The Male

Reproductive
System
Lessons:

• 1. Anatomy and Physiology

• 2. Pathophysiology

In this chapter, you will learn about how the

male reproductive anatomy develops, how this
anatomy functions, and how it is controlled. You
will also investigate the effects of aging on this
system, as well as male reproductive disorders.
Your study begins with the primary reproductive
organs in the male – the testes
Lesson 1: Male Reproductive Anatomy

Overview
■ The reproductive system is composed of primary organs that produces gametes.
■ The organs of the male reproductive system include the testes, a system of ducts (epididymis,
ductus deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra), accessory sex glands (seminal vesicles,
prostate, and bulbourethral glands), and several supporting structures, including the scrotum
and the penis
■ In males the primary organ is the testes.
■ Secondary organs and structures are necessary for reproduction to occur.
■ The testes (male gonads) produce sperm and secrete hormones.
■ The duct system transports and stores sperm, assists in their maturation, and conveys them
to the exterior.
■ Semen contains sperm plus the secretions provided by the accessory sex glands.
■ The supporting structures have various functions.
■ The penis delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract and the scrotum supports the
testes.

Testis
■ It belongs to both endocrine and reproductive
systems since they produce the testosterone
hormone and they produce sperm.
■ The testis originate in the retroperitoneal in the
abdominal cavity
■ Each testes is attached to the fetal scrotal
swelling by a short cord called gubernaculum.
■ The testes descend through an opening in the
abdominal wall called the inguinal canal.
■ Each testis has an outer fibrous capsule called
the tunica albuginea.
■ Inside this capsule, is divided into 250-300
wedge- shaped lobules
■ Each lobules contains one to four semiferous
tubules.
■ These tubules lead to a network of ducts called
the rete testis.

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 Secondary Sex Organs and Structures
■ The Secondary reproductive organs and structures in the male are the scrotum, spermatic
cord, spermatic ducts accessory glands and penis.
Scrotum
■ It is a pendulous sac that houses the testes.
■ Along with the penis, the scrotum makes up the external genitalia of the male.
■ Both structures occupy a diamond shaped space called the perineum.
■ The walls of the scrotum consist of skin, smooth muscle and connective tissue. The smooth
muscle wall is the dartos muscle, which reacts to temperature changes by contracting and
relaxing.
■ Externally, the scrotum looks like a single pouch of skin separated into lateral portions by a
median ridge called the raphe.
■ Internally, the scrotal septum divides the scrotum into two sacs, each containing a single testis
■ The septum is made up of a subcutaneous layer and muscle tissue called the dartos muscle,
which is composed of bundles of smooth muscle fibers.
■ The dartos muscle is also found in the subcutaneous layer of the scrotum. Associated with
each testis in the scrotum is the cremaster muscle, a series of small bands of skeletal muscle
that descend as an extension of the internal oblique muscle through the spermatic cord to
surround the testes.

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Spermatic Cord
■ The spermatic cord is actually a bundle of fibers and tissues that form a cord-like structure
that runs through the abdominal region down to the testicles in males. This cord is present
as a pair, with one cord connecting to either the right or left testicle.

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Spermatic Ducts

 Efferent Ductules- from testes, sperm travels through efferent ductules to the epididymis.
These ducts have ciliated cells to move sperm along
 Ductus Deferens- about 45 cm (18 in.) long, ascends along the posterior border of the
epididymis through the spermatic cord and then enters the pelvic cavity. There it loops over
the ureter and passes over the side and down the posterior surface of the urinary bladder The
dilated terminal portion of the ductus deferens is the ampulla. The mucosa of the ductus
deferens consists of pseudostratified columnar epithelium and lamina propria (areolar
connective tissue). The muscularis is composed of three layers of smooth muscle; the inner
andat the tail of the epididymis, the sperm duct makes a 180 degres turn to become the ductus
deferens. This muscular duct travels up the spermatic cord, through the inguinal canal into the
abdominal cavity and goes posterior to the urinary bladder. Like the epididymis, the ductus
deferens also can store sperm for several months. Any stored sperm that are not ejaculated
by that time are eventually reabsorbed.

