REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE MALE

   Are represented by the testis (located in the scrotum), seminal ducts, seminal glands and the penis.
(Image 1).

Image 1 Reproductive organs of the male (according to Sinelnikov)

THE TESTIS (Images 1-7, table 1) is the male genital gland having a role in spermatogenesis as well as
the production of hormones that prints secondary sexual characters.

Location. The testis is a paired organ located in the scrotum, at the level of the anterior perineum.

The scrotum (Images 2-4) is a median sack, situated below the penis, consisting of six concentric tunics:
1 - The skin, which presents transversal crosses and a median raphe is thin, fine, extensible and covered
by hair. It contains sebaceous glands, sweat glands and nerve endings.
 2 - Tunica dartos contributes to the scrotal raphe. It adheres to the skin and the external spermatic
fascia. By its tonus it raises the scrotal skin, containing muscle fibers, elastic and colagenous fibers. It
continues in the perineum and penis.
 Image 2 The scrotum (according to Sinelnikov)

 3 - External spermatic fascia is derived from the external oblique muscle aponevrosis. It continue in the
perineum and the penis.
 4 - Cremasteric fascia contains bundles of the cremasteric muscle, which to loosens in form of a fan at
the level of the testicle. By touching with a needle the superior-internal portion of the thigh, the testis
rises sharply (cremasteric reflex). (Image 3)

Image 3 Cremasteric muscle (according to Sobotta)

5 - Internal spermatic fascia derives from transversalis fascia, being the continuation of the internal
spermatic tunica, from the level of the spermatic cord. At the inferior extremity of the testis it forms
scrotal ligament.
6 - Tunica vagina has two blades, one parietal and the other visceral, which cover most of the testis and
the epididymal duct.
   The testis is suspended by the spermatic cord, the left a bit longer than the right one. (Image 4)

Image 4 The spermatic cord and the mediastinum of the testis (according to Iagnov, Repciuc, Rusu)
   
The left testis is located about 1 cm lower than the right testis.
Consistency is firm and elastic.
Shape. It has an ovoid form with a major longitudinal axis.
Dimensions. In adult males it has a length of about 5 cm and a weight of 20 grams.
Exterior conformation
The testis presents:
- A lateral convex surface , partially covered by the epididymal duct;
- A flat medial surface;
- A superior pole, responding to the head of the epididymal duct;
- An inferior pole, responding to the tail of the epididymal duct;
- A slightly convex anterior border;
- A straight posterior border, in relation to the body of the epididymal duct.
Structure. At the outside the testis is wrapped in a fibrous and resistant structure called the albuginea.
At the posterior border of the albuginea there is the mediastinum of the testis.
The  testis presents a connective stroma and parenchyma. (Image 3 , 4).
   The stroma is composed of septa with a radial direction which delimit the lobules of the testis. (Images
1, 4, 5 and 6)
The parenchyma consists of 200-300 of conical lobules formed from convoluted seminiferous tubules
(here the spermtozoons are produced). Each lobule has 1-3 convoluted tubules (totally 400-800 in one
testicle). The convoluted tubule are anastomosed between them, forming straight seminiferous tubules
(one for each lobule), which enter the mediastinum of the testis.

Table 1 Testis, prostate, seminal vesicles

TESTIS PROSTATE SEMINAL VESICLES
NUMBER 2 1 2
DIMENSIONS Adult Weight 20-25 grame Capacity 5-10 ml
Weight 20-25 grame Vertical 3 cm Lenght 5 cm
Lenght 40-50 mm Transversal 4 cm
Width 20-25 mm Sagital 3 cm
SHAPE Ovoidal Ace of spades Conical
ELEMENTS Convex lateral surface Vertical anterior surface Anterior surface
Convex or planemedial Oblique posterior Posterior surface
surface surface Medial border
Superior rounded pole Convex inferior-lateral Lateral border
Inferior rounded pole surfaces Base
Slighly convex anterior Base Border
border Border
Straight posterior border
ROLE Spermatogenesis Production of prostatic Contribuie la producerea
liquid lichidului seminal
REPORTS Situatet in the scrotum Beneath the bladder Above the prostate
Located in prostatic Between the bladder and
lodge the rectum

Image 5 The lobules of the testis (according to Sobotta)

Blood supply. (Image 6) The arteries are branches starting from the abdominal aorta (testis artery), the
inferior vesical artery (deferent artery) and inferior epigastric artery (cremasteric artery).
The testis veins are deep and superficial veins. Once in the spermatic cord through the mediastinum of
the testis they form an anterior group, more important (of which the testis vein comes off which drains
into the inferior vena cava to the right and into the renal vein on the left) and a posterior group which
flows in the inferior epigastric vein.
Innervation. The nerves accompany the testis artery forming the testis plexus.

Image 6 Blood supply of the testis (according to Sobotta)

SEMINAL CONDUCTS (Images 1, 2, 4-9, table 2)

Are divided in intratestis paths and extratestis paths.

