Male Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is designed to produce and release billions of spermatozoa throughout a male's lifetime from puberty onwards. This intricate system also secretes testosterone, the hormone responsible for male bodily characteristics such as beard growth, pubic hair, and voice deepening.
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Cellular Biology
The Spermatozoon: A Microscopic Marvel
The male sex cell, the spermatozoon (sperm cell), is microscopic in volume—only one-third the size of a red blood cell and less than 1/100,000th the size of the female ovum. It is a relatively uncomplicated cell, composed of a head region containing nuclear hereditary material (chromosomes) and a tail region consisting of a flagellum.
The flagellum is a hair-like process that makes the sperm motile, giving it a tadpole-like appearance. The sperm cell contains relatively little food and cytoplasm, as it needs to live only long enough to travel from its point of release to where the egg cell lies within the female uterine tube.
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Fertilisation: The Journey of 300 Million
300M
Sperm Released
During a single ejaculation
1
Successful Sperm
Only one penetrates the ovum
100%
Fertilisation Rate
When sperm meets egg
Only one spermatozoon out of approximately 300 million sperm cells released during a single ejaculation can penetrate a single ovum and produce fertilisation. If more than one egg is passing down the uterine tube when sperm are present, multiple fertilisations are possible, resulting in twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so forth.
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Genetics
Fraternal vs Identical Twins
Fraternal Twins
Result from fertilisation of separate ova by separate sperm cells. They develop in utero with separate placentas and can be of the same sex or different sexes.
Hereditary trait
Gene carried by daughters of mothers of twins
Resemble each other like ordinary siblings
Identical Twins
Formed from fertilisation of a single egg cell by a single sperm. The fertilised egg splits and each part continues to undergo further division, producing separate embryos.
Always of the same sex
Very similar in form and feature
May share gestational sac and/or placenta
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Testosterone: The Male Hormone
The male reproductive system secretes a hormone called testosterone, which plays a crucial role in male development and function. Testosterone is responsible for the production of bodily characteristics of the male, including beard growth, pubic hair development, and voice deepening.
Physical Development
Promotes development of male secondary sexual characteristics including facial hair, deeper voice, and increased muscle mass.
Gonadal Development
Ensures proper development of male gonads (testes) and accessory organs throughout puberty and adulthood.
Fluid Secretion
Stimulates accessory organs to secrete fluids ensuring lubrication and viability of sperm cells.
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Anatomy
The Testes: Male Gonads
The male gonads consist of a pair of testes (singular: testis), also called testicles, that develop in the abdomen at about the level of the kidneys before descending during embryonic development into the scrotum.
The scrotum is a sac enclosing the testes on the outside of the body, lying between the thighs. It exposes the testes to a lower temperature than that of the rest of the body, which is necessary for adequate maturation and development of sperm (spermatogenesis).
Important Note: The lower temperature in the scrotum (approximately 2-3°C below body temperature) is essential for optimal sperm production and maturation.
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The Perineum
Lying between the anus and the scrotum, at the floor of the pelvic cavity in the male, is the perineum. This anatomical region is analogous to the perineal region in the female and serves as an important landmark in male pelvic anatomy.
The perineum contains various muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that support the pelvic organs and play a role in urinary and sexual function. Understanding this region is crucial for medical professionals in various clinical procedures and examinations.
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Seminiferous Tubules: Sperm Factory
01
Sperm Production
Seminiferous tubules contain cells that manufacture spermatozoa through a process called spermatogenesis.
02
Cell Movement
Newly formed sperm cells move through the narrow, coiled seminiferous tubules within the testis.
03
Collection
Sperm are collected in ducts that lead to the epididymis at the upper part of each testis.
The interior of a testis is composed of a large mass of narrow, coiled tubules called the seminiferous tubules. These tubules are the primary site of sperm production and represent the parenchymal tissue of the testes.
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Sperm Maturation
The Epididymis
Structure and Function
The epididymis is a large tube at the upper part of each testis where spermatozoa mature and become motile. This coiled tube is approximately 16 feet long when uncoiled and runs down the length of the testicle.
After running down the length of the testicle, the epididymis turns upward again and becomes a narrow, straight tube called the vas deferens. The epididymis serves as a temporary storage site for maturing sperm cells.
16ft
Tube Length
When uncoiled
2-3
Weeks
Sperm maturation time
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The Vas Deferens
The vas deferens is a narrow, straight tube approximately 2 feet long that carries sperm from the epididymis up into the pelvic region. At the level of the urinary bladder, it merges with ducts from the seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory duct leading towards the urethra.
Clinical Significance: The vas deferens is the structure that is cut or tied off during a sterilisation procedure called a vasectomy, preventing sperm from being released during ejaculation.
1
Epididymis
Sperm storage
2
Vas Deferens
Sperm transport
3
Ejaculatory Duct
Final pathway
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Pathway of Sperm: From Production to Ejaculation
1
Seminiferous Tubules
Sperm production begins in the narrow, coiled tubules within the testes.
2
Epididymis
Sperm mature and gain motility whilst being temporarily stored in this 16-foot coiled tube.
