male reproductive

testes (testis)

• oval shaped

• 2” in length, 1” in diameter

• covered w/ dense layer of fibrous connective tissue (tunica albuginea) that extends inward and divides each testis into lobules

  • each lobule contains 1-3 coiled tubules known as the convoluted seminiferous tubules which produce sperm

• between the seminiferous tubules are interstitial cells of Leydig, which produce the male sex hormone, testosterone

• testes are both exocrine glands (glands w/ ducts) and endocrine glands (glands w/o ducts)

seminiferous tubules

• become straight tubules at the tip of each lobe

• sperm leaves coiled ducts that empty into epididymis, where sperm continue to mature

  • epididymis then becomes the vas deferens (seminal duct)

vas deferens (seminal duct)

• about 18”long and ascends the posterior border of the testis, enters the body through the inguinal canal, enters the pelvic cavity along the side, loops around the posterior bladder, and terminates in the ampulla

• each vans deferens empties into ejaculatory duct

• vas deferens is enclosed in a connective tissue sheath with nerves and blood vessels known as the spermatic cord

scrotum

• pouch of skin containing testes

• separated into lateral compartments containing 2 sacs by the septum scroti

  • median ridge on scrotum (the raphe) marks hte position of the septum scroti

• lies outside the body cavity b/c sperm and hormone production survival require a temperature of about 3 degrees F below normal body temperature

• cremaster muscle causes the scrotal sac to contract when cold and to relax and lower the scrotal contents when exposed to heat

azoospermia

failure of sperm development or the absence of sperm in semen

cryptorchid

undescended testicle

epididymis

coiled tube on the back of the testis, the site of sperm maturation and storage and where spermatozoa are propelled into the vas deferens toward the ejaculatory duct via contraction of smooth muscle

cremaster muscle

covers the testis and the spermatic cord and raises and lowers the testes to control temperature

hydrocele

• accumulation of fluids around the testis, often caused by a remnant piece of peritorneum wrapped around the testis, known as tunica vaginalis - communicating hydrocele.

• can develop in aduls, usually from impaired absorption

orchiectomy

removal of the testicle

orchiopexy

a surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum and permanently suture it into place. also performed to resolve testicular torsion

scrotal raphe

a central line, like a cord, running over the scrotum from the anus to the root of the penis. it marks the position of the septum scroti, which divides the scrotum into 2 compartments

spermatic cord

cord-like structure that starts at the deep inguinal ring and passes through the inguinal canal and exits at the superficial inguinal ring into the scrotum. it contains the vas deferens, arteries, nerves, and lymphatics

torsion of testis

twisting, turning, or rotation of the testicle upon itself, that compromises or cuts off the blood supply

spermatic cord

• primary function: facilitate passage of semen

• problems with function can result in pelvic pain or impotence

• bound by 3 fascial layers:

  • external spermatic fascia

  • cremaster muscle and fascia

  • internal spermatic fascia

hydrocele

buildup of fluid that can happen in the testes or along the spermatic cord

varicoceles

varicosities of the veins of the scrotum. lesions are an area of tissue that has been damaged through injury or disease

lipoma

benign fatty tumor

testicular torsion

cord twists upon itself, leading to occlusion of the testicular artery, which results in necrosis of the testes

seminal vesicles

sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferent near the base of the bladder. they produce sugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperm w/ a source of energy to help them move. this fluid makes up most of hte volume of man’s ejaculatory fluid

vesiculotomy

surgical cut in seminal vesicles. approach can be an incision either into the lower abdomen or perineum (between anus and scrotum)

vesiculectomy

refers to the removal of one of the seminal vesicles. procedure is performed to remove a calculus or other obstruction. approach may either be through lower abdomen or perineum

mullein duct cyst

in utero the Mullein duct usually regresses but it can sometimes leave a remnant that becomes the cyst. considered a congenital abnormality. typically small and asymptomatic but can appear as a pelvic mass or have obstructive or irritating urinary symptoms

transurethral

procedure performed through urethra

prostate

small, walnut-shaped gland in male that is located just below the bladder

trabeculations

characterized by hypertrophied muscles and thick walls, generally caused by chronic obstructionsa

retropubic

means the prostate gland is located behind the pubic arch which is made up of the pubic bones

retropubic prostatectomy

designed to move the gland out from behind the arch

TURP (transurethral resection of prostate)

procedure to relieve urinary symptoms caused by enlarged prostate

BPH

benign prostatic hyperplasia

PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

screening test for prostate cancer

LUTS

lower urinary tract symptoms

cystoscopy

examination of the inside of the bladder and urethra performed with a thin, light instrument attached to a camera that is inserted into the urethra on into the bladder. done to inspect bladder or take biopsies for diagnostic testing

transrectal biopsy method

when physician uses an ultrasonography and images to guide the needle biopsy in the prostate into the appropriate place

transperineal biopsy method

procedure carried out via the skin overlying this genital area and is performed under a general anesthetic. ultrasound probe is passed into the rectum

transurethral biopsy method

physician inserts the cystoscope into the urethra to obtain biopsy