sperm leave testis though efferent ductules
Lined by simple columnar epithelium
Cilia and smooth muscle in wall help move sperm along
Sperm mature in epididymus (20 days)
Head of epididymus contains the efferent ductules which empty into duct of the epididymus
Sperm gain ability to swim
Sperm can be stored in epididymus for several months
(reabsorbs fluid)
Duct of epididymis: highly coiled 6m long duct (pic left is multiple coils of same duct)
*Note pseudostratified columnar epithelium *
Ductus (vas) deferens:
note thick layers of smooth muscle

45. Seminiferous Tubule – cross section
Sertoli Cells (nurse cells)
Receptors for FSH & testosterone
Produce – androgen binding protein
- sulfated glycoproteins
- transferin
- inhibin
Junctional complexes
Leydig Cells (interstitial cells)
Receptors for LH
Produce Testosterone
Spermatogonia – division by mitosis
Spermatocytes – division by meiosis
Intercellular bridges

48. Spermatogenesis
The sperm are released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule and leave the testes. They then enter the epididymis where they undergo their final maturation and become capable of fertilizing a female gamete.
Sperm production begins at puberty and continues throughout the life of a male.
The entire process, beginning with a primary spermatocyte, takes about 74 days. After ejaculation, the sperm can live for about 48 hours in the female reproductive tract.

49. Seminal Fluid or Semen
a slightly alkaline mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the accessory glands.
Secretions from the seminal vesicles make up about 60 percent of the volume of the semen, with most of the remainder coming from the prostate gland. The sperm and secretions from the bulbourethral gland contribute only a small volume.
The volume of semen in a single ejaculation may vary from 1.5 to 6.0 ml. There are between 50 to 150 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Sperm counts below 10 to 20 million per milliliter usually present fertility problems.
a slightly alkaline mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the accessory glands. Secretions from the seminal vesicles make up about 60 percent of the volume of the semen, with most of the remainder coming from the prostate gland. The sperm and secretions from the bulbourethral gland contribute only a small volume.
The volume of semen in a single ejaculation may vary from 1.5 to 6.0 ml. There are between 50 to 150 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Sperm counts below 10 to 20 million per milliliter usually present fertility problems. Although only one sperm actually penetrates and fertilizes the ovum, it takes several million sperm in an ejaculation to ensure that fertilization will take place.

50. Criptochism
Erectile Dysfunction [ED] also known as impotence
Priapism- prolonged erection at least four hours long, without physical or psychological stimulation.