The reproductive system

Gonads

Testes

Where sperm cells develop and male sex hormones are synthesized

Semen contains sperm and gladular secretion

Scrotum

Testes

Paired oval shaped glands

surrounded by dense white capsule called tunica albuginea

Internal compartments= lobules (-250 each)

Each lobule is filled with 2-3 seminiferous tubules where the sperm is produced

Formation of sperm

Spermatogenesis is the formation of sperm cells from spermatogonia​

Sertoli cells (or sustentacular cells) support, protect and nourish spermatogenic cells​

Leydig cells are located between seminiferous tubules and produce testosterone ​

arrangement of sperm

Adapted for reaching and penetrating a secondary oocyte (egg)

The head contains DNA and acrosome (contains hyaluronidase and proteinase enzymes)

The midpiece contains mitochondria to form ATP (form of energy)

The tail is flagellum used for locomotion (movement) to swim towards the egg for fertilization and away from toxicants)

Sperm is produced at the rate of about 300 million a day and once ejaculated, They have a life expectancy of 48 hrs within the female reproductive tract

Hormonal control of the testes

GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) stimulates anterior pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)​

LH assists spermatogenesis and stimulates production of testosterone​

FSH initiates spermatogenesis​