Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

Chapter 3

ANSC 308

Testicle begins development in mesonephric region of the embryo and is pulled, by the gubernaculum, along with a fold of the peritoneum into the scrotal region

Location outside of the body cavity is important for temperature control, testicle must be 2-4 deg. below body temperature for sperm production

Temperature control

Spermatic cordSpermatic arteryPampiniform plexusDeferent duct (vas deferens) Cremaster muscle

Scrotal sacLocation

Thermosensors in skin

Sweat glands

Insulation

Tunica dartos

Male Tubular SystemSeminiferous tubules

Rete tubules

Epididymis

Head

Body

Tail

Ductus deferens (vas deferens)

Urethra

Accessory GlandsAmpulla

Vesicular glands seminal vesicles

Prostate glandDisseminateCorpus

Bulbourethral gland

Sertoli Cells (nurse cells)

Receptors for FSH & testosterone

Produce – androgen binding protein - sulfated glycoproteins - transferin - inhibin

Junctional complexes

Leydig Cells (interstitial cells)

Receptors for LH

Produce Testosterone

Spermatogonia – division by mitosis

Spermatocytes – division by meiosis

Intercellular bridges

Seminiferous Tubule – cross section

Epididymis

Rete Testis

Head – not motile - proximal cytoplasmic droplet

Body – gain motility - cytoplasmic droplet moves distal

Tail – progressive forward motility - rotational movement - only a few distal cytoplasmic droplets - fertile potential - primary storage site

Ejaculation