ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

CHAPTER 18: MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

FUNCTIONS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Meiosis- cell division that leads to formation of gametes/sex cells
Production of gametes in males & females
Fertilization Each sperm cell and each oocyte contains 23 chromosomes
Development and nourishment of a new individual occurs only in the testis and ovary
Production of reproductive hormones one cell undergoes 2 consecutive cell divisions to produce 4
daughter cells, each having half as many chromosomes as the
GAMETE FORMATION parent cell
Gametes- sex cells 2 divisions of meiosis: meiosis I and meiosis II
- sperm in males & oocytes (eggs) in females like mitosis, each division of meiosis has prophase,
metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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FETAL DEVELOPMENT
Fertilization- union of sperm cell and an oocyte, along with their
genetic material (chromosomes) to produce a new
individual
Zygote- a fertilized egg, formed by the union of a male sex cell (a
sperm) and a female sex cell (an ovum)
- has 46 chromosomes
Embryo- the developing human between the time of fertilization
and 8 weeks of development
Fetus- the developing human from 8 weeks to birth

SCROTUM
A saclike structure containing the testes
Divided into right and left internal compartments by an
incomplete connective tissue septum
Beneath the scrotum skin are a layer of loose connective tissue
and a layer of smooth muscle called the DARTOS MUSCLE
Dartos and Cremaster muscles (extensions of abdominal
muscles into the scrotum) help regulate testes temperature

In cold temperatures, the dartos muscle contracts, causing the

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM skin of the scrotum to become firm and wrinkled and reducing
Testes the overall size of the scrotum. At the same time, cremaster
Ducts muscles, contract. Consequently, the testes are pulled nearer
o Epididymis the body, and their temperature is elevated.
o Ducta deferentia (sing. ductus deferens, vas deferens) During warm weather or exercise, the dartos and cremaster
o Urethra muscles relax, the skin of the scrotum becomes loose and
Accessory Glands thin, and the testes descend away from the body, which
o Seminal vesicles lowers their temperature.
o Prostate gland If the testes become too warm or too cold, normal sperm cell
o Bulbourethral glands development does NOT occur.
Supporting Structures
o Scrotum
o Penis

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TESTES TESTICLE HANG LOWER THAN THE OTHER

Testis (sing.) This condition assists in protecting the testicles from injury by
Known as male gonads enabling them to glide one above the other when the thigh
Oval organs, each about 4 – 5 cm long are closely approximated and thus, to avoid compression.
Outer part consists of a thick, white connective tissue capsule
Divided into lobules containing the seminiferous tubules (in URETHRA
which sperm cells develop) and interstitial cells / Leydig cells Male urethra extends from the urinary bladder to the distal
(which secrete testosterone) end of the penis.
SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES Can be divided into three parts:
contain germ cells and sustentacular cells, or Sertoli cells. o prostatic urethra - passes through the prostate gland
Sertoli cells nourish the germ cells and produce a number of o membranous urethra - passes through the floor of the
hormones. pelvis and is surrounded by the external urinary
sphincter
EPIDIDYMIS o spongy urethra - extends the length of the penis and
Comma-shaped structure on the posterior side of the testis opens at its end
Maturation site of spermatozoa/sperms

DUCTUS DEFERENS / VAS DEFERENS

Total length is about 45 cm
The passageway of mature sperm cells from the epididymis.
Wall contains smooth muscle, which contracts in peristaltic A passageway for both urine and male reproductive fluids BUT
waves to propel the sperm cells urine and the reproductive fluids DO NOT exit the urethra at
Increases in diameter before reaching the prostate gland to the same time.
become the ampulla of the ductus deferens While male reproductive fluids are passing through the
It is the one cut during vasectomy. urethra, a sympathetic reflex causes the internal urinary
sphincter to contract, which keeps semen from passing into
the urinary bladder and prevents urine from entering the
urethra.

SEMINAL VESICLES
2 sac-shaped glands near the ampulla of each ductus deferens
each is about 5 cm long
its thick, mucus-like secretion contains the sugar fructose and
other nutrients that nourish sperm cells

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CHAPTER 18: MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

secretions also contain proteins that weakly coagulate after

ejaculation and enzymes that are thought to help destroy
abnormal sperm cells
Prostaglandins, which stimulate smooth muscle contractions,
are present in high concentrations in the secretions and can
cause contractions of the female reproductive tract, which
help transport sperm cells through the tract.

