12 - Male Reproductive System

Testes structure and function

Located in the scrotum. Produce sperm, the male sex cell. Secrete testosterone, hormone that develops and maintains maleness.

Epididymis

Elongated crescent-shaped structures. Located on top of testes. Storage for sperm before ejaculation.

Vas deferens

Transports sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct

Seminal vesicle

Helps produce a large portion of semen. Joins with vas deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.

Ejaculatory duct

Transports semen to the urethra. Urethra is tube through which semen is expelled from the body during ejaculation.

Prostate gland

Glandular structure beneath the urinary bladder and surrounding the urethra. Produces alkaline fluid that promotes sperm motility. Muscular tissue of prostate aids in expulsion of sperm during ejaculation.

Penis

Composed of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra.
During sexual activity, the penis becomes erect, and semen from ejaculatory duct is expelled through the urethra during ejaculation.

Bulbourethral glands (Cowper glands)

Located below prostate. Secrete thick mucus that acts as a lubricant during sexual stimulation.

What is the purpose of the male reproductive
system?

All organs and structures are designed to produce and deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract, so fertilization can occur

What are the sperm-transporting organs?

Epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra

What are the accessory glands of the male reproductive system?

Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands

What is the copulatory organ of the male
reproductive system?

The penis, which contains erectile tissue

andr/o

male

prostat/o

prostate gland

balan/o

glans penis

vas/o

vessel; vas deferens; duct

orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o, test/o

testis (plural, testes)

vesicul/o

seminal vesicle

olig/o

scanty

gonad/o

gonads, sex glands

crypt/o

hidden

spermat/o, sperm/o

spermatozoa, sperm cells

varic/o

dilated vein

androgenic

pertaining to male origin

cryptorchidism

condition of hidden testes

oligospermia

condition of scanty sperm (production)

balanorrhea

discharge from the glans penis

hypospadias

slit or fissure under or below (undersurface of penis)

spermaturia

condition of urine (containing) spermatozoa

prostatomegaly

enlargement of the prostate

spermatolysis

destruction of spermatozoa

vasectomy

excision of (part of) the vas deferens

android

resembling a male

balanocele

hernia or swelling of the glans penis

gonadopathy

disease of the gonads

prostatitis

inflammation of the prostate

spermicide

(agent that) kills sperm

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) signs and symptoms

Overproliferation of cells within the inner portion of the prostate. Common in men older than age 50 with increased incidences with age. Clinically significant if the enlarging, hyperplastic portion of the prostate
obstructs urinary outflow. Urinary obstruction includes difficulty in initiating urination or in emptying the
bladder completely. Dysuria, nocturia, dribbling, urinary
frequency, weak urine stream, or urinary or fecal incontinence. Symptoms of hydronephrosis or pyelonephritis in severe cases of urinary obstruction secondary to BPH.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatments

Depends on severity of symptoms of the urinary system. Symptomatic treatment may include prostatic massage, catheterization, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Various medications to shrink the prostate or relax the muscles in the prostate. Nonsurgical options to shrink or destroy include transurethral:
– microwave therapy using microwave heat.
– vaporization of prostate using high-
frequency electrical current.
– needle ablation using radio waves.

Surgical interventions include:
– laser surgery.
– transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

prostatocystitis

inflammation of the prostate gland and bladder

pyelonephritis

infection of the renal pelvis and kidney

hydronephrosis

urine accumulation in the renal pelvis

Prostate cancer signs and symptoms

Malignant neoplasm of prostatic tissue. Most prostatic neoplasms are classified as adenocarcinomas. Most men with prostate cancer are asymptomatic when diagnosed. When symptoms are present, they are typically urinary tract symptoms. Tends to metastasize, often spreading to the bones of the spine or pelvis before it is detected. Disease is rare before age 50. Hip or back pain may be present in advanced stages. Tests for presymptomatic men include a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and periodic digital rectal examinations (DREs).

Prostate cancer treatments

Treatment depends on stage of the disease and patient’s physical condition and age. Surgery to remove the prostate and adjacent affected tissues. Hormonal therapies to limit prostatic cell growth, including orchidectomy and estrogen therapy. Radiation therapy to relieve bone pain. Chemotherapy in advanced stages of the disease.

nocturia

frequent urination at night

circumcision

removal of all or part of the foreskin, or prepuce, of the penis

epispadias

malformation in which the urethra opens on the dorsum of the penis

erectile dysfunction

inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse; also called impotence

hydrocele

painless accumulation of serous fluid in the sac that contains the testes, usually caused by malabsorption of the serous fluid

hypospadias

malformation in which the urethra opens on the underside of the penis

sterility

incapability of fertilization or reproduction

Digital rectal examination

Examination of prostate by finger palpation through the anal canal and rectum. Used to detect prostate enlargement. Should be performed yearly in men older than age 40.

PSA test

Blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Elevated levels of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) are associated with prostate enlargement and cancer.

Transurethral ultrasound and biopsy of prostate

Ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum to obtain images of prostate and collect multiple needle biopsy specimens of abnormal tissue. High-frequency sound waves are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the prostate. If cancer is detected, a plan of treatment is determined.

urography

process of recording (radiography) the urinary tract

vesicoprostatic

pertaining to the bladder and prostate gland

prostatectomy

excision or removal of the prostate gland

androgen

forming or producing male (hormones)

urogenital

pertaining to urine and the organs of reproduction

balanitis

inflammation of the glans penis

prostatomegaly

enlargement of the prostate gland

oliguria

urination (that is) scanty

dysuria

(process of) urination (that is) difficult or painful

Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)

Relieves obstruction caused by prostatic hyperplasia. Prostatic tissue is chipped away and flushed out.

Vasectomy

Sterilization procedure. Bilateral ligation of vas deferens to prevent passage of sperm. Commonly performed at outpatient clinic.

Gonadotropins

Hormonal preparation used to increase sperm count in infertility.

Spermicides

Birth control that destroys sperm. Creates a highly acidic environment in the uterus.