Anatomy 5.

Male Reproduction Gross & Histology

Embryologic Development
I. Development of male gonads
II. Gonadal differentiation
III. Descent of the Testis
IV. Gonadal Development
V. Genital Duct System
VI. External Genitalia Development
Male Reproductive System
I. Component Parts
II. Scrotum

OUTLINE
III. Spermatic Cord
IV. Scrotum/Spermatic Cord Layers
V. Testis
VI. Seminiferous Tubules
VII. Spermatogenesis
VIII. Spermiogenesis
IX. Intratesticular Genital Ducts
X. Excretory Genital Ducts
XI. Accessory Genital Glands
XII. Pathway of Sperm
XIII. Penis

Objectives:
Gross:
Name component parts
Review development & descent of testes
ID testis, epididymis & vas deferens
Understand course & components of spermatic cord
Describe prostate & relations (diseases)
Name & describe accessory glands
Describe penis & component parts
Trace pathway of sperm
Name layers of scrotum & counterparts
Describe vascularity, innervation & lymphatics
Histology:
Describe histologic organization of testes
Describe spermatogenesis (ploidy)
ID & describe Leydig cells
Describe histology of excretory ducts & accessory glands
ID parts of the penis

Urogenital Sinus can be divided into 2 segments:

1. Ventral/Pelvic portion
o derivatives:
urinary bladder
part of the urethra in males
whole urethra in females
2. Urethral /Phallic portion
o receives the mesonephric and the fused mullerian ducts
o derivatives:
part of the urethra in males
forms the lower fifth of the vagina and vaginal
vestibule in females
II. GONADAL DIFFERENTIATION
genetically determined
th
at around 8 week, gonadal differentiation occurs
Sex-Determining Region on Y (SRY) (short arm)
o aka Testis-Determining Factor
o the Y chromosome contains the SRY
o presence of SRY = gonads become testes
o absence of SRY= gonads become ovaries

EMBRYOLOGIC DEVELOPMENT
I. DEVELOPMENT OF MALE GONADS
UNDIFFERENTIATED GONADS
o found at the beginning of embryo life
o blind end of the hind gut expands to form the cloaca
o At the 4mm stage, the cloaca expands and divides into 2
compartments:
1. Ventral portion (urogenital sinus)
2. Dorsal portion (rectum)
o Urorectal Fold- - divides the cloacal into an anal and
urogenital orifice
o the division is completed by the seventh week
o Genital Tubercle
the mesoderm that passes around the cloacal
membrane proliferates and grows forming a surface
elevation
where the development of the gonads and ductal
system starts

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

January 12,2012
Dr.Bautista

III. DESCENT OF THE TESTIS

*the part where Dr. Zorb started to draw on the whiteboard.
initially in males, testes are not found in the scrotal area
they are retroperitoneal and intra abdominally, slightly below the
kidneys
just before birth, the testes migrate down and enter the deep
inguinal ring, then traverse the inguinal canal & exit the superficial
inguinal ring down to the scrotal sac
the structures attached to the testes will be pulled down with the
peritoneum (2 layers) and become the spermatic cord
the testes should descend after birth or few days after birth to
decrease the risk of testicular cancer
Page 1 of 11

IV. GONADAL DEVELOPMENT

Embryo is at first morphologically bisexual
The development of one set of sex primordial and the gradual
involution of the other are determined by the sex of the gonad
th
th
5 and 6 weeks
o urogenital ridge
th
6 week
o the gonad consists of superficial germinal epithelium and
internal blastema
th
7 week
o begins to assume the characteristics of a testis or ovary
V. GENITAL DUCT SYSTEM
1. Mesonephric Duct / Wolffian Duct
gives rise to the ureteral bud that will join the urogenital
sinus
ureteral bud grows cranially and meet the metanephrogenic
tissue
Sertoli Cells
o will produce Mullerian Inhibiting Factor (MIF) which
will supress the development of the female genitalia
Leydig Cells
o will produce testosterone and will bring about the
development of the mesonephric duct as well as the
penis and the scrotum
2. Paramesonephric / Mullerian Duct
reach the urogenital sinus relatively late
fuses distally before reaching the urogenital sinus
Estrogen from the fetus, placenta and the mother will stimulate
the development of the Mullerian Duct

