MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Male Reproductive System:

The male genital organs include Testes, epididymis, Deferent duct Ejaculatory duct and penis. Certain accessary organs are also included for e.g Seminal vesicles, Prostate and bulbourethral glands.

Function of the male reproductive organs are:

1. Production, maturation and storage of spermatozoa
2. Delivery of spermatozoa in semen into the female reproductive tract.

Scrotum:

The scrotum is a pouch of pigmented skin, fibrous and connective tissue and smooth muscles. It is divided into two compartments, each of which contains one testis, one epididymis and the testicular end of a spermatic cord. It lies below the symphysis pubis, in front of the upper parts of the thighs and behind the penis.

Testes:

The testes are the male reproductive glands and are the equivalent of the ovaries in the female. They are about 4.5cm long, 2.5cm wide and 3cm thick and are the suspended in the scrotum by the spermatic cords. They are surrounded by three layers of tissue.

1. Tunic Vaginalis (Peritoneal layer)
2. Tunic Albuginea

(Fibrous layer)

3. Tunic Vasculosa.

(Vascular layer)

Structure Of Testes:

In each testis are 200-300 lobules, and within each lobule are 1-4 convoluted loops of germinal epithelial cells, called seminiferous tubes.

Functions Of Testes:

Spermatozoa (sperm) are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, and mature as they pass through the long and convoluted epididymis,  where they are stored.

Epididymis:

It is a tortous canal, folded on its self forming the first part of efferent route from the testis. It form a long and narrow body attached to postero lateral part of testis. Its lower end or tail is continuous with the ductus deferens.

The Ductus Deferens:

It is the continuation of duct of epididymis. At first it is tortous but as it ascends along the medial border of scrotum it gradually straightens up. Then it passes backwards and downwards, enters into the inguinal canal and finally opens on both sides into the seminal vesicles.

Seminal Vesicles:

These are two sacculated tubes placed between the posterior surface of bladder and rectum. The lower end of each vesicle becomes constricted into a narrow duct which joins the ductus  deferens of same side to form the ejaculatory duct.

Functions of seminal vesicles:

The seminal vesicles contract and expel their stored con- tents, seminal fluid, during ejaculation. Seminal fluid, which forms 60% of the volume of semen, is alkaline to

Ejaculatory Ducts:

One on each side of median plane are formed by union of duct of seminal vesicle and deferent duct. They are 2 cms long and open into urethra.

Functions:

The prostate gland secretes a thin, milky fluid that makes up about 30% of the volume of semen, and gives it its milky appearance. It contains a clotting enzyme, which thickens the semen in the vagina, increasing the likely- hood of semen being retained close to the cervix.

Urethra:

The male urethra provides a common pathway for the flow of urine and semen. It is about 19-20 cm long and consists of three parts.

The Penis:

The penis is the male organ of copulation. It consists of an attached or a fixed part known as “Root” and a free pendulous part the “Body”.