Male Reproductive System

Histology 15 NSU Spring 2009 Taken by: Gregory Rodocker

The Male Reproductive System 

Testis  

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Produce spermatozoa Produce hormones

Ducts Glands Penis

Testis 

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Surrounded by a dense CT layer called the tunica albuginea This tunica continues into the testis and divides each testis into 250 lobules Each lobule contains 1-4 seminiferous tubules and interstitial (Leydig) cells

Seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells

Stallion testis

Seminiferous tubules 

Composed of two cell types  

Sertoli (nurse/sustentacular) cells Spermatogenic cells  

Which carry out spermatogenesis Including spermiogenesis

Sertoli Cells for the bloodtestis barrier

Spermiogenesis

Spermatogensis vs. Spermiogensis 

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Spermatogenesis the process by which male spermatogonia develop into mature spermatozoa. Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis which sees the maturation of spermatids into mature, motile spermatozoa.

Sertoli cells   

Support, protect and nurture the developing spermatozoa Phagocytosis of residual bodies as sperm shed excess cytoplasm Secrete fluids to carry the spermatozoa down tubule also Androgen binding protein, inhibin (which feeds back to suppress FSH)

Blood-Testis Barrier 

Two reasons 

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Haploid cells are “genetically” different that ret of cells and blood contains the immune system. Haploid cells are compromised so that they need to be protected from toxins in the bloodstream

Testes Infertility Maturation Arrest

Note the obvious spermatogonia and rest are Sertoli cells

Factors affecting spermatogenesis 

Androgen-binding protein 

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Binds testosterone and carries it into the lumen of the tubule to stimulate sperm development

Proper temperature   

Pampiniform plexus Cremaster muscles Scrotal sweating

Varicocele

Hydrocele