Corpora Cavernosa
th
10 week
Urethral folds start to fuse from the urogenital sinus orifice
toward the tip of the phallus
th
14 week
Fusion is complete and results in the formation of the penile
urethra
Corpus Spongiosum results from the differentiation of the
mesenchymal masses around the formed penile uretra
The glans penis becomes defined by the development of a circular
coronary sulcus around the distal part of the phallus

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

I. COMPONENT PARTS
1. Testes
house the seminiferous tubules which produce the sperm
cells
2. Excretory/Genital Ducts
a. Rete testes
b. efferent ducts
c. epididymis
d. vas deferens
e. ejaculatory duct
f. urethra
3. Penis
4. Accessory glands
a. Prostate
b. seminal vesicle
c. Cowpers/ Bulbourethral Glands

th

at 7 week, if gonad starts to develop into a testis:

o Wolffian duct develops into the male duct system
o Mullerian duct will starts to degenerate
if gonad starts to develop into an ovary:
o Mullerian duct will develop to fallopian tube, uterus and
most of the vagina
o Wolffian duct will degenerate and remain rudimentary

VI. EXTERNAL GENITALIA DEVELOPMENT

th
7 week
paired mesenchymal columns within the shaft of the penis

Male Reproductive Structure

Testis
Seminal Vesicle
Penis
Prostate Gland
Bulbourethral Gland
Scrotum

Female Reproductive Homologue

Ovary
Fallopian Tube
Clitoris
Paraurethral Gland
Bartholins Gland
Labia Majora

II. SCROTUM
Houses the mature testes
Outpouching of the lower part of the ant abd wall
Develop from Labioscrotal swellings

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 2 of 11

 Saccular appendages which house paired post-natal testes

Female homologue= labia majora
Functions
1. Protection
2. Thermoregulation
Layers
1. Skin
Wrinkled in adults due to the contraction of dartos muscle
Pigmented in gross appearance
Smooth in newborn
A slightly raised ridge in the midline indicating fusion of the
two lateral labioscrotal swellings
2. Superficial fascia
continuous with fatty & membranous layer of ant abdominal
wall
Campers/Fat
o becomes dartos muscle and fascia
sparse layer of smooth muscle tissue
important in the contraction of the scrotum
during cold weather, the scrotum moves close to
the body
during warm weather, the scrotum relaxes &
descend farther away from the body
Scarpas/Membranous
o becomes colles fascia
3. External Spermatic Fascia
derived from external oblique fascia/aponeurosis
4. Cremasteric Fascia
derived from internal oblique muscle
involves in contraction and relaxation of the scrotal area
plays a role in thermoregulation
5. Internal Spermatic Fascia
derived from fascia transversalis fascia
6. Tunica Vaginalis
reflections of peritoneum
covers and almost adherent to the testis
tunica albuginea is the covering that is in direct contact with
the testis

Arterial Supply:
o Posterior scrotal branches of Perineal Artery
from Internal Pudendal Artery

o Anterior branches of Deep External Pudendal Artery

from Femoral Artery
o Cremasteric Artery
from Inferior Epigastric Artery
Venous Drainage:
o Veins accompany arteries
Lymphatic Drainage:
o Superficial Inguinal Nodes
Nerve Supply:
o Anterolateral
Genital branch of Genitofemoral Nerve (L1-L2)
o Anterior
Anterior Scrotal Nerves from Ilio-Inguinal N (L1)
o Posterior
Posterior scrotal Nerves from Perineal branch of
Pudendal Nerve (S2-S4)
o Posteroinferior
Perineal branches from Posterior Cutaneous Nerve to
the Thigh
III. SPERMATIC CORD
Attached to the testes and come down with it during descend
Suspends testes in scrotum
Collection of structures that begins at Deep Inguinal Ring lateral
to the inferior epigastric vessels, passes through the Inguinal
Canal & out the External Ring and ends in Testes
Female Homologue= round ligament of the uterus