3
Vas Deferens
The 2-foot tube carries mature sperm up into the pelvic region towards the urethra.
4
Ejaculatory Duct
Formed by the merger of vas deferens and seminal vesicle ducts, leading to the urethra.
5
Urethra
Final pathway through the penis to the outside of the body during ejaculation.
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Accessory Glands
Seminal Vesicles
The seminal vesicles are two glands located at the base of the bladder that open into the ejaculatory duct as it joins the urethra. These glands play a crucial role in male fertility and reproduction.
They secrete a thick, sugary, yellowish substance that nourishes the sperm cells and forms much of the volume of ejaculated semen. This secretion provides energy for sperm motility and helps maintain sperm viability.
70%
Semen Volume
Contributed by seminal vesicles
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Understanding Semen
Semen is a combination of fluid and spermatozoa that is ejaculated from the body through the urethra. Interestingly, sperm cells account for less than 1 per cent of the total semen volume, with the majority consisting of fluids from various glands.
Composition
Semen contains spermatozoa, seminal vesicle fluid, prostatic fluid, and secretions from bulbourethral glands.
Function
Provides nourishment, protection, and transport medium for sperm cells during their journey.
Unique Feature
In males, the genital orifice combines with the urinary (urethral) opening, unlike in females.
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The Prostate Gland
Location
Located at the region where the vas deferens enters the urethra, almost encircling the upper end of the urethra.
Secretion
Secretes a thick fluid that, as part of semen, aids the motility of sperm cells during ejaculation.
Muscular Function
Supplied with muscular tissue that aids in the expulsion of sperm during the ejaculation process.
Clinical Importance: The prostate gland is a common site of benign and malignant conditions in ageing males, making regular screening important.
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Cowper's Glands (Bulbourethral Glands)
Cowper's glands, also known as bulbourethral glands, are two exocrine glands located just below the prostate gland. These small but important glands play a crucial role in male reproductive function.
They secrete a clear, slippery fluid into the urethra that serves multiple purposes: it lubricates the urethra for the passage of semen, neutralises any acidic urine residue, and provides additional lubrication during sexual activity.
Pre-ejaculatory Fluid
Secreted before ejaculation to prepare the urethral passage
pH Neutralisation
Helps neutralise acidic environment in the urethra
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External Anatomy
The Penis
The urethra passes through the penis to the outside of the body. The penis is composed of erectile tissue that becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal, allowing for erection. At its tip, the penis expands to form a soft, sensitive region called the glans penis.
Erectile Tissue
Specialised tissue that fills with blood to produce erection, enabling sexual function.
Glans Penis
The soft, highly sensitive tip of the penis containing numerous nerve endings.
Urethra
Passes through the penis, serving as the exit pathway for both urine and semen.
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Foreskin and Circumcision
Ordinarily, a fold of skin called the foreskin (prepuce) covers the glans penis. This protective layer of skin is present at birth and serves to protect the sensitive glans tissue.
Circumcision is the surgical process whereby the foreskin is removed, leaving the glans penis visible at all times. This procedure may be performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons and is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures worldwide.
Foreskin (Prepuce)
Natural protective fold of skin covering the glans penis from birth
Circumcision
Surgical removal of the foreskin, performed for various medical, religious, or cultural reasons
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Medical Terminology
Key Vocabulary: Anatomical Terms
Bulbourethral Glands
Two exocrine glands near the male urethra, also known as Cowper's glands.
Ejaculation
The ejection of sperm and fluid from the male urethra during sexual climax.
Ejaculatory Duct
Tube formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicles, opening into the urethra at the prostate gland.
Epididymis
Tube located on top of each testis that carries and stores sperm cells before they enter the vas deferens. Didymos is a Greek word for testis.
Flagellum
Hair-like process on a sperm cell that makes it motile (movable), enabling it to swim towards the egg.
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Key Vocabulary: Reproductive Terms
1
Fraternal Twins
Twins resulting from two separate, concurrent fertilisations of different eggs by different sperm.
2
Identical Twins
Twins resulting from the separation of one fertilised egg into two distinct embryos.
3
Glans Penis
The sensitive tip of the penis, rich in nerve endings.
4
Interstitial Cells
Cells that lie between the seminiferous tubules and produce the hormone testosterone.
5
Parenchymal Tissue
Tissue composed of the essential cells of an organ. In the testes, these are the seminiferous tubules that produce sperm.
6
Perineum
Area between the anus and the scrotum in the male.
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Key Vocabulary: Glands and Structures
Prostate Gland
Gland at the base of the urinary bladder that secretes a fluid into the urethra during ejaculation, aiding sperm motility.
Scrotum
External sac (double pouch) that contains the testes, maintaining them at a temperature lower than body temperature.
Seminal Vesicles
Glands that secrete a thick, sugary fluid into the vas deferens, providing nourishment for sperm cells.
Seminiferous Tubules
Narrow, coiled tubules in the testes where sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs.
Spermatozoon
Sperm cell (plural: spermatozoa) - the male reproductive cell containing genetic material.
