Chapter 31: Male reproductive system

Sexual reproduction male reproductive system consist of organs whose

functions are to produce, transfer, and introduce mature sperm into the
female reproductive tract, where fertilization can occur
Classified as essential organs for production of gametes or accessory organs
that support the reproductive process
Essential organs: Gonads of the male; testes
Accessory organs of reproduction
Genital duct convey sperm outside the body, pair of epididymitis,
paired vasa differentia, pair of ejaculatory duct, and the urethra
Accessory glands produce secretion that nourish, transport, and
mature sperm, pair of seminal vesicle, the prostate, and the pair of
bulbourethral glands
Supporting structure: scrotum, penis, and spermatic cords
Perineum: in males. Roughly diamond shaped area between thighs; extends
anteriorly from pubicis is the symphysis to coccyx posteriorly; lateral
boundary is the ischial tuberosity on either side. divided into the urogenital
triangle and the anal triangle
TESTES
Structures and location
Several lobules composed of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells
separated by septa and encased in fibrous capsule called the tunica
albuginea
Seminiferous tubules in testis open into a plexus called testis, which is
drained by a series of efferent ductile that emerge from the top of the
organ and the head of epididymis
Located in Scutum, one testis in each of two scrotal compartment
Microscopic anatomy
Interstitial cells; endocrine cells between the seminiferous tubules
Seminiferous tubules
Spermatogenic cells produce sperm
Functions
Spermatogenesis: formation of mature male gametes by seminiferous
tubules, stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior
pituitary.
Function
Secretion of hormones by interstitial cells
Testosterone
Type of androgen: maleness hormone
Functions include promoting primary and secondary male sexual
characteristics and anabolism, affecting fluid and electrolyte
balance
Regulated by luteinizing hormone from anterior pituitary
Inhibit: release of follicle- stimulating hormone by anterior pituitary
,allowing the testis some control over spermatogenesis

Estrogen: small amount secreted by interstitial cells, liver and other

organs, roles in males uncertain but may influence spermatogenesis
and other function
Structure of spermatozoa: consist of head, neck, midpiece, and tail: tail is
divided into a principle end piece
Epididymis
Structure and location
Single coiled tube enclosed in fibrous casing
Lies along top and side of each other
Anatomical division include head, body, and tail
Functions
Duct for seminal fluid
Also secrete part of seminal fluid
Sperm become capable of motility while they are passing through
the epididymis
Vas deferens
Structure and location
Tube, extension of epididymis
Extends through inguinal canal, into abdominal cavity, over the top
and down posterior surface of bladder
Enlarged terminal portion called ampulla; joins duct of seminal
vesicle.
Function
Excretory duct for seminal fluid
Connects epididymis with ejaculatory duct
Ejaculatory duct
Formed by union of vas deferens with duct from seminal vesicle
Passes through prostate gland, terminating in urethra
Urethra
Seminal vesicle
Structure and location: convoluted pouches 5 to 7 cm long on
posterior surface of bladder
Function: secrete the viscous, nutrient-rich part of seminal fluid
Prostate gland
Structure and location
Doughnut shaped
Encircles urethra just below bladder
Function: adds slightly acidic, watery, milky looking secretion to
seminal fluid.
Bulbourethral gland
Structure and location
Small, pea-shaped structure with approximately 2.5 cm long duct
leading into urethra
Lies below prostate gland
Function: secrete alkaline fluid that is part of semen.

Scrotum
Skin-covered pouch suspended from perineal region into which testes
descent near the time of birth
Divided into two compartment
Contains testis, epididymis, and lower part of a spermatic cord
Dartols cremaster muscles elevate the scrotal pouch
penis
structure: composed of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue, one
of which contains urethra
functions: penis contains the urethra, the terminal duct for both urinary
and reproductive tracts, during sexual arousal, penis becomes erect,
serving as a penetrating copulatory organ during sexual intercourse
spermatic cords
fibrous cylinder located in inguinal canal
enclosed seminal ducts, blood vessels lymphatic nerves
consist of secretion from testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and
bulbourethral glands
each milliliter contains millions of sperm
Passes from testes through epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct,
and urethra.
Male fertility
Related to many factors: Number, size, shape, and motility of sperm
Infertility may cause by antibodies some men make against their own
sperm
Male fertility begins at puberty and extends into old age
Female reproduction system
Function of the female reproductive system
To produce offspring and thereby ensure continuity of the genetic code
To produce eggs, or female gametes, each of which has the potential to
unite with a male gamete to form the first cell of an offspring
To provide nutrition and protection to the offspring for up to several years
after conception.
Essential organs: gonads are the paired ovaries; gametes are ova produced
by the ovaries; ovaries are also internal genitals
Accessory organs
Internal genitals: uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina- ducts or duct
structures that extends from the ovaries to the exterior
External genital: the vulva
Additional sex glands such has the mammary glands
Perineum
The skin- covered region between the vaginal orifice and the rectum
Area that maybe torn during childbirth.
Ovaries
Location
Nodular glands located on each side of the uterus, below and behind the
uterine tubes.

Ectopic pregnancy: development of the fetus in a place other than the

uterus
Microscopic structure
Ovum: an oocyte released from the ovary
Function
Ovaries produce ova, the female gametes
Oogenesis: process that results in formation of a mature egg
Ovaries are endocrine organs that secrete the female sex hormones.
Uterus
Structure of the uterus
Size and shape of the uterus
The uterus is pear shaped and has two main parts: the cervix and the
body
Wall of the uterus is composed of three layers: the inner endometrium.
The middle myometrium, and the perimetrium
Cavities of the uterus are small because of thickness of the uterine walls.
The body cavity apex constitute the internal os and opens into the
cervical canal, which is constricted at its lower end form the external
os that opens into the vagina
Uterine arteries supply blood to the uterus.