Structures of the spermatic cord:

1. Vas Deferens/Ductus Deferens
o Thick muscular duct which transports spermatozoa from
the testes to the epididymis to the urethra
o Can be palpated between the finger and thumb in the
upper portion of the scrotum
2. Testicular Artery
o Branch of the abdominal artery at the level of L2
3. Testicular Veins (Pampiniform Plexus)
o 8-12 venous structures arising from the testicular area
which drains into the left renal vein (left testicular vein)
and to the inferior vena cava (right testicular vein)

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 3 of 11

o also aids in thermoregulation to maintain the

temperature in the testes which is 3C lower than the
core temperature of the body
o Cold temperature: engorged/dilate to keep the heat in
the scrotal area
o Warm temperature: contracted
o The pampiniform plexus is the content of the spermatic
cord and not the testicular vein itself
o The plexus is prone to dilatation causing sterility in men
4. Cremasteric artery
o Branch of the inferior epigastric artery which supplies
cremasteric fascia
5. Artery of vas deferens
o Branch of the inferior vesical artery which supplies the
vas deferens
6. Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
o Supplies the cremaster muscle (the efferent arm of the
cremaster reflex, the femoral branch being the afferent
arm)
7. Autonomic nerves
8. Lymphatic Vessels
o Drain into the para-aortic lymph nodes at the level of L1
9. Remains of the processus vaginali
Cremasteric reflex
o Stroke inner thigh of the male to stimulate femoral branch
inside spermatic cord, thus elevation of the scrotum of the
same side
Clinical Correlation
Varicocoele
Dilatation of Pampiniform plexus
Results in increased temp
Causes increased pressure
perceived as pain
Rarely bleed
May cause spermatogenetic
dysfunction/dysmorphism
Surgical correction or
VARICOCOELECTOMY may
correct infertility
Different from HERNIA
Seen as Bag of worms
Patient is asked to do valsalva maneuver (inc. intraabdominal
pressure)
Common in the left testicular vein due to absence valves in the left
renal vein that increases the pressure down into the testicular vein.
Testicular Torsion

Twisting of the testis on its

longitudinal axis

Compromises vessels

Generally seen in pediatric age

group

Viability: 6-12 hrs from onset

Mild twist can compromised

venous flow causing congestion
of the testicle

Immediately refer because it can

lead to testicular death.

Manual detortion may be attempted

Surgical detortion w/ orchidopexy

IV. SCROTUM/SPERMATIC CORD LAYERS

Abdominal Wall
Skin
Subcutaneous Tissue
External Oblique Ms
Internal Oblique Ms.
Fascia of Internal
Oblique
Transversus
Abdominis
Transversalis Fascia
Peritoneum

Spermatic Cord
Skin
---------------------------External Spermatic
Fascia
Cremaster Ms.
Cremasteric Fascia

Scrotum
Skin
Dartos Ms. And Fascia
External Spermatic Fascia

----------------------------

----------------------------

Internal Spermatic
Fascia
Vestige of Procesus
Vaginalis Testis

Internal Spermatic Fascia

Cremaster Ms.
Cremasteric Fascia

Tunica Vaginalis Testis (2

layers)

V. TESTIS
houses the seminiferous tubules
firm, mobile structure inside the scrotum
the left testis is lower that the right because the left spermatic
cord is longer
Female Homologue= Ovaries
Tunica Vaginalis
a serous sac carried by each testis when it migrated from the
abdominal cavity
derived from the peritoneum
consists of an outer parietal layer lining the scrotum and an
inner visceral layer covering the tunica albuginea on the
anterior and lateral sides of the testis
Tunica Albuginea
o A capsule of dense connective tissue surrounding each testes
o thickened on the posterior side of the testis to form the
mediastinum testis
from which fibrous septa penetrate the organ and
divide it into about 250 pyramidal compartments or
testicular lobules
Each lobule is occupied by 1-4 seminiferous tubules