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Key Vocabulary: Clinical Terms
1
Sterilisation
Any procedure rendering an individual incapable of reproduction; vasectomy and salpingectomy are examples.
2
Stroma
Supportive, connective tissue of an organ that provides structural framework.
3
Testis (Testes)
Male gonad that produces spermatozoa and the hormone testosterone - also called testicle.
4
Testosterone
Hormone secreted by the interstitial tissue of the testes; responsible for male sex characteristics.
5
Vas Deferens
Narrow tube that carries sperm from the epididymis into the body and towards the urethra.
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Pathological Conditions
Testicular Conditions
Carcinoma of the Testes
Malignant tumour of the testicles, most common in young men aged 15-35 years. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Cryptorchism/Cryptorchidism
Undescended testicles - a condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum during foetal development.
Hydrocele
Sac of clear fluid in the scrotum (-cele means swelling or protrusion). Usually painless but may cause discomfort due to size.
Varicocele
Enlarged, swollen veins near the testicle, similar to varicose veins. Can affect fertility and cause discomfort.
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Prostate Gland Conditions
Carcinoma of the Prostate
Malignant tumour of the prostate gland, one of the most common cancers in men. Risk increases with age, particularly after 50 years.
Prostatic Hyperplasia
Growth (benign) of nodules (glandular and stromal tissue) within the prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition commonly affects ageing men and can cause urinary symptoms.
Important: Regular prostate screening, including PSA tests and digital rectal examinations, is recommended for men over 50 or those with family history of prostate cancer.
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Penile Conditions
Epispadias/Epispadia
Congenital opening of the male urethra on the upper surface of the penis. The term -spadia means condition of tearing, cutting, or rendering.
Hypospadias/Hypospadia
Congenital opening of the male urethra on the undersurface of the penis. This is more common than epispadias and may require surgical correction.
Phimosis
Narrowing of the opening of the foreskin over the glans penis. The term phim/o means to muzzle. May cause difficulty with hygiene and urination.
These congenital conditions can affect urinary function and may require medical or surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for optimal outcomes.
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STDs
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as venereal diseases, are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Understanding these conditions is crucial for prevention and early treatment.
Chlamydial Infection
Bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis) invade the urethra of men and the vagina and cervix of women. Often asymptomatic but can cause serious complications.
Gonorrhoea
Inflammation of the genital tract mucous membranes, caused by infection with gonococci (berry-shaped bacteria). Can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Herpes Genitalis
Infection of the skin and mucosa of the genitals, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Causes painful blisters and is incurable but manageable.
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More Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Syphilis
Chronic infectious disease caused by a spirochete (spiral-shaped bacterium) called Treponema pallidum. It can affect any organ of the body and progresses through multiple stages if left untreated. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are highly effective.
Trichomoniasis
Infection of the genitourinary tract by Trichomonas, a one-celled organism (protozoa). Causes inflammation and discharge. More common in women but can affect men, often asymptomatically.
Prevention is Key: Safe sexual practices, regular screening, and prompt treatment are essential for preventing the spread of STDs and protecting reproductive health.
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Diagnostic Tests
Laboratory Tests: Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is performed as part of fertility studies and is also required to establish the effectiveness of vasectomy. The semen specimen is collected in a sterile container and analysed microscopically.
Sperm cells are counted and examined for motility and shape. Men with fewer than 20 million sperm/ml of semen are usually considered sterile. Various factors can affect sperm count and quality.
20M
Minimum Count
Sperm per ml for fertility
3
Key Parameters
Count, motility, and shape
Fever or infection of the testes may cause temporary sterility. In some cases of mumps in adult males, the testes become inflamed and sperm cells deteriorate, resulting in sterility.
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Clinical Procedures: Surgical Interventions
Castration
Orchiectomy in males, and oophorectomy in females. When a male is castrated before puberty, he becomes a eunuch. His sex organs remain childlike and he does not develop secondary sex characteristics.
Circumcision
A surgical procedure to remove the prepuce (foreskin) of the penis. May be performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons such as phimosis.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR/TURP)
A resectoscope (instrument similar to a cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra, and pieces of the prostate gland are removed by electrocautery (burning) or cryogenic (freezing) techniques.
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Vasectomy: Male Sterilisation Procedure
Vasectomy is a surgical sterilisation procedure for males. The vas deferens on each side is cut, a piece is removed, and the free ends are ligated (tied) with sutures, fulgurated (sealed by means of high-frequency electric current), or occluded with metal clips.
01
Incision
The procedure is performed through a small incision in the scrotal sac under local anaesthesia.
02
Vas Deferens Cut
The vas deferens is located, cut, and a small section is removed from each side.
03
Sealing
The ends are sealed using sutures, cautery, or clips to prevent reconnection.
04
Recovery
The procedure is minimally invasive with quick recovery time, typically a few days.
Important Facts: Vasectomy sterilises the male so that sperm are not released with the semen. It does not interfere with nerves or blood vessel supply to the testes or penis, so hormone secretion, sex drive, and potency (ability to have an erection) are not affected. A small percentage of vasectomies can be successfully reversed with vasovasostomy.
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