Male Reproductive System Overview

Male Reproductive System

• The male reproductive system is responsible for sexual function in males.
• It consists of external and internal structures for sperm formation, storage, ejaculation, and production of crucial male hormones.

Table of Contents

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

Internal Genital Organs

• Testes: Oval-shaped organs producing sperm and testosterone. Made of tightly coiled seminiferous tubules containing testosterone-producing cells.
• Epididymis: Coiled tubes on the testicles, acting as a maturation and storage site for sperm.
• Vas Deferens: Thin tubes carrying sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
• Seminal Vesicles: Sac-like structures attached to the vas deferens, producing a yellowish fluid with fructose.
• Prostate Gland: Responsible for producing a liquid mixture with sperm cells for seminal fluid; it secretes fluid to help move sperm.
• Bulbourethral/Cowper's Glands: Pea-sized glands connected to the urethra, secreting thick, clear mucus before ejaculation.

External Genital Organs

• Penis: External male organ for urination and sperm exit, containing spongy tissue that becomes engorged with blood.
• Scrotum: External sac of skin holding the testes, maintaining them slightly cooler than body temperature.

Imaging Considerations

• X-Ray: Used to evaluate bony structures like pelvis or sacrum (fractures)
• Ultrasound: Evaluating scrotal abnormalities (testicular torsion, varicocele, hydrocele), prostate issues (benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer), and erectile dysfunction (via penile Doppler).
• Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluating blood flow in erectile dysfunction, varicocele, and testicular torsion.
• CT Scan: Assessing metastases in testicular or prostate cancer; also used in trauma to evaluate abdominal or pelvic organs.
• MRI: Detailed evaluation of testicular masses, prostate diseases (prostatitis, prostate cancer), male infertility (seminal vesicle abnormalities)

Congenital Anomalies

• Cryptorchidism: Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum; causes include hormonal imbalances, genetic mutations, premature birth, or abnormalities in the gubernaculum.
• Hypospadias: Common malformation in fetal development where the urethra opens abnormally on the penis (not at the head.) Often caused by hormonal problems.
• Aphallia: Rare condition where a penis fails to develop during embryonic growth; believed a result of the absence of genital tubercle or incomplete development, impacting hormone and chromosomal levels.
• Diphallia: Rare genetic condition where males are born with two penises; possibly linked to gene mutations causing abnormal fetal development.
• Hydrocele: Scrotal swelling due to fluid collecting in the thin tissue surrounding the testicle. Typically caused by injuries to the scrotum or infections.

Neoplastic Diseases

• Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland, often linked to aging and hormonal changes. Exact cause unknown but possibly related to changes in cells and testosterone levels that can impact urination.
• Prostate Cancer: Uncontrolled growth of prostate cells; causes include genetic mutations, aging, family history, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors (diet, obesity). Exact cause unclear.
• Testicular Masses: Abnormal lumps or growths. May be benign like hydroceles or varicoceles, or malignant (cancerous); can cause swelling, pain, or feeling heaviness.
• Gynecomastia: Condition causing breast tissue increase in males, often due to hormonal imbalance (estrogen and testosterone).

Inflammatory Diseases

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

This quiz covers the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system, detailing its various structures and functions. Understand the roles of the internal genital organs, including the testes, epididymis, and prostate gland in sperm formation and hormonal production.