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Male Reproductive System, Spermatogensis, Sperm
Male Reproductive System, Spermatogensis, Sperm
Reproductive
Physiology
A. Smooth muscle fibers, called the dartos muscle, in the subcutaneous tissue
contract to give the scrotum its wrinkled appearance. When these fibers are
relaxed, the scrotum is smooth.
B. the cremaster muscle, consists of skeletal muscle fibers and controls the
position of the scrotum and testes. When it is cold or a man is sexually
aroused, this muscle contracts to pull the testes closer to the body for warmth.
Testis
2. Internal Structure :
- Each testis is an oval structure
- Covered by: tunica albuginea
-There are about 250 lobules in each testis.
Each contains 1 to 4 -seminiferous tubules
that converge to form a single straight tubule.
Seminiferous tubules
- comprise 95% of testicular volume, and are devoted to the production of
spermatozoa.
- Small, coiled tubes, each tubule is 30-70 cm long and 200-300 um in
diameter.
There are approximately 500 tubules per testis. The tubules
are divided by fibrous septae, and surrounded by the tough
tunica albuginea.
Testis
[Organization of the cells of the Seminiferous Epithelium:]
(1) SERTOLI CELLS : Nonreplicating physical support cells
Function : -Remove excess cytoplasm from developing spermatid - tubulobulbar
processes
-Move spermatids toward the lumen of the seminiferous tubules - ectoplasmic
specializations
- Nurture and mediate maturation of spermatids
- Segregate groups of developing gametes
- Secrete fluid to transport sperm in reproductive tract
a.Embryonic - anti-mullarian
hormone
b.Adult - inhibin -estrogen - Other factor (not a hormone) - androgen
binding protein (helps transport androgens from interstitial fluid into
Testis
(2) MESENCHYMAL CELLS :
- Each seminiferous tubule is surrounded by mesenchymal cells, which
comprise the peritubular myoid cells whose contractile elements generate
peristaltic waves along the tubules, but do not present a tight diffusion
barrier.
1. The primitive sex cells appear earliest in 4th week of intra uterine life in the
wall of yolk sac as primordial germ cells They migrate to the developing
testes and lie dormant among the cells lining the seminiferous tubules.
2. At puberty the germ cells awaken and start the actual process of
spermato
genesis
3..Spermatogonia are the Germ-Line cells. They are diploid (2n). They
undergo mitosis to reproduce themselves.(Increase in No.)
Functions:
1.secrets a strongly acidophilic and
constitutes 45-80 % of the ejaculate
volume (2-2.5 mL).
2. Its secrets contains several proteins,
enzymes, mucus
and vitamin C.
3. Rich in Fructose ( major sourse of
energy)
2. Prostate
Definition :- The largest accessory gland consisting
of 30-50 branched tubuloalveolar glands.
Empty its secresions in the urethra.
Functions:-
1. Secretions are acidic (pH 6.5).
2.Prostatic fluid contributes 15-30 % or about 0.5 mL to the volume of the
semen.
3.Contains a high citric acid content (maintain the osmotic equlibirium in
semen) , acid phosphatase and zinc.
4. Contains enzymes required for liquefaction of the ejaculate coagulum.
Location : -
- surrounds and opens into the urethra where it leaves the bladder.
3. Bulbourethral glands (Cowper´s
glands)
Urethra
• Passageway for urine and male reproductive fluids
• Extends 18–20 cm: Extends from urinary bladder to distal end (tip)
of penis.
• Is divided into 3 regions:
– prostatic
– membranous
– spongy
Penis
• Contains urethra
• Passageway for ejaculation of semen and excretion of
urine.