MALE REPRODUCTION

Male Reproductive System Includes:

1. Testes → sperm; Production Via Mitosis & Meiosis
Vasculature is critical to function:
a. Sperm production
b. Erection & transmission of sperm
c. TEMPERATURE REGULATION-MUST BE BELOW 37oc
Connective tissue system:
a. Tunica vaginalis (outer), t. Albuginea (middle) & t. Vasculosa (inner)
b. Mediastinum testes = conn. tissue to protect blood vessels, lymphatics & genital ducts
c. Lobules contain the seminiferous for sperm production
d. These lobules terminate in tubuli recti to rete testis
2. Genital ducts (including epididymis → storage of sperm & penis)
3. Accesory Glands-to Support & Transport Sperm: Seminal Vessicle, Prostate,
Bulbourethral Glands/ cowppers glan.

TUBULUS SEMINIFERUS
Different spermatogenic cells interspersed with epithelial cells (sertoli). Develops in cycles–
74 days to maturation. Tunica propria contains myoid cells (smooth muscle like & used for
contraction of peristaltic to move sperm)
1. Sertoli Cells
Forms the blood-testis barrier.Secrete two hormones – inhibin and activin – which
provide positive and negative feedback on FSH secretion from the pituitary.
a. Tall columnar epithelium
b. Support (nurse) cells for sperm
c. Extensive rer, golgi, lipid, glycogen & inclusions indicate high metabolic activity
d. Specific cell-cell interactions in unique tight junctions
e. Also a cell-spermatocyte junction desmosomal like
Cells located at the basal & luminal compartments:
a. Spermatogonia & primary spermatocyte confined to basal layer by tight junction
b. With meiosis & spermatogenesis movement upwords towards the luminal surface
Basal laminae defines blood-testes barrier & blocks certain molecules such as IgGs but
others ok
2. Leydig Cells:
a. Large acidophilic (hard to see) with inclusions of lipid & crystals of reinke
b. Steroid secreting profile for testosterone
c. In old age may resemble fibroblasts

SPERMATOGENESIS – 3 PHASES
1. Spermatogonial
a. Stem cells divide
b. Committed population of cells to be spermatogonia 3.Histologically defined by
appearance of nuclei & stain affinity
2. Spermatocyte = meiosis
a. Reduction division after mitosis to nuclei
b. Time of cross over
SPERMATID = SPERMIOGENESIS
After 2nd meiotic division goes to 4 phases:
a. Golgi phase-proacrosomal granule to form acrosomal vesicle near nuclear membrane;
movement of centrioles
b. Cap phase-formation of acrosomal cap in tight assoc. With membrane
c. Acrosomal phase-reorientation, condensation of nucleus and mt for machette cylinder
MATURE SPERM
a. Head & tail region
b. Acrosomal reaction-recognition & digestion
c. Sperm are secreted in fluid from sertoli cells & are nonmotile at this time
d. High concentration of testosterone necessary for maturation in lumen
e. Ducts of testes
f. Tubuli recti = straight tube to rete testes of mediastinum
g. Simple epithelium with apical cilia

DUCTUS DEFERENS (VAS DEFERENS)

Ductus (vas) deferens: PSEUDOSTRATIFIED EPITHELIUM WITH LOTS OF MUCOSAL
INFOLDING. Note thick layers of smooth muscle. Runs superiorly from scrotum within
spermatic cord, through inguinal canal and enters pelvis.

SEMINAL VESICLES
The seminal vesicles develop from the vas deferens. Their histological organisation
resembles to some extent that of the vas deferens. Paired tubular glands in muscular and
fibrous coat. Secretes viscus fluid for sperm metabolism (fructose), amino acid, ascorbate
(antioxidant) and prostaglandins.

PROSTATE GLAND
Large tubulo alveolar gland proximal to urethra. Mucosal layer. Submucosal layer’gland.
Cancer risk-benign hyperthrophy.

BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS (COWPER’S GLANDS)

Simple mucus secreting. Secretes galactose, galactosamine & sialic acid.Major portion of
preseminal fluid. Semen = all products of secretion for lubrication, nutrition and enhancement
of fertilization.

PENIS: Male External Genitalia (Scrotum and Penis)

Carries Both Urine & Sperm. Erectile Tissue 2 Dorsal Masses Corpora Cavernosa & 1
Ventral Corpora Spongiosum. Ct= Tunica Albuginea. Autonomic Activity Controls Blood
Flow Into Corpora Cavernosa & Av Shunt (Constriction):
a. Parasympathetic – Initiates The Erection
b. Sympathetic – Responsible For Ejaculation
Penis: 3 parts; Root (attached), Free shaft or body, Enlarged tip called glans penis
Cross section of penis
a. Urethra (called spongy or penile urethra here)
b. 3 erectile bodies (parasympathetic stimulation during sexual excitation CAUSES
engorgement with blood allowing erection):
 Corpus spongiosum
 Pair of corpora cavernosa – Vessels and nerves
c. Ejaculation caused by sympathetic nerves – Contraction of smooth muscle of ducts
and penis