Median septum: Divides scrotum into left and right compartments
Spermatic cord:
Fibrous connective tissue channel containing ductus deferens, neurovasculature, and lymphatics
Travels through inguinal canal
Scrotal Temperature Control
Importance: Sperm production requires a cooler environment
Cremaster muscle:
Continuation of internal oblique muscle
Contracts/relaxes to change position of testes
Dartos fascia:
Subcutaneous smooth muscle that holds testes against the body
Alters scrotal surface area to conserve/release heat
Pampiniform plexus:
A venous network surrounding the testicular artery acting as a countercurrent heat exchanger
Testes
Function: Produce sperm and sex hormones
Tunica vaginalis:
Double layer of connective tissue derived from the abdominal peritoneum
Tunica albuginea:
Fibrous capsule that projects into testis, dividing it into lobules
Testicular Lobules
Components:
Interstitial endocrine cells: Produce testosterone
Seminiferous tubules: Site of sperm production
Germ cells: Develop into sperm with the support of nurse cells (provide nutrients, remove waste, secrete proteins)
Spermatic Ducts
Efferent ductules:
Transmit sperm to epididymis (ciliated)
Epididymis:
Site of sperm maturation and storage; single coiled duct; sperm may remain viable for approximately 60 days
Ductus deferens:
Carries sperm into pelvic cavity; ampulla (terminal portion) empties into ejaculatory duct
Accessory Glands
Seminal vesicles:
Contribute about 60% of seminal fluid (contains glucose, prostaglandins, alkaline compounds)
Prostate:
Contributes about 30% of seminal fluid (contains spermine, prostate-specific antigen)
Bulbourethral glands:
Provides lubrication and neutralizes residual acidity of urine
Common Conditions
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Most common prostate condition affecting 90% of males by age 85
Symptoms:
Increased size of prostate compressing urethra
Difficulty initiating/completing urination, potential pain during urination or ejaculation
Untreated, may lead to UTIs or kidney damage
Testicular Circulation
Testicular artery:
Very low pressure (no pulse)
Pampiniform plexus:
Merges to form testicular veins (right to inferior vena cava, left to left renal vein)
Blood-Testis Barrier (BTB)
Definition: Boundary formed by tight junctions between nurse cells
Function: Protects developing sperm and allows nurse cells to control the extracellular environment
Descent of the Testes
Process wherein testes develop in abdomen and descend into the scrotum, carried along by the gubernaculum through the inguinal canal
Inguinal Canal and Hernias
Connection: Between abdominal cavity and external genitalia; can experience hernias where intestines protrude into the canal
Penis Anatomy
Structure: Divided into root (internal portion), shaft, glans (ends at urethral orifice)
Shaft Composition:
Erectile tissue (trabeculae and lacunae)
Contains corpus spongiosum (encloses urethra) and corpora cavernosa (surrounded by tunica albuginea)
Penis Circulation
Supplied by branches of internal pudendal arteries; drained by various venous plexus
Conclusion
Recap on the complexity and functionality of the male reproductive system, emphasizing its critical role in reproduction and various potential health challenges that may arise.