Functions
o Produce the male gametes or spermatozoa
o Produce testosterone which stimulates the accessory male
sexual organs and causes development of the masculine
extragenital sex characteristics
Arterial Supply
o Testicular artery

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 4 of 11

 Venous Drainage
o Testicular Vein (Pampiniform Plxus)
Right: Inferior Vena Cava
Left: Left Renal Vein
Lymphatic Drainage
o Lumba and para-aortic nodes at L1
VI. SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES
surrounded by interstitial loose connective tissue rich in blood
and lymphatic vessels, nerves and endocrine interstitial
cells/leydig cells
where spermatogenesis occurs
each testicles has 250-1000 seminiferous tubules in its lobules
each tubule is a convoluted loop linked via a short, narrower
segment, the straight tubule, to the rete testis.
Lining : complex, specialized stratified epithelium called germinal
or seminiferous epithelium (stratified cuboidal epithelium)
Basement membrane of the epithelium is covered by fibrous
connective tissue with an innermost layer containing flattened,
smooth muscle like myoid cells
Myoid cells allow weak contractions of the tubule
Has two types of cells
o non dividing supporting or sustentacular cells/sertoli cell
o proliferative cells of the spermatogenic lineage(4-8
concentric layers)

Triangular in outline, the elongated nucleus has infoldings,

prominent nucleolus, very little heterochromatin
BLOOD TESTIS BARRIER: elaborate tight occluding junctions
between basolateral membranes of the adjacent Sertoli cells in
the seminiferous epithelium. Tightest blood barrier in mammals
o Prevents autoimmune attacks against the unique
spermatogenic cells which appear first long after the
immune system is mature and self-tolerance is established.
o Early in meiosis, newly formed spermatocytes temporarily
disrupt the cell adhesion molecules of the most basal
junctions, transiently establishing new junctions between
adhesion factors in their own membranes and those of
Sertoli cells and move into the adluminal compartment
without compromising the blood-testis barrier.
o Spermatocytes and spermatids adhere closely to the Sertoli
cells, lying within deep invaginations of these cells lateral
and apical membranes above the barrier
o As the flagellar tails of the spermatids develop, they appear
as tufts extending from the apical ends of the Sertoli cells.

B. MYOID CELLS
A. SERTOLI CELLS
Aka Sustentacular cells
Columnar or pyramidal cells that largely envelop cells of the
spermatogenic lineage
Function as:
o support, protection and nutritional regulation of the
developing spermatozoa
o Phagocytosis of cell membrane
o Secretion (fluid, androgen binding protein, inhibin)
o Production of anti-mullerian hormone
Active sertoli cells : pyramidal in shape, with apex directed
towards the lumen and whose nucleus is perpendicular to the
base of the cell
Inactive sertoli cells: polygonal in shape, the nucleus is directed
parallel to the base of the cell
Bases of these cells adhere to the basal lamina
comes from basement membrane but extends to the lumen for
the maturing sperm cell
Apical ends frequently extend into the lumen of seminiferous
tubule
Contain abundant SER, RER, well-developed Golgi complexes,
numerous mitochondria and lysosomes.