PROSTATE GLAND
consists of both glandular and muscular tissue and is about
the size and shape of a walnut
surrounds the urethra and the two ejaculatory ducts
its thin, milky secretions have an alkaline pH and help
neutralize the acidic urethra, as well as the acidic secretions of
the testes, the seminal vesicles, and the vagina.

increased pH is important for normal sperm cell function. secretions also contain proteolytic enzymes that break down
The movement of sperm cells is not optimal until the pH is the coagulated proteins of the seminal vesicles and make the
increased to between 6.0 and 6.5. semen more liquid

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BULBOURETHRAL GLAND / COWPER’S GLAND

a pair of small, mucus-secreting glands located near the base
of the penis
In young adults, each is about the size of a pea, but they
decrease in size with age
produce a mucous secretion, which lubricates the urethra,
helps neutralize the contents of the normally acidic urethra,
provides a small amount of lubrication during intercourse,
and helps reduce acidity in the vagina

PENIS
male organ for copulation and functions in the transfer of
sperm cells from the male to the female.
Contains three columns of erectile tissue and engorgement of
this erectile tissue with blood causes the penis to enlarge and
become firm, a process called erection.
The erectile tissues include:
o Corpora cavernosa - two columns of erectile tissue
that form the dorsal portion and the sides of the
penis
o Corpora spongiosum - the third, smaller erectile
column that occupies the ventral portion of the penis
Glans penis - cap-like structure located at the distal end of the
penis.
Prepuce / Foreskin – a loose fold of skin that covers the glans
penis

SEMINAL FLUID OR SEMEN

A mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the male 1. Spermatogonia (undeveloped sperm cells) divide by mitosis
reproductive glands to form primary spermatocytes.
Normal volume: 2–5 mL, with each mL of semen typically 2. Primary spermatocytes divide by meiosis to produce first
containing about 100 million sperm cells. secondary spermatocytes and then spermatids.
Four fractions: 3. The spermatids then mature to form sperm cells.
o 60% - accounts for the secretions from the seminal 4. A spermatid develops a head, midpiece, and flagellum to
vesicles become a sperm cell. The head contains the acrosome
o 30% - accounts for the secretions from the prostate and the nucleus.
gland
o 5% - accounts for the secretions from the testes
o 5% - accounts for the secretions from the bulbourethral
glands

SPERMATOGENESIS
Formation of sperm cells
begins in the seminiferous tubules at the time of puberty.
Sustentacular cells -nourish the sperm cells and produce small
amounts of hormones.

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ACROSOME In boys, puberty commonly begins between the ages of 12

vesicle just anterior to the nucleus containing enzymes that and 14 and is largely completed by age 18.
are released during the process of fertilization and are Before puberty, small amounts of testosterone, secreted by
necessary for the sperm cell to penetrate the oocyte, or egg the testes and the adrenal cortex, inhibit GnRH release.
cell During puberty, testosterone does not completely suppress
GnRH release, resulting in increased production of FSH, LH,
REGULATION OF REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE and testosterone.
SECRETION

EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone – major male hormone secreted by the testes
causes enlargement & differentiation of the male genitals &
the reproductive duct system during puberty
necessary for spermatogenesis & for the development of male
secondary sexual characteristics
SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS
Those structural and behavioral changes, other than in the
reproductive organs, that develop at puberty and distinguish
males from females.
Include hair distribution and growth, skin texture, fat
distribution, skeletal muscle growth, and changes in the
larynx.
After puberty, testosterone maintains the adult structure of
the male genitals, reproductive ducts, and secondary sexual
1. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced in the characteristics.
hypothalamus and released in surges.
2. GnRH stimulates release of LH and FSH from the anterior MALE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND
THE MALE SEX ACT
pituitary.
Testosterone - required for normal sex drive
3. LH stimulates the interstitial cells to produce testosterone.
Male sex act - a complex series of reflexes that result in erection of
4. FSH binds to sustentacular cells and stimulates
the penis, secretion of mucus into the urethra, emission,
spermatogenesis and secretion of inhibin.
and ejaculation
5. Testosterone has a negative-feedback effect on GnRH, LH, and
Erection – the first major component of the male sex act
FSH secretion.
Emission – the movement of sperm cells, mucus, prostatic
6. Inhibin has a negative-feedback effect on FSH secretion.
secretions, and seminal vesicle secretions into the
prostatic, membranous, and spongy urethra
PUBERTY IN MALES
Ejaculation - the forceful expulsion of the secretions that have
Puberty - sequence of events by which a child is transformed into a
accumulated in the urethra to the exterior
young adult

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Orgasm / Climax – an intense sensation, that result from 2. infections, such as mumps, which block the ducts in the
pleasurable sensations that occur during the male sex act epididymis
Resolution – a phase that occurs after ejaculation. During 3. inadequate secretion of LH and FSH, which can be caused by
resolution, the penis becomes flaccid, an overall feeling hypothyroidism, trauma to the hypothalamus, infarctions of
of satisfaction exists, and the male is unable to achieve the hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland, or tumors
erection and a second ejaculation. 4. decreased testosterone secretion

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / IMPOTENCE reduced fertility is possible if sperm cell structure is abnormal,
Failure to achieve erections due to chromosomal abnormalities caused by genetic factors
can be due to the following reasons: infertility can also be caused by reduced sperm cell motility
1. reduced testosterone secretion resulting from hypothalamic, 1. A major cause of reduced sperm cell motility is the presence
pituitary, or testicular complications; of antisperm antibodies, which are produced by the immune
2. defective stimulation of the erectile tissue by nerve fibers, or system and bind to sperm cells.
3. reduced response of the blood vessels to neural stimulation. 2. In cases of infertility due to low sperm cell count or reduced
motility, fertility can sometimes be achieved by collecting
several ejaculations, concentrating the sperm cells, and
inserting them into the female’s reproductive tract, a process
called artificial insemination.

