Male Reproductive System Overview

A dense layer of connective tissue that encases the testes, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules.

Tightly coiled tubules located within the lobules of the testes, responsible for sperm production.

The epididymis is a coiled tube where sperm mature, increasing their motility and fertility.

The most immature sperm cells located near the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules.

The vas deferens is a long tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra, where they're ejaculated.

The seminal vesicles are glands that produce a fluid called seminal fluid, rich in fructose, during ejaculation.

Cells within the seminiferous tubules that nourish and support developing sperm cells.

Clusters of cells located between the seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone.

Seminal fluid contains various sugars like fructose, which provides energy for sperm.

The male accessory sex organ that stores and matures sperm cells.

The prostate gland secretes a milky fluid containing citric acid, zinc, and other components, contributing to semen.

The duct that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Prostaglandins in seminal fluid help with sperm motility and cervical mucus thinning.

Semen consists of secretions from various glands, including the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate.

Pair of glands that secrete a fluid that makes up a significant portion of semen.

The secretions within semen provide nourishment, protection, and support for sperm motility.

The presence of a Y-chromosome leads to the development of testes in a fetus, which are crucial for establishing male characteristics.

During fetal development, germ cells migrate to the gonadal ridge and divide to form approximately 6 million spermatogonia per testis by puberty.

The process of sperm production begins at puberty under the influence of gonadotropic hormones and continues throughout life, declining in old age.

The testes are paired oval glands located in the scrotum, generally measuring around 5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter.

The testes are the primary sex organs in males, responsible for producing sperm and male sex hormones.

The testes develop in the embryo's posterior abdominal wall and usually descend into the scrotum by 32 weeks of gestation.

Spermatogonia undergo successive division stages to form primary spermatocytes, then secondary spermatocytes, and finally spermatids, which mature into spermatozoa.

During the transition from primary to secondary spermatocytes, the 23 chromosome pairs of the spermatogonia are divided to form 23 unpaired chromosomes in the sperm.

A mixture of sperm from the testicles and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbo-urethral glands

The average volume of semen released during ejaculation is between 2.5 and 6 milliliters (mL)

Male infertility often occurs when the sperm count falls below 20 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen.

Semen coagulates quickly after ejaculation due to a clotting enzyme produced by the prostate gland.

Semen's alkaline pH helps neutralize the acidic vaginal environment, making it more suitable for sperm survival and movement.

A male reproductive gland that surrounds the urethra and contributes a milky fluid to semen during ejaculation.

Prostatic fluid is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.5. It contains several important enzymes, including acid phosphatase, β-glucuronidase, lysozyme, α-amylase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and seminine. Citric acid, calcium, zinc, and spermine are also present in prostatic fluid.

Cowper's gland is a pair of small glands in the male reproductive system that secrete a viscous, alkaline fluid during sexual arousal.

The penis is the external male sex organ, composed of erectile tissue, which is spongy tissue filled with blood vessels. Erection occurs when blood fills these spaces, causing the penis to become engorged.

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, beginning with spermatogonia, which are immature sperm cells.

Spermatogonia, immature sperm cells, undergo growth and development, transforming into spermatocytes during the first stage of spermatogenesis.

The glans penis, located at the tip of the penis, is primarily made up of the enlarged end of the corpus spongiosum. It contributes to erection and is highly sensitive, responsible for many sexual sensations during sexual intercourse.

Spermatocytes, larger cells formed from spermatogonia, continue to develop through a series of stages, ultimately forming mature spermatozoa.

The process by which a spermatid transforms into a mature spermatozoon.

A specialized vesicle at the head of a sperm cell containing enzymes for penetrating the ovum.

The middle section of a sperm cell containing mitochondria, which provide energy for movement.

The tail of a sperm cell, responsible for propelling the cell forward.

The process of meiotic division in which a spermatocyte divides into four spermatids.

The process of sperm cells becoming capable of fertilization after passing through the epididymis.