Act like smooth muscle

contract intermittently to push out the mature to give space for
new ones
found close to the periphery of tubules
flattened nuclei
C. INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF LEYDIG
rounded /polygonal cells
Central nucleus and eosinophilic cytoplasm rich in small lipid
droplets
Site of androgen production
Spaces between the seminiferous tubules are filled with
connective tissue that contains mast cells, macrophages, nerves,
lymphatics and blood vessels including fenestrated capillaries.
produce testosterone under the influence of LH
Endocrine part of testis
VII. SPERMATOGENESIS
begins at puberty
spermatogonium : small round cell, located basally in the
epithelium next to the basement membrane
more immature sperms are found near the basement membrane
while more mature ones are found near the lumen

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 5 of 11

 spermatogonia : dark, ovoid nulcei, acts as stem cells

o type A spermatogonia :
each undergo several unique clonal divisions, remaining
interconnected as a syncytium
Precursor cell of all the spermatogenic lineage
Nucleus and chromatin particles are fine and are evenly
dispersed
Eccentrically located nucleus
Near basement membrane
o type B spermatogonia :
have more spherical pale nuclei.
Undergoes a final mitotic division to produce two cells
that grow in size and become primary spermatocytes
Chromatin is coarse and heavily stained
o Intermediate (from trans 2014B)
Chromophilic chromatic
Prominent nucleolus
Centrally located nucleus
o Primary spermatocye
Spherical cells with euchromatic nuclei
Replicate their DNA so each chromosome consists of
duplicate chromatids and enter meiosis, during which
homologous chromosome come together in synapsis.
Has 46 chormosomes (diploid), DNA is 4N
Largest cells of the lineage
Characterized by the presence of partially condensed
chromosomes in various stages of synapsis and
recombination
o Secondary spermatocyte
Smaller in size compared with the primary spermatocyte
Has 23 chromosomes
Still 2 chromatids
Haploid
Rare because they are short lived cells
Remain in interphase only very briefly and quickly
undergo the second meiotic division
o Spermatids
From division of secondary spermatocytes
These are haploid cells
Has 23 chromosomes
Near luminal side
Small size in diameter 7-8um
Highly condensed chromatin
o Spermatozoa
The head is buried in the sertoli cells whie the tail can
be seen protruding into the lumen

Has 3 phases:
o Early Golgi phase
Cytoplasm of spermatids contains a prominent Golgi
apparatus near the nucleus, mitochondria, a pair of
centriole, free ribosomes and tubules of SER
Small proacrosomal vesicles accumulate in the Golgi
apparatus and subsequently coalesce to from a single
membrane limited acrosomal cap close to one end of
the nucleus
Centrioles migrate to a position near the the cell surface
and opposite the forming acrosome.
One centriole acts as a basal body, serving to organize
the axoneme of the flagellum
o Acrosome phase
Acrosome cap or acrosome spreads to cover about half
of the condensing nucleus
Acrosome is a specialized type of lysosome containing
several hydrolytic enzymes including hyaluronidase,
neuraminidase, acid phosphatase and trypsin like
protease called acrosin.
Spermatids become oriented toward the base of the
sertoli cells and the axonemes project toward the lumen
of the tubule
Nuclei become more elongated
The chromatin very highly condensed
The histones nucleosomes replaced by small basic
peptides called protamines.
Flagella growth continues
Mitochondria aggregate around the proximal part of
each flagellum forming the middle piece ( source of
ATP)
o Maturation phase
Unneeded cytoplasm is shed as a residual body from
each spermatozoon and is phagocytosed by sertoli cells

spermatogonia
(diploid)
mitotic
division
primary
st
spermatocytes (diploid) 1 meiotic division secondary
nd
spermatocyte (haploid) 2 meiotic division spermatids
spermatozoa
VIII. SPERMIOGENESIS
The final stage in sperm production and is the process by which
spermatids transform into spermatozoa
Includes formation of acrosome
Condensation and elongation of the nucleus
Development of the flagellum
Loss of much of the cytoplasm
End result : mature spermatozoon

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 6 of 11

B. RETE TESTIS____________________________________________
Interconnected network of channels
Net like structure
rete, means branching
Lining: simple cuboidal epithelium with microvilli and a single
cilium
o aid in progress of sperms that become motile until after
maturation at the epididymis
Surrounded by collagenous tissue with myoid cells
o contraction helps mix sperm and move them to the
epididymis
the channels of the rete testis are embedded within the
connective tissue of the mediastinum
Drains into about 20 efferent ductules