 Epididymis- is a single coiled duct (about 6m or 18ft) that forms a ridge adhering to the
posterior side of each testis. Sperm mature and stored here. Plural: epididymides. Each
epididymis consists mostly of the tightly coiled ductus epididymis. The efferent ducts from the
testis join the ductus epididymis at the larger, superior portion of the epididymis called the
head. The body is the narrow midportion of the epididymis, and the tail is the smaller, inferior
portion. At its distal end, the tail of the epididymis continues as the ductus (vas) deferens
(discussed shortly)

 Ejaculatory Duct-it carries sperm from the ductus deferens and fluid from the seminal vesicle,
through part of the prostate gland to where it opens to the prostatic urethra. The short
ejaculatory ducts form just superior to the base (superior portion) of the prostate and pass
inferiorly and anteriorly through the prostate. They terminate in the prostatic urethra, where
they eject sperm and seminal vesicle secretions just before the release of semen from the
urethra to the exterior.
Accessory Glands

 Seminal Vesicles- these are approximately the size of a little finger. Which secretes thick
yellowish fluid that makes 60% of semen.
 It contains sugar and other carbohydrates to nourish sperm and a protein that will help semen
adhere on the vaginal walls.

 Prostate Gland- it surrounds the urethra inferior to the urinary bladder.

 It produces a thin whitish fluid that makes 30% of the semen.
 The prostatic fluid is alkaline to help protect sperm from the acidity of the vagina.

 Bulbourethral Gland- named for their position near the bulb of the penis and the
urethra.

 They produce trace amounts of a fluid that lubricates the end of the penis to make intercourse
easier and neutralizes the pH of the male urethra, which usually carries acidic urine.

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Penis
■ The reproductive function of the penis is to become erect to facilitate the deposition of sperm
in the vagina during the intercourse.
■ Half of the penis is internal-root,
■ The other half which is visible externally is composed of the shaft and glans

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 ■ Glans is the expanded distal tip of the penis. It is highly sensitive, for there are many nerve
endings for sexual stimulation.
■ The skin covering the shaft of the penis is loose to allow for the enlargement of the penis
during erection called prepuce. But is often surgically removed.

Anatomy of a Sperm
■ Spermatozoon – two principal parts ( a head an a tail)
■ The head is the nucleus, containing 23 chromosomes and an acrosome cap
■ The tail contains a flagellum
■ Midpiece – section of a tail connected
to the head
■ The function of a spermatozoa is to
deliver their genetic material to fertilize
an egg

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Lesson 2: Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
The developing gonads in the fetus produce large amounts of testosterone to fit into the
receptors so that the male anatomy continues to develop
Testosterone production ceases a few months after birth and remains dormant until puberty
Puberty – the first few year of adolescence
It begins with the production of FSH and LH at age 10-12 in boys and ends with the first
ejaculation of viable sperm at age 13

Hormonal Control at Puberty

 The hypothalamus secretes GnRH at puberty, which targets the anterior pituitary
 The anterior pituitary produce FSH and LH
 FSH targets the testes to stimulate sperm production
 By stimulating the sustentacular (Sertoli) cells, a protein (Androgen-binding protein) is produced
which allows testosterone to accumulate in the tubules to initiate sperm production.
 LH targets the interstitial cells between seminiferous tubules in the testes, telling them to produce
testosterone.
 The testosterone initiates sperm production then travels throughout the body targeting many
tissues to produce the male secondary characteristics

Male Secondary Characteristics

 Skeletal and Muscle development
 Changes in the larynx that causes a deeper voice
 Development of axillary and pubic hair with activation of associated apocrine glands
 Development of facial hair and possible thickening of hair on the torso and limbs
 Development of the libido (sex drive)

Sperm Production
 Starts at puberty to produce cells with only 23 chromosomes
 The type of cell division that produces cells with half the normal number of chromosomes is
called meiosis