SEMINAL FLUID ANALYSIS

PURPOSES:
Fertility testing
Post-vasectomy analysis
Forensic / Medico-Legal cases (rape cases)
SPECIMEN COLLECTION:
Masturbation
Coitus Interruptus (withdrawal method of contraception)
Condom method- SILASTIC Condom (non-lubricated condom
Some men can achieve erections by taking oral medications: that contains polymeric silicone)
1. sildenafil (Viagra) Vaginal vault aspiration
2. tadalafil (Cialis)
3. verdenafil (Livitra)
4. or by having specific drugs injected into the base of the penis
These increase blood flow into the erectile tissue of the penis,
resulting in erection for many minutes.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION
INFERTILITY Abstain from sex or masturbation for a period of 3-5 days and
Infertility - reduced or diminished fertility not longer than 7 days
-most common cause of infertility in males is a low sperm Prolonged abstinence will cause increased semen volume
cell count but decreased sperm motility.
If the sperm cell count drops to below 20 million sperm cells ALWAYS NOTE THE TIME OF :
per mL, the male is usually sterile. Collection- usually done at room temperature but should be
Decreased sperm cell count can be due to the following: maintained at 370C. If done outside, semen must be
1. damage to the testes as a result of trauma, radiation, transported in the laboratory within 1 hour.
cryptorchidism

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Liquefaction- sperm analysis should only be done after 3 - slower speed some with lateral movement
complete semen liquefaction. Normal liquefaction time: 2 - slow forward progression, noticeable lat. movement
30-60 minutes. If complete liquefaction is not necessary: 1 - no forward progression
o Break mucus and clumps 0 - no movement
o Add chemicals like amylase or bromelin, plasmin N.V. 2.0 grade
& chymotrypsin
SEMEN SPERM MORPHOLOGY
Normal volume: 2-5 ml Complete morphology evaluation:
o Decreased volume- infertility or incomplete collection o Head defects, Midpiece defects
o Increased volume- prolonged abstinence o Tail defects, Cytoplasmic defects
Consistency- pour in droplets ROUTINE CRITERIA: smear stained using Wright, Giemsa,
o 0- watery to 4 gel-like Papanicolau (stain of choice for the evaluation of sperm
Normal pH- alkaline (7.2-8.0) morphology)
o Fresh specimen with a pH < 7.2 --> abnormality in the o Observe/evaluate 200 sperms
epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicle o N.V. > 50% should be normal
o Fresh specimen with a pH of > 8.0 --> infection of the KRUGER’S STRICT CRITERIA - measurement of the head, neck
male reproductive tract and tail with the use of micrometer
Sperm concentration - 20-160 million/ml o Normal sperm statistics:
Sperm count - > 40 million/ejaculate § Head à 5um long, 3um wide
§ Flagellar tail à45um long
o N.V. 30% of the evaluated sperms should be normal
Abnormality in the headà affects ovum/egg penetration
Abnormality in the tailà affects sperm motility

SPERM CONCENTRATION
Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber
o Use WBC pipet
o Diluents: Formalin, Sodium bicarbonate, cold distilled
water
o Dilution factor: 1:20
o If 5 RBC squares were used multiply by 1,000,000
o If 2 WBC squares were used multiply by 100,000
o Sperm concentration = # of sperms counted x factor
sperm conc./ml)
Makler Counting Chamber- seminal fluid is counted EFFECTS OF AGING ON MALE
undiluted; sperms are immobilized through HEATING. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
SPERM COUNT Sexual activity is often maintained in men as they age, but the
Sperm count =sperm concentration x volume of seminal fluid frequency of sexual intercourse usually decreases gradually.
Normal value = ≥ 40 million per ejaculate Benign prostatic enlargement is common after 50 years of
SPERM MOTILITY age. A major consequence of prostatic enlargement is
wet preparation, seminal fluid is spread on the slide, blockage of the prostatic urethra.
evaluation is done at least 20 high power field The frequency of prostate cancer also increases as men age
N.V. > 50% within 1 hour should be motile and is a significant cause of death in men.
Grading: The tendency for erectile dysfunction increases as men age.
4 - rapid straight line motility