Specimen photo of Rete Testis (Left) and

Ductuli Efferentes (above)
SM-smooth muscle

IX. INTRATESTICULAR GENITAL DUCTS

Ducts within the testis
Carry spermatozoa and liquid from seminiferous tubule to duct of
epididymis
A. Tubuli Recti
B. Rete Testis
C. Ductuli Efferentes

C. DUCTULI EFFERENTES____________________________________
10-20 convoluted tubules
Lining: nonciliated cuboidal cells alternating with cilated cells that
beat in the direction of the epididymis
o alternating tall & short columnar ciliated epithelium
o scalloped appernace
Absorb most of the fluid secreted by the seminiferous
tubules
This absorption and the ciliary activity create a fluid flow
that sweeps sperm toward the epididymis
Thin smooth muscle layer (SM) surrounds each ductuli efferentes
Gradually fuse to form the head of ductus epididymis or globus
major
X. EXCRETORY GENITAL DUCTS
Responsible for transport of sperm from epididymis to the penis
during ejaculation
A. Ductus epididymidis
B. Vas deferens
C. Urethra

A. TUBULI RECTI__________________________________________
Straight Tubules
Gradual loss of spermatogenic cells
Initial segment sertoli cells only
Main segment simple cuboidal epithelium supported by a dense
connective tissue
Empty into rete testis

A. DUCTUS EPIDIDYMIS____________________________________
Single highly coiled tube lying superior and posterior to testis
Formed by minute convolutions of the duct if the epididymis
Lining: pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
firm structure lying posterior to testes
Coiled tube = 1-1.5 inches long
Uncoiled= nearly 20 ft.
consists of:
1. head globus major
2. body
3. tail globus minor

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 7 of 11

 Functions
o digestion of residual bodies
o storage & maturation (motile) of sperms
o absorption of fluid
o addition of substances to the seminal fluid
Arterial supply
o testicular artery
Venous drainage
o testicular veins (pampiniform plexus)
Right: inferior vena cava
Left: left renal vein
Lymphatic drainage
o lumbar & para-aortic nodes at L1 level

Lymphatic drainage
o External iliac lymph nodes
Nerve Supply
o Inferior hypogastric plexus

XI. ACCESSORY GENITAL GLANDS

Produce secretions that are added to sperm during ejaculation to
produce semen
A. Seminal vesicles
B. Prostate
C. Bulbourethral glands
Cross sectional view of Ductus Epididymis

CLINICAL CORRELATION
EPIDIDYMO-ORCHITIS
Inflammation
May occur singly or in combo
Most commonly viral but may be
bacterial (STD)
Tx: Ice bag to affected testis (to cool
down the testes, preventing sterility)
analgesic; antibiotics as necessary
Ceftriaxone 1g/IM

B. VAS DEFERENS_________________________________________
a narrow lumen and a thick layer of smooth muscle
o Produce strong peristaltic contraction during ejaculation
which rapidly move sperm along this duct from epididymis
Lining: pseudostratified columnar epithelium with sparse
stereocilia
45 cm long
Conveys sperm from the epididymis to ejaculatory duct & urethra
Ampulla: dilated terminal part
Forms the ejaculatory duct with the duct of the seminal vesicle
Thick straight muscular tube:
o Inner: longitudinal
o Middle: circular
o Outer: longitudinal
mucosa thrown into folds, allowing expansion during ejaculation
forms part of spermatic cord, including the testicular artery,
pampiniform plexus and nerves
Blood Supply
o Deferential artery from the inferior vesical artery
Venous Drainage
o Deferential veins

A. SEMINAL VESICLES______________________________________
2 lobulated or highly tortuous organs about 2 inches long
Upper ends widely separated, lower ends close together
Produce most of the seminal fluid, about 70%
Lining: Folded mucosa with pseudostratified columnar epithelium
with secretory granules
Lamina propria contains elastic fibers and smooth muscles
o inner circular & outer longitudinal
Viscid, yellowish secretion:
o Fructose
for sperm nourishment
o Citrate
o Inositol
o Prostaglandins
causes uterine contraction during labor
o Fibrinogen