Meiosis

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 Involves two divisions
 Between mid-to-late prophase and metaphase, the chromosomes no longer look exactly like the
original chromosomes.
 This is called crossing over, where the chromatids have broken and exchange parts.
 The chromosomes also align randomly before division occurs, which causes an assortment of
chromosomes in the resulting daughter cells
Meiosis II
 Four cells are produced through meiosis II, each having half the number of chromosomes
(haploid)
 The chromosomes in the four resulting cells are not identical to each other due to the
independent assortment and crossing over during meiosis I

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Lesson 3: Spermatogenesis and Spermiogenesis
Spermatogenisis

 It is the first process in sperm production

 Its purpose is to produce 4 cells (each w/ 23 chromosomes from a specialized stem cell (germ
cell) with 46 chromosomes.
 Involves meiosis to form 4 spermatids from 1 spermatogonium.
Germ cell

 are stem cells designed to form gametes.

 Germ cells in male is called SPERMATOGONIA.
 Formed in male fetus and remained dormant until testosterone levels rise at puberty .
Spermatogenisis Steps:
1. Spermatogonium divides by mitosis produces 2 identical spermatogonia. One
spermatogonium (type A) remains near the basement to serve a spermatogonium later while
Type B migrates away from the wall toward the lumen (hollow center) of seminiferous tubule.
2. Spermatogonium B enlarges to become primary spermatocyte. Cell has 46 chromosomes in
this stage. Sustentacular cells form blood-testis barrier (BTB) to isolate the spermatocyte from
the immune system. Meiosis then produce cells with different genetic make-up and these cells
are seen as foreign by the body’s immune system but BTB prevents the immune system from
destroying these cells.
3. Once protected by the BTB, primary spermatocyte goes through meiosis I. This produces 2
equal size secondary spermatocytes each having 23 chromosomes (n). Sustentacular cells
have a blood supply continuing to care for these spermatocytes behind the BTB.
4. Spermatocytes undergoes meiosis II which produces 4 spermatids from the original
spermatogonium type B. These spermatids will then go through the next process –
Spermiogenesis.

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Spermiogenesis

 The second process in sperm production

 Transform spermatids to functional sperm.
 Development of 4 sperms from 4 spermatids.
 During the process, each spermatid forms a tail and sheds its cytoplasm to become a
sperm.
 Once spermiogenesis is finished, sustentacular cells flush sperm out of the
seminiferous tubules. It takes 74 days to go from one type-B spermatogonium to 4
viable, mature sperm.
 Young man produces about 400 million sperm per day.

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Hormonal Control (Adult Male)
■ Testosterone has a positive effect on many tissues but also have negative feedback effect
on the hypothalamus and
the anterior pituitary.
■ Sustentacular cells
produce the hormone
inhibin, when they are busy
with sperm production, so
that FSH from the anterior
pituitary is inhibited.
1. The hypothalamus releases
GNRH to stimulate the
anterior pituitary to release
LH and FSH.
2. LH targets intersitial cells of
the testes to stimulate
testosterone production .
3. FSH targets sustentacular
cells of the seminiferous
tubules to increase
spermatogenesis and
inhibin production.
4. Testosterone stimulates
spermatogenesis,
development of sex organs
and secondary sex
characteristics.
5. Testosterone has a
negative feedback effect on
the hypothalamus and
anterior pituitary to reduce
LH and FSH production.
6. Inhibin has a negative
feedback effect on the
anterior pituitary’s
production of FSH.

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 Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone both bind to the same androgen receptors, which are
found within the nuclei of target cells.
 The hormone–receptor complex regulates gene expression, turning some genes on and
others off. Because of these changes, the androgens produce several effects:
• Prenatal development. Before birth, testosterone stimulates the male pattern of
development of reproductive system ducts and the descent of the testes. Dihydrotestosterone
stimulates development of the external genitals. Testosterone also is converted in the brain to
estrogens (feminizing hormones), which may play a role in the development of certain regions
of the brain in males.