Table 2 Extratesticular spermatic paths

LENGHT LOCATION, LIMITS RELATIONS

EFFERENT 15-20 cm First segment of the Continues the testicular
DUCTULES extratesticular paths network

EPIDIDYMAL DUCT 6-7 cm through Continue the Covered by the

unfolding efferent ducts albuginea
DUCTUS DEFERENS 50 cm Epididymal tail Posterior border of the
Base of the prostate testis
crosses the inguinal
canal
EJACULATORY 2 cm Base of the prostate Crosses the prostate
DUCT prostatic urethra Opens in the prostatic
urethra
URETHRA 16 cm Urinary bladder Crosses the prostate and
External orifice of the the penis
penis
a) Intratestis sperm paths are represented by straight seminiferous tubules and testicular network.
b) Extratestis sperm paths are: efferent ductules, epididymal duct, defferent duct, ejaculatory duct and
the urethra.
- The efferent ducts forms together with the epididymal duct the head of the epididymal duct. They
have a length of 15-20 cm. Initially they are straight, than take the shape of a cone.
- The epididymal duct continues the efferent ductules forming the body and the tail of the epididymis.
- The ductus deferens (Images 1, 2, 7-9 and 11) continues the epididymal duct and ends at the base of
the prostate (where it joins the excretory duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct).
Originally cylindrical, then straight, then shows an expansion to finally get narrow again. It presents:
1- an epididymal segment (which goes parallel to the posterior border of the testicle);
2- a spermatic cord segment (between the elements of the spermatic cord);
3. and one abdominal-pelvic with:
3a. an abdominal portion (which crosses in the deep inguinal ring and reaches the external iliac vessels
which it crosses) and
3b. a pelvic one (which goes on the lateral surface of the of the urinary bladder, crosses the ureter,
reaches the bladder, bypasses the base of the seminal vesicle and goes down to the prostate).
- The ejaculatory duct is formed by the union between the ductus deferens and the duct of the seminal
vesicle. Starting above the prostate it crosses the prostate and opens in the prostatic urethra. (Images 8,
9 and 11)
-The urethra (see lecture 4)

Image 7 The trajectory of the ductus deferens (according to Sinelnikov)

 Image 8 The ejaculatory duct (according to Ifrim)

The SEMINAL GLANDS are represented by the seminal vesicles, the prostate and the bulbourethral
glands. (Images 1, 7-12)
a) The seminal vesicles are paired. They have a secretory role, their secretory product being added to
the seminal liquid.
Location. They are located above the prostate, between the urinary bladder and the rectum. They have
a conical shape with the base up and backwards and the border oriented down and forward.
Dimensions. Their capacity is 5-10 ml.
Direction. They have an oblique direction.
Reports. Anterior they respond to the urinary bladder and posterior to the rectum. The base is crossed
by the ureter. The border continues itself with an excretory duct which joins the defferent duct at the
base of the prostate.
Structure. The walls of the seminal vesicles are composed of adventitia, muscular tunica (with
superficial longitudinal fasciculi beam and deep circular fasciculi) and tunica mucosa secreting
components of seminal fluid.
b) The prostate is a glandular organ that surrounds the initial portion of the urethra. It produces a milky
and cloudy fluid, which represents the largest constituent of sperm.
Location. The prostate is located below the bladder, behind the pubic symphysis in prostatic lodge.
The prostatic lodge presents:
- An anterior wall formed by the pubic bone
- A posterior wall formed by the recto-vesical septum
- Two lateral walls formed by anal levator muscles covered by the parietal pelvic fascia
- An inferior wall formed by the urogenital diaphragm
- A superior wall formed by puboprostatic ligaments, the fundus of the urinary bladder, defferent ducts
and seminal vesicles.
Within the walls of the lodge and the prostate there is delimited the periprostatic space filled lax
connective tissue that condenses in the neighborhood of the prostate forming the prostatic fascia.
Dimensions. The prostate has a weight of 20-25 grams in adult males and measures 3/4/3 cm.
Shape. It was compared with a chestnut or an ace of spades

Image 9 The prostate and the seminal vesicles (according to Ifrim)

connective tissue that condenses in the neighborhood of the prostate forming the prostatic fascia.
Dimensions. The prostate has a weight of 20-25 grams in adult males and measures 3/4/3 cm.
Shape. It was compared with a chestnut or an ace of spades

Exterior conformation and reports:

- An anterior surface in relation to the pubic symphysis;
- A posterior surface that meets the rectal ampulla;
- Two infero-lateral surfaces in relation with the anal levator muscles covered by their fascia;
- A base oriented upwards with an anterior side that meets the colum neck of the urinary bladder and a
posterior side that meets the seminal vesicles and defferent ducts;
- A border oriented downwards
Structure. The prostate is wrapped on the outside from the external urethral sphincter. It has a
predominantly glandular structure and a stroma in which prevail smooth muscle filaments

Ontogenetic, functional and architectural, the prostatic glands are grouped into two lateral lobes
connected by an isthmus, a middle and a posterior lobe.