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 8 of 11

provide nutrient energy sources for the sperm

coagulate semen after ejaculation
affect activity of the female reproductive tract
o proteins
Functions:
o produce secretion added to seminal fluid
o contracts during ejaculation
Blood supply:
o inferior vesical & middle rectal arteries
Venous drainage:
o inferior vesical and middle rectal veins
Lymphatic drainage:
o internal iliac nodes
Nerve Supply:
o inferior
hypogastric
plexus

B. EJACULATORY DUCT
o Slender tubes
o Duct of vas deferens + duct of seminal vesicle
o )pens into Prostatic Urethra
o Lining: Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia
o Arises near the neck of the bladder, run close together as
they pass anteroinferiorly through posterior part of the
prostate and along the sides of the prostatic utricle.
o Blood Supply
arteries to the ductus deferens (usually branch of
superior(but frequently inferior) vesical arteries.
o Venous drainage
Veins join the prostatic and vesical venous plexuxes

C. PROSTATE GLAND_______________________________________
dense, fibromuscular organ surrounding the urethra below the
bladder
About 3 cms long
Lies between the neck of bladder and urogenital diaphragm
Has a base and apex
collection of 30-50 branched tubuloalveolar gland that empty
into prostatic urethra
produces prostatic fluid containing glycoproteins and stores it in
the interior
With Corpora Amylacea
o prostatic concretions

o increases with age

o contains
deposited
glycoproteins
and
sulfated
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), particularly Keratan sulfate
Lining: simple to psuedostratified columnar epithelium
Female Homologue = Paraurethral Gland/Skenes Gland
Surrounded by fibroelastic capsule rich in smooth muscle
glands are arranged in concentric layers around urethra:
1. mucosal glands: inner layer
2. submucosal glands: intermediate layer
3. main glands: peripheral layer
Incompletely divided into 5 lobes
1. Anterior: devoid of glands
2. Middle/median: rich in glands
3. Posterior
4. Right lateral lobe
5. Left lateral lobe
Zones:
o Anterior
non-glandular
o Transition
5% of prostates volume
surrounds prostatic urethra (BPH)
contains mucosal glands emptying directly into the
urethra
o Central
25% of prostates volume
surrounds ejaculatory duct
contains submucosal glands with longer ducts
o Peripheral
bulk (70%) of gland (prostatic CA)
contains main glands
glands of this area are the most common location of
both inflammation and cancer
o Preprostatic sphincteric zone
* Acid phosphatase & PSA
Functions:
o production of thin, milky fluid
o aids in delivery of sperm
o provides nutrition
o for lubrication
Arterial supply:
o inferior vesical artery
o internal pudendal artery
o middle rectal artery
o All blood supply came from internal iliac artery
Venous drainage:
o Prostatic venous plexus
Lymphatic drainage:
o Internal iliac nodes
Nerve supply:
o Inferior hypogastric plexus

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 9 of 11

o Intermediate & Spongy

Branches from dorsal artery of penis [Penile veins]
FLOOR OF PROSTATIC URETHRA
1. openings of prostatic acini
2. verumontanum, colliculus seminalis or prostatic utricle
utricle (fused ends of Mullerian ducts)
3. Ejaculatory ducts
Histology:
o Mucosa with large longitudinal folds
o Intramural & Prostatic
Urothelium
o Intermediate
Stratified & pseudostratified columnar epithelium
o Spongy
Same with intermediate but stratified squamous at tip

