REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM
Definition of terms:
Sexual reproduction is the process by
which organisms produce offspring by
making germ cells called gametes.

Fertilization is an event when male

gamete (sperm cell) unites with the
female gamete (secondary oocyte).
 MALE
REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
Major Organs of Male
Reproductive System
1. Gonad (testes- 2)

2. Ducts (epididymis- 2, ductus (vas) deferens-

2, ejaculatory duct- 2, urethra- 1)

3. Accessory sex glands (seminal vesicles- 2,

prostate- 1, bulbourethral glands- 2)

4. Supporting structures (scrotum, penis)

Scrotum
Looks like a pouch
Supporting structure of the testes
Consists of loose skin and
underlying subcutaneous layer
that hangs at the root of the penis
Raphe- median ridge that separate
the scrotum externally.
Scrotal septum- devides the
scrotum internally into 2 sacs. Each
containing a single testis.
Dartos and cremaster muscle-
contracts and relaxes to regulate
the temperature of the testes.
 Septum of testis
Testes
Paired oval gonads that develop
near the kidneys and descent into
the scrotum through the inguinal
canal during the seventh month of
fetal development
Tunica vaginalis- partially covers the
testes.
Tunica albuginea- internal to tunica Lobule of testis
vaginalis that extends inward to form
septa/septum that divide the testis
into a series of compartments called
lobules.
Lobules- (counts 200-300) each
lobule contains 1-3 tightly coiled
seminiferous tubules.
Seminiferous tubules- a process called
spermatogenesis takes place. It contains
Seminiferous tubule
2 types of cells:
1. Spermatogenic cells- sperm forming
cells.
2. Sertoli cells- nourishes spermatocytes,
spermatids, and sperm; phagocytize
excess spermatid cytoplasm; control
movement of spermatogenic cells and
the release of sperm into the lumen of
the seminiferous tubule; produce fluid for
sperm transport; secretes inhibin;
regulate effect of testosterone and FSH.
Leydig (interstitial) cells- clusters of cells
found in the spaces between adjacent
seminiferous tubules. It secretes
testosterone.
Sperm Cell
Each day about 300
million sperm complete
the process
spermatogenesis that
takes place 65- 75 days.
Events in
spermatogenesis
Spermatogonium (2n) (stem cell) [Mitosis]

Primary spermatocyte (2n) [Meiosis I]

Secondary spermatocyte (n) [Meiosis II]

Early spermatid (n) [Spermiogenesis]

Late spermatid (n)

Sperm cell or spermatozoon (n)

Cryptorchidism- a condition in which testes do not
descend into the scrotum. If untreated, results in
sterility because the cells involved in the initial
stages of spermatogenesis are destroyed by the
higher temperature of the pelvic cavity.
Orchitis- inflammation of the testes, for example,
as a result of the mumps virus or a bacterial
infection.
Epididymis
A comma shaped organ that lies along
the posterior boarder of each testis. Epididymis
20 ft long if uncoiled
It has 3 parts: head, body and tail.
Head- where the efferent ducts from the
testis join the ductus epididymis.
Body- narrow midportion of the epididymis.
Tail- smaller, inferior portion of the
epididymis. It continues as the ductus
(vas) deferens.
Site of sperm maturation, the process by
which sperm acquire motility and ability
to fertilize ovum. Occurs over 14 days.
Stores sperm up to several months. Not
ejaculated sperm are reabsorbed.
Helps propel sperm into ductus (vas)
deferens during sexual arousal.
Ductus (vas) deferens
45 cm (18 in) long Vas deferens
Ascends along the posterior
boarder of the epididymis
and enters the pelvic cavity.
Conveys sperm during
sexual arousal from the
epididymis toward the
urethra by peristaltic
contractions.
Stores sperm for several
months and reabsorbed if
not ejaculated.
Vasectomy- portion of each ductus deferens is removed.
Although sperm production continues in the testes, sperm
can no longer reach the exterior. The sperm degenerate and
are destroyed by phagocytosis. Because the blood vessel
are not cut, testosterone level in the blood remain normal,
so vasectomy has no effect on sexual desire, performance
and ejaculation. The procedure can be reversed, but the
chance of regaining fertility is only 30-40%.
 Seminal vesicles
Convoluted pouchlike structures,
about 5 cm (2 in) long
Secrete an alkaline, viscous fluid that
contains fructose, prostaglandins and
clotting proteins
Alkaline nature of seminal fluid helps
to neutralize the acidic environment of
the male urethra and female
reproductive tract
Fructose nourishes the sperm,
prostaglandin contributes to sperm
motility, viability, and stimulate smooth
muscle contraction within female
reproductive tract
Clotting proteins help semen
coagulate after ejaculation
Fluid secreted constitutes about 60%
of the volume of semen
Ejaculatory duct
About 2 cm (1 in) long
Formed by the union of
the duct of seminal vesicle
and the ampulla of ductus
(vas) deferens
Superior to the base and
pass through the prostate
Terminate in the prostatic
urethra, where they eject
sperm and seminal
vesicle secretions before
the release of semen from
the urethra to the exterior.
Prostate gland
Single, doughnut-shaped gland
about the size of a golf ball
Secretes a milky, slightly acidic
fluid that contains several
substances, such as:
Citric acid- used by sperm for ATP
production
Proteolytic enzymes- break down
the clotting proteins
Seminalplasmin- act as antibiotic
Prostatic secretions make up
about 24% of the volume of
semen
Bulbourethral/cowpers
gland
About the size of peas
Inferior to the prostate
During sexual arousal, it
secretes an alkaline fluid
into the urethra that
protects the passing sperm
by neutralizing acids from
urine in the urethra.
Secrete mucus that
lubricates the end of penis
and the lining of urethra,
decreasing the sperm
damaged.
Penis
Contains the urethra (passageway of
semen and urine)
Cylindrical in shape, consists:
A. Body of the penis- composed of three
cylindrical masses of tissue, each surrounded
by fibrous tissue called tunica albuginea.
1. Corpora cavernosa- two dorsolateral
masses of tissue.
2. Corpus spongiosum- smaller midventral
mass, contains the spongy urethra and
keeps it open during ejaculation.
Erectile tissue- enclose all three masses,
composed of numerous blood sinuses
(vascular spaces).
 B. Glans penis- slightly enlarged, acorn-
shaped region, margined by corona.
Prepuce/foreskin- covers the glans in an
uncircumcised penis.
C. Root of the penis- attached portion
(proximal portion). Consists of:
1. Bulb of the penis- expanded portion of the
base of corpus spongiosum
2. Crura of the penis- two separated and
tapered portions of the corpora cavernosa
 Two ligaments that support the weight of
the penis:
1. Fundiform ligament
2. Suspensory ligament
Circumcision- surgical procedure in which part of or the
entire prepuce is removed.
Priapism- refers to a persistent and usually painful
erection of the penis that does not involve sexual desire.
Premature ejaculation- ejaculation that occurs too early,
for example, during foreplay or upon or shortly after
penetration.
Hermaphroditism- the presence of both ovarian and
testicular tissue in one individual.
Hypospadias- a common congenital abnormality in which
the urethral opening is displaced.
Epispadias- urethral meatus opens on dorsal (upper)
side of penis.
Hypospadias- urethral meatus opens on ventral (under)
side of penis.
 Sperm pathway
seminiferous tubule straight tubule
rete testis efferent duct ductus epididymis
vas deferens seminal vesicle ejaculatory duct
prostate gland prostatic urethra cowpers gland urethra
Male Reproduction
Hormones
 COMMON SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED DISEASE
Chancroid

