Male Reproductive System Key Facts

Male Reproductive System Key Facts

• Leydig (interstitial) cells are responsible for producing testosterone.
• Sertoli cells are crucial for spermatogenesis, aiding in the development of sperm.
• Sertoli cells are also known as sustentacular cells or nurse cells.
• Each adult male testis contains approximately 400 to 600 seminiferous tubules, where sperm is produced.
• Leydig cells produce testosterone, essential for male reproductive functions.
• Sertoli cells secrete inhibin and androgen-binding protein, regulating sperm production.
• The male genital duct system consists of the rete testes, tubuli recti, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis, and ductus deferens.
• Male accessory glands include the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands, seminal vesicles, and prostate, contributing to seminal fluid.
• The epididymis features stereocilia, which are elongated microvilli that aid in sperm maturation and storage.
• Microvilli, known as the brush border or striated border, enhance surface area for absorption in various tissues.
• Cilia, hair-like projections on some epithelial cells, are formed from microtubules and facilitate movement.
• Keratinization is observed in the epidermis, where keratin-filled cells form a protective layer.
• Testosterone is classified as a steroid hormone, affecting various physiological processes.
• Catecholamines include norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are involved in the body's response to stress.
• Protein hormones, such as insulin and prolactin, play vital roles in metabolism and lactation, respectively.
• Peptide hormones include antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin, involved in fluid balance and childbirth.
• Erectile tissues consist of corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, facilitating penile erection.
• Cowper's (bulbourethral) glands in males are homologous to the greater vestibular glands in females, providing lubrication.
• Skene's glands, also known as lesser vestibular glands, are found in females and have similar functions to male glands.
• Bartholin's glands in females are homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males, contributing to lubrication during intercourse.
• Brunner's glands, which secrete mucus to aid digestion, are found in the duodenum.
• The prostate is primarily lined with simple columnar epithelium, important for its secretory functions.
• The epididymis is lined with pseudostratified epithelium, essential for sperm maturation and storage.