CLNICAL CORRELATION
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Obstruction in the Transition zone

common in elderly males

diff in urination

surgically treated
Obstruction to ejaculatory duct

obstruction in the central zone

No flow of seminal fluid- dry

D. URETHRA ____________________________________________
Intramural
Prostatic
Intermediate
Spongy
INTRAMURAL
o Inside the wall of the bladder
o Pre-prostatic/ Bladder neck
o Size depends on bladder distension
PROSTATIC
o Urethral Crest
o Prostatic sinuses(openings of prostatic ducts)
o Prostatic Utricle remnant of female counterparts
o Ejaculatory ducts
INTERMEDIATE
o From apex of prostate, thru external urethral sphincter
(narrowest portion) to bulb of penis
SPONGY
o Bulb to tip
o 5mm diameter
o Dilates at bulb where ducts of bulbourethral glands open
Interbulbar Fossa
o Navicular fossa widening within Glans Penis
Vascular and Nerve Supply:
o Intramural & Prostatic
prostatic branches of interior vesical & middle rectal
arteries from internal iliac (prostatic venous plexus)

E. BULBOURETHAL GLAND__________________________________
Cowpers Gland
3-5 mm in diameter
Lining: simple columnar epithelium
located in the urogenital diaphragm
adjacent to intermediate urethra
Located proximal to membranous urethra
Tubulo-alveolar glands
o Secretes clear mucus clear containing various small
carbohydrates which acts as lubricant
Together with urethral glands
o secrete mucus to coat & lubricate urethra for sperm during
erection
Female Homologue= Great Vestibular/Bartholins Gland
Ducts open into the proximal part of the spongy urethra through
minute apertures
NOTE: Withdrawal method may not be effective due to preejaculate formed by this gland
XII. PATHWAY OF SPERM
Semen
product of ejaculation = spermatozoa + seminal fluids
o secreted by the accessory glands
Each ejaculate can have an average amount of 3.5 ml and may
contain up to 50-150 M spermatozoa
all of which are already mature but still is incapable of fertilization
until after undergoing capacitation within the female genital tract

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 10 of 11

 If there are 25% or more spermatozoa which are abnormal (no

tail, or the cilia is immotile) there is a probability that there may
be problems with fertility

XIII. PENIS
Consists of body & root
female homologue- clitoris
Most of the penile urethra is lined with psuedostratified columnar
epithelium
In the glans, it becomes stratified squamous epithelium
Urethra glands (glands of Littre) found along the length of the
penile urethra
glans is covered by prepuce or foreskin in uncircumcised men.
Suspensory ligament of penis
o arises from the linea alba and pubic symphysis and inserts
into the fascial covering of the corpora cavernosa
Layers
1. Skin
2. Superficial/Dartos fascia
Colles fascia of penis & scrotum
3. Deep/Bucks Fascia
forms a strong membranous covering for the 3 erectile
tissues, and binds them together
form a transverse septum w/c divides penis into 2
compartments (with 3 erectile tissues):
1. 2 Corpora cavernosa
Dorsal portion
surrounded by tunica albuginea
separated by septum of penis
2. Corpus spongiosum
ventral portion
traversed by urethra
capped distally by glans penis
4. Tunica Albuginea
the outer fibrous capsule of each cavernous body

Both connect with pudendal plexus which drains into the

internal pudendal vein

Lymphatic Drainage
o Skin of penis
superficial inguinal and subinguinal LN
o Glans penis
subinguinal and external iliac nodes
o Deep urethra
internal ( hypogastric) and common iliac nodes
Nerve Supply:
o S2-S4 spinal nerve segments
o Sensory & Sympathetic
Dorsal nerve of the Penis from Pudendal Nerve
o Ilio-inguinal Nerve supplies the skin on root
o Cavernous nerves parasympathetic supply erectile tissue
Erection- parasympathetic
Ejaculation- sympathetic

Arterial Supply
o Internal pudendal arteries
deep artery of the penis
dorsal artery of the penis
bulbourethral artery
Venous Drainage
o superficial dorsal vein (external to bucks)
o deep dorsal vein (within bucks)

Group 12 Chiu, Chua, Chuahiong, Cimagala, Cinco, Co, I., Co, K., Cocos

Page 11 of 11