Overview of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is responsible for producing sperm and delivering it to the female reproductive system for fertilization.

The testes are the primary male reproductive organs, producing sperm and testosterone.
Each testis is surrounded by a dense connective tissue capsule called the tunica albuginea.
The tunica albuginea extends into the testis, dividing it into lobules.
Each lobule contains one to four seminiferous tubules, where sperm production occurs.
The seminiferous tubules are the functional units of the testis.

Spermatogenesis: the production of sperm.
Steroidogenesis: production of testosterone, an androgenic hormone essential for male development and function.

Composed of two main cell types:
- Spermatogenic cells: Germ cells that undergo spermatogenesis to produce sperm.
- Sertoli cells: Supporting cells that nourish and regulate spermatogenic cells.

Surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle called the myoid cells, which help in sperm transport.

A series of ducts that transport sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the outside of the body.

A highly coiled, comma-shaped tubule located on the posterior surface of each testis.
Where sperm mature and are stored.
Plays a crucial role in sperm maturation by:
- Concentrating sperm.
- Providing enzymes for sperm capacitation.
- Absorbing excess testicular fluid.

A muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
Plays a role in sperm storage and propulsion during ejaculation.

Contribute to the production of semen, the fluid that carries sperm.
Consist of:
- Seminal vesicles: Secrete a viscous, alkaline fluid that provides nutrients and buffers for sperm.
- Prostate gland: Secretes a milky fluid that contains enzymes that enhance sperm motility.
- Bulbourethral glands: Secrete a clear, viscous mucus that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes traces of acidic urine.

Composed of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue:
- Two corpora cavernosa: Larger dorsal erectile masses, filled with blood during erection.
- Corpus spongiosum: Single ventral erectile mass, surrounds the urethra and does not become as rigid as the corpora cavernosa.

Cryptorchidism: Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum.
Testicular cancer: A common cancer in young men, often detected by self-examination.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, common in older men.
Erectile dysfunction (ED): Inability to attain or maintain an erection.

Leydig cells: Interstitial endocrine cells within the testes that produce testosterone.
Sperm cells: Differentiating germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis.
Junctional complexes: Structures between adjacent Sertoli cells that regulate the passage of substances into the seminiferous tubule lumen.

Responsible for producing sperm and delivering it to the female reproductive system
Consists of testes, excurrent duct system, accessory sex glands, and penis

Paired oval organs located in the scrotum
Responsible for producing sperm and testosterone
Structure:
- Tunica albuginea: Outer connective tissue capsule
- Septa: Extensions of the tunica albuginea that divide the testis into lobules
- Seminiferous tubules: Coiled tubules within the lobules that produce sperm
Functions:
- Spermatogenesis: Production of sperm cells within the seminiferous tubules
- Steroidogenesis: Production of testosterone by Leydig cells located between the seminiferous tubules

Composed of two main cell types:
- Sperm cells: Developing sperm at various stages of maturation
- Sertoli cells: Supporting cells that provide nourishment and regulate sperm development

A highly coiled, comma-shaped structure attached to the posterior surface of each testis
Consists of a head, body, and tail
Functions:
- Sperm maturation and storage
- Absorption of excess fluid
- Transport of sperm to the ductus deferens

A thick-walled, muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
Functions:
- Storage of sperm for extended periods
- Contraction during ejaculation to propel sperm forward

Consists of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue:
- Two corpora cavernosa: Dorsal erectile tissue
- One corpus spongiosum: Ventral erectile tissue containing the urethra

Testicular cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the testicles
Prostatitis: An inflammation of the prostate gland
Erectile dysfunction: Inability to achieve or maintain an erection
Infertility: Inability to conceive
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland

Leydig cells: Located between seminiferous tubules, produce testosterone
Sertoli cells: Support and nurture developing sperm cells
Sperm cells: Developing sperm at various stages of maturation
Basal lamina: Boundary between the seminiferous tubule epithelium and connective tissue
Myoid cells: Smooth muscle cells that help to move sperm along the tubules