Blood supply The arteries derive from the inferior vesical arteries and from the middle rectal arteries.
 Image 10 Reports of the prostate (according to Sinelnikov)

The veins follow the opposite paths of the arteries.

Innervation. The nerves derive from the prostatic nervous plexus.

Image 11 The seminal vesicles, the ductus deferens and the ejaculatory duct (according to Ifrim)
c)The bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands), (Images 1 and 12) are two and are located in the
profound perineal area. They secrete a viscous liquid which is added to the spermatic liquid during
ejaculation. Through an excretory duct that runs through the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm
and penile bulb they open in early portion of the spongy urethra.
Location. They are located in the profound perineal area, being embedded in the fibers of the profound
transverse muscle and the perineum, which compresses them during ejaculation, causing the expulsion
of the product.
Dimensions. They have a volume that can reach a diameter of 1 cm. Th excretory duct of the gland
measures 3-4 cm.
Relations
- upwards with the superior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm
- below with the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm
- Before and medial with the membranous segment of the urethra
Structure. They are composed by acinous glands that secrete a clear, viscous fluid, similar to the
prostatic fluid, which once in the urethra during ejaculation is added to the spermatic liquid.

The PENIS is the male copulatory organ It also has a major role in micturition. ( Images 1, 12 and 13)
Location. The body of the penis is located just above the scrotum, in front of and below the symphysis
pubis . During errection it rises before the abdomen in continuity with its root.

Dimensions. In adults it has a length of 10 cm, and during errection a lenght of about 15 cm.

Constitution and relations. The penis is composed of 2 parts:

- Root (fixed portion) hidden in the perineum in the penian lodge (consisting of the two roots of the
corpus cavernosum which include the penian bulb) and
- Body (free portion) that ends through the glans penis ( covered by the foreskin, having a proeminent
base circumference called corona glandis and a narrow portion that connects the glans penis to the
penis body, called the gland's colum ).
The body of the penis describes:
• the dorsal surface ( back of the penis) oriented to the anterior
• the urethral surface, which protrudes the urethra, oriented towards the posterior , on which the penis
raphe is situated.
   The penis is fixed by perineal formations, the fundiform ligament (which departs from abdominal
white line having two fascicles which surround and suspend the penis and the boundary between root
and body) and the suspensory ligament (located behind the fundiform ligament, also made of two
fascicles that surround the body of the penis ).
Structure. It consists of two erectile formation : the corpus cavernosum and spongiosum body.
- Cavernous body (cylindrical aspect with a length of 15 cm at rest and 20 cm erect ) forms the largest
part of the penis (occupying the dorsal surface, the sides and part of the urethral surface of the penis). It
is composed of erectile tissue and it presents:

.
 Image 12 The root and the body of the penis (according to Sobotta)

• two roots which are part of the penis root, covered on the sides of ischiocavernous muscle
• two halves (right and left) on the body, separated by the penis septum
• a free extremity which ends divergently through 2 conical borders covered by the glans penis
• A ditch located on the dorsal surface through which dorsal neurovascular bundle goes
• subcavernos ditch, located on the urethral surface of the penis, that hosts the spongeous body and
the spongy urethra
- the spongeous body (length 12-15 cm, unique erectile formation located in the subcavernous ditch)
with a structure similar to the spongeous body . It presents three parts:
• penile bulb, pyriform, located at the median line, in the penile lodge of the perineum (covered by
superficial perineal fascia and wrapped by the bulbospongeous muscles; in depth being related to the
urogenital diaphragm) oblique crossed by excretory ducts of the bulbourethral glands. On the profound
surface of the bulb (superior) enters the urethra
• intermediate portion, a long cylindrical formation, occupying the subcavernous ditch
• glans penis is located at the free extremity of the penis. On its extremity ithere is the external urethral
orifice or urinary meatus (a sagittal cleft 5-6 mm long, limited by two lips).
The penis layers from the surface to the depth are:
- Skin very thin and mobile, that continues the scrotal skin and that of the pubic area, which participates
in the formation of preputial
- Tunica dartos, the continuation of the scrotum
- Superficial fascia of the penis, consists of loose connective tissue
- Profound fascia of the penis, which covers the erectile fromations of the penis.
 Image 13 The erectil formation of the penis (according to Sobotta)

Blood supply The arteries derive from several sources.

    The arteries for the erectile formations are represented by branched from the internal pudendal
artery: deep arteries (two), dorsal artery of the penis, urethral artery and the bulb's artery of the penis.
    The arteries that supply the layers are represented by the dorsal arteries of the penis and the
superficial external pudendal artery (branch of femoral artery).
The veins are collected in two systems, one superficial and one profound, which communicate with each
other.
The Innervation of the penis is subordinate to the lombo-sacral medular centers.
The innervation of the layers is assured by the ilio-hypogastric, ilio-inguinal and dorsal nerves of the
penis.
The innervation of the erectile bodies is supplied by branches of the pudendal nerve, the inferior
hypogastric plexus and the prostatic plexus.