Male Reproductive System Overview

Male Reproductive System

• The male reproductive system is a collection of bodily systems responsible for sexual function in males.
• Structures include external and internal elements, responsible for sperm formation, storage, and ejaculation.
• The system also produces hormones necessary for male development.

Table of Contents

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Imaging Considerations
• Congenital Anomalies
• Neoplastic Diseases
• Inflammatory Diseases

Male Reproductive System Organs

• Internal Genital Organs:

  • Testes: Oval-shaped organs producing sperm and testosterone. Each testis has seminiferous tubules with testosterone-producing cells.
  • Epididymis: Tightly coiled tubes next to the testes; a maturation and storage site for sperm.
  • Vas Deferens: Thin tubes carrying sperm from the epididymis to the urethra; transporting sperm.
  • Accessory Glands:
    • Seminal Vesicles: Sac-like structures near the bladder; producing a yellowish fluid containing fructose.
    • Prostate Gland: Produces a fluid to help move sperm.
    • Bulbourethral Glands: Pea-sized glands connecting to the urethra; producing thick, clear mucus before ejaculation.

• External Genital Organs:

  • Penis: Male external organ, allowing urination and sperm release. Contains spongy tissue.
  • Scrotum: External sac protecting and regulating the temperature of the testes.

Imaging Considerations

• X-Ray: Evaluating bony structures (e.g., pelvic or sacral fractures).
• Ultrasound: Identifying scrotal abnormalities (testicular torsion, varicocele, hydrocele), prostate conditions (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer), or erectile dysfunction (using penile Doppler).
• Doppler Ultrasound: Assessing blood flow in erectile problems, varicocele, or testicular torsion.
• CT Scan: Diagnosing metastases in cases of testicular or prostate cancer, or abdomen/pelvic trauma.
• MRI: Detailed evaluation of testicular masses, prostate diseases (e.g., prostate cancer, prostatitis), or male infertility (e.g., seminal vesicle abnormalities).

Congenital Anomalies

• Cryptorchidism: Failure of one or more testes to descend into the scrotum; caused by hormone imbalances, genetic mutations, premature birth, or abnormalities in the gubernaculum.
• Hypospadias: Common fetal malformation where the urethra opening is not at the tip of the penis; possibly caused by hormonal problems.
• Aphallia: Rare condition where the penis fails to develop during embryonic growth; can be caused by the absence of the genital tubercle or hormonal/chromosomal issues.
• Diphailia: Rare genetic condition; a male with two penises. Developmental issues during fetal growth may be involved.
• Hydrocele: Scrotal swelling caused by fluid collecting in the thin sheath surrounding the testicle; associated with injuries or infections of the scrotum.

Neoplastic Diseases

• Prostatic Hyperplasia: Enlargement of the prostate gland, hindering urination; cause unknown but linked to aging, testicular cell changes, and testosterone levels.
• Prostate Cancer: Uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland below the bladder; linked to genetics, aging, family history, hormonal changes (testosterone), and lifestyle factors (diet and obesity).
• Testicular Masses: Abnormal lumps or growths in the testes; potentially benign (e.g., hydrocele, varicocele) or malignant (e.g., testicular cancer).
• Gynecomastia: Condition causing breast tissue growth in males; linked to hormone imbalances (estrogen and testosterone).

Inflammatory Diseases

• Balanitis: Inflammation of the glands in the penis; often linked to poor hygiene, allergies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).