Male Reproductive Anatomy

• A gamete is a sex cell, such as sperm or an egg.

Testes Components

• The testes are composed of the epididymis and seminiferous tubules.

Seminiferous Tubules

• Sperm production occurs in the seminiferous tubules.

Epididymis

• The epididymis stores sperm.

Scrotum

• The scrotum is an external sac containing the testes.

Vas Deferens

• The vas deferens is a tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Seminal Vesicles

• Seminal vesicles secrete fluids that constitute the bulk of semen, protecting sperm with mucus and fructose.

Bulbourethral Glands

• Bulbourethral glands facilitate sperm movement and neutralize acidity.

Prostate Gland

• The prostate gland secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer will affect 1 in 6 men, and it's the 2nd most common cancer in men.

Endocrine System

• The endocrine system consists of glands, organs, and tissues that regulate bodily functions through chemical messengers called hormones.

Sperm Count

• An average ejaculation contains 200-300 million sperm.

Sperm Lifespan

• Sperm can live for 3-5 days.

Hypothalamus

• The hypothalamus monitors hormone levels in the blood.

Pituitary Gland

• The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release certain hormones.

Target Glands

• Target glands respond to hormonal messages by producing their own hormones.

Gamete Production Regulation

• Gamete production is regulated by testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Pituitary Products in Men

• In men, the pituitary gland produces LH and FSH, which leads to testosterone production.

Testosterone Peak

• Testosterone levels in men peak at around age 30.

Enlarged Prostate

• An enlarged prostate constricts the urethra.

Transurethral Resection

• A transurethral resection, which involves partial excision through the urethra, is a treatment option.

Prostate Cancer Stages

• Prostate cancer is staged from A to D.

Cancer Progression

• Progression from stage A to D can take years or decades.

Digital Rectal Exam

• A digital rectal exam involves examining the prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum.

Palpation Stage

• Stage B is the earliest stage a doctor can feel for during a digital rectal exam.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

• PSA test is a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer; elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer or enlargement, but other factors can also cause high levels.

Needle Biopsy

• A needle biopsy is performed if PSA levels are high, to detect stage B or C cancer, and it involves analysis of cancer spread based on the Gleason Scale.

Gleason Scores

• Gleason scores are used to grade prostate cancer, with lower scores indicating a better prognosis.

Radical Prostatectomy

• Radical prostatectomy is the removal of the entire prostate.

Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy

• A nerve-sparing prostatectomy leaves prostate tissue near the nerves.

Surgical Side Effects

• Negative side effects of prostate surgery include incontinence and impotence. About 50% of patients will experience one or both.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy options include beam radiation treatment and radioactive seed implants.