• Development of male sexual

characteristics. At puberty,
testosterone and dihydrotestosterone
bring about development and
enlargement of the male sex organs and
the development of masculine
secondary sexual characteristics.
Secondary sex characteristics are traits
that distinguish males and enlargement
of the larynx and consequent deepening
of the voice.
• Development of sexual function.
Androgens contribute to male sexual
behavior and spermatogenesis and to
sex drive (libido) in both males and
females. Recall that the adrenal cortex is
the main source of androgens in
females.
• Stimulation of anabolism. Androgens
are anabolic hormones; that is, they
stimulate protein synthesis. This effect is
obvious in the heavier muscle and bone
mass of most men as compared to
women.

 A negative feedback system regulates

testosterone production:
When testosterone concentration in the
blood increases to a certain level, it
inhibits the release of GnRH by cells in
the hypothalamus. As a result, there is
less GnRH in the portal blood that flows
from the hypothalamus to the anterior
pituitary. Gonadotrophs in the anterior
pituitary then release less LH, so the
concentration of LH in systemic blood
falls. With less stimulation by LH, the
interstitial cells in the testes secrete less
testosterone, and there is a return to
homeostasis. If the testosterone
concentration in the blood falls too low,
however, GnRH is again released by the

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 hypothalamus and stimulates secretion of LH by the anterior pituitary. LH in turn stimulates
testosterone production by the testes.

Pathway For Sperm

■ Sperm travel from the seminiferous tubules to the rete testes to
the efferent ductules to the epididymis to the ductus deferens
to the ejaculatory ducts to the urethra to the outside of the body

Lesson 4: Male Sexual Response

Arousal

 Result of autonomic reflex from stimulation of penis.

 Neutral signals cause the arteries in the penis to delate, so the penile erectile tissues
engorge with blood.
 Compresses the veins carrying blood away from the penis.
 The penis become enlarge, rigid and erect.
 Bulbourethral glands also secrete their lubricating fluid.
Emission

 Sperm are move by peristaltic contractions through the ductus deferens to its ampulla.
 Contractions here move sperm through the ejaculatory duct to the urethra.
 In addition, the prostate and seminal vesicles and their secretions to semen during this
stage.

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Ejaculation

 Pronounced, temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure

 The internal urethral sphincter closes, so sperm and urine never mix.
 A typical ejaculation has a volume greater than 2.5 ml with more than 0 million sperm/ml of
which 60% are normal-shaped and motile
 The release of tension and accompanying intense, pleasurable sensation for the male during
ejaculation make up the male orgasm.
Resolution

 Immediately follows ejaculation.

 Sympathetic neurons constrict the arteries bringing blood to the penis.
 The trabecular muscles in the erectile tissues contract to force excess blood from the penis
through the veins.
 The penis decreases in size and becomes flaccid again.
 A refractory period of 10 minutes to a few hours follows resolution during which this time the
male us unable to have another erection.

Lesson 5: Effects of Aging on the Male Reproductive System

Testosterone Production
■ peaks at age 20 and declines from there, so that as age 80, a male may make only 20% of
his peak production of testosterone.
■ the decreased level of testosterone does not mean sperm reproduction ceases.
■ men in the 70’s and 80’s have fathered children.
■ The negative feedback mechanism of high mechanism of high testosterone is also lost by
the greatly diminished testosterone levels.
■ GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) is not inhibited, and FSH (follicle-stimulating
hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) levels increase, rising to significantly higher levels
after age 50.
Climacteric or Andropause
■ caused by the FSH and LH levels.
■ referred to as the “male menopause”
■ Most men have few symptoms during ANDROPAUSE, but some may experience hot flashes
and mood swings.
Erectile Dysfunction
(ED or Impotence)
■ An occasional inability to achieve an erection is not considered erectile dysfunction.
■ Is frequent inability to achieve an erection sufficient to penetrate a vagina.
■ Occurs in about 20% of men in their 60s and increase to 50% of men in their 80s.