Caused by Haemophilus
through small breaks in
epidermal tissue.
Pinhead papules to
cauliflowerlike groupings
of filiform, skincolored,
pink or red painful lesions
on genitalia heal, leaving a
scar.
Chlamydia
Caused by C. trachomatis.
Dysuria and clear or white
penile discharge.
Genital Herpes
Viral STD that is treatable
but not curable.
Fever, malaise, arthralgia,
inguinal lymphadenopathy.
Multiple small vesicles on
penis followed by ulcers on
red bases.
Pain.
Possible dysuria, pruritus,
urethral discharge.
Recurrent infection.
Syphilis
Caused by Treponema
pallidum.
Primary: Genital chancre,
heals without leaving a scar.
Secondary: Alopecia, rash,
malaise, headache,
arthralgia.
Tertiary: Gummas, aortic
valve, thoracic aneurysm,
personality changes, ataxia,
paresthesia, Charcots joints.
Gonorrhea

Caused by Neisseria
gonorrhoeae.
Urinary symptoms.
Urethral discharge.
TSE or Testicular Self
Exam
Monthly TSEs permit earlier detection of
testicular cancer, which occurs most often
in 16- to 35-year-olds. Perform the exam
on the same day each month.

Note: The scrotum is easier to examine

after taking a warm bath or shower.
 With one hand, lift the
penis and check the
scrotum for any
changes in shape,
size, or color. The left
side of the scrotum
normally hangs slightly
lower than the right.
 Next, check the
testes for lumps and
masses. Locate the
epididymis, the
crescent-shaped
structure at the back
of each testis. It
should feel soft.
 Use the thumb and
first two fingers of your
left hand to squeeze
the left spermatic cord
gently. The cord
extends upward from
the epididymis, just
above the testis.
Repeat on the right
side using your right
hand. Check for lumps
and masses.
 Finally, examine each
testis. Place your fingers
on the underside and
your thumb on the top
and gently roll the testis
between your thumb and
your fingers. The testis
should be egg-shaped
and movable and feel
rubbery, smooth, and
firm, with no lumps. Both
testes should be the
same size.
BSE or Breast Self Exam
In premenopausal women, examination
should occur 5 to 7 days after the
menstrual cycle begins, or 3 to 5 days
after it ends. In postmenopausal women,
BSE should be performed on the same
day each month.
Step 1. First, look at the
mirror with your arms at
your side, check for any
visible abnormalities.
Observe for dimpling,
retraction, or breast
flattening as you first
elevates your arms
slowly, then presses your
hands against your hips,
and finally, bend forward.
Step 2.Next, use the pads of
the middle three fingers of the
opposite hand to palpate the
breast systematically by
compressing the breast tissue
against the chest wall. Palpate
all portions of the breast,
areola, nipple, tail of Spence,
and axilla when youre in the
shower or standing before a
mirror. Repeat the procedure
lying down with a pillow or
folded towel under the shoulder
of the side you are examining.
Step 3.Next, compress
the nipple gently
between the thumb
and the index finger as
you observe any
discharge.