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■ In normal erection, a nerve stimulus results in the release of chemical that causes the
smooth muscle in the arteries delivering blood to the penis to relax. So the arteries dilate
until an enzyme degrades the chemical. Drugs, such as SILDENAFIL (VIAGRA),
VARDENAFIL (LEVITRA), AND TADALAFIL (CIALIS) treat erectile dysfunction by inhibiting
the enzyme that degrades the chemical so that the arteries remain dilated longer.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
■ The size of the prostate remains relatively stable in an adult until about age 45, then it slowly
enlarges.
■ 80% of men have BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH) APR by the age of 80. As
the name suggests, this is a noncancerous, nonmetastatic enlargement, which grows toward
the middle of the prostate. This enlargement compresses the urethra, making micturition and
emptying the bladder more difficult. A man with this condition has frequent micturition
because the bladder is not fully emptied and has difficulty maintaining a steady stream of
urine.

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Common Diagnostic Test for Male Reproductive System Disorders

Diagnostic test Description Picture

or screening

A procedure in which ultrasound

Transrectal technology is used to assess the
ultrasound and prostate for evidence of cancer. If a
biopsy of the mass is detected, a sample is collected
prostate and examined by a laboratory for the
presence of cancerous cells.

An imaging technique in which sound

waves create visual images of internal
structures. Ultrasound may be used to
Ultrasound
determine the cause of a hydrocele,
examine a mass in the testis, an
diagnose epididymitis and
cryptorchidism

A procedure in which the doctor inserts

finger into the rectum to detect any
Digital rectal exam
abnormalities, such as an enlarged
prostate.

Laboratory tests/ Procedures that involve collecting urine

microscopic or specimen samples from the urinary
examination of tract to determine the presence of
samples viruses or bacteria that may cause
infection

a test that measures the presence of

Prostate specific
prostate-specific antigens in the blood.
antigen (PSA) test
Increased levels may indicate prostate
cancer.

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Male Reproductive System Disorders

Prostate Cancer

 Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 50. In this condition, the
prostatic enlargement occurs to the outside, so there is little effect on the urethra.
The lack of the typical symptoms seen with BPH may allow the cancer to
proceed undetected.
 A digital rectal exam (DRE) can be performed from the rectum by palpating the
prostate to check its size.
 This cancer can also be detected by a blood test measuring prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) levels. This antigen is produced in greater amounts when prostate
cancer is present. Eighty percent of individuals survive prostate cancer if it is
detected and treated early.

Testicular Cancer

 Testicular cancer is most common in white males between the ages of 15 and
34. Routine testicular self-exams are recommended for early detection. This form
of cancer is highly curable if treated early.

Hypospadias

 Hypospadias is a congenital defect (present at birth) in which the urethra opens

on the ventral side or base of the penis instead of on the tip of the glans. It can
usually be surgically corrected during an infant’s first year.

Hydrocele

 Condition in which fluid has accumulated and caused swelling in the scrotum. It
can also affect adult men, resulting from a disorder of the testis such as
epididymis or testicular cancer.
 Hydroceles typically do not cause additional symptoms other than swelling. Most
hydroceles are left to itself.

Epididymitis

 Inflammation of the epididymis, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

 Symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness, fever, and fluid around the testes.
 Physical exam, ultrasound, and urinalysis are used to diagnose this condition.
 Treatment involves antibiotics for the bacterial infection and immobilization of the
scrotum to reduce pain from repetitive movements.

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Phimosis

 Condition of the penis characterized by tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back
over the glans penis.
 This condition usually happens in newborns and young boys and can resolve on
its own.
 The tight foreskin can interfere with normal function of the penis, such as
urination and sexual activity.
 Treatment is application of a corticosteroid cream that stretches the foreskin.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD’s)

 It is known as sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)

 These are infections that are passed through sexual contact.

The most common STD’s are:

 Herpes
-A viral infection that causes sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
 HIV
-The virus that cause AIDS. Can be passed through contact with the body fluids of
an infected person.
 Human papilloma virus (HPV)
-A viral infection resulting in the growth of warts on the genitals. The infection is
caused by the human papillomavirus.
 Gonorrhea
-An STD caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium
 Chlamydia
-An STD caused by chlamydia trachomatis bacterium
 Syphilis
 -An STD caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium.

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