PHYSIOLOGY OF THE MALE

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

DR. LUH PUTU RATNA SUNDARI, M. BIOMED

PHYSIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Male Reproductive System

Learning Objectives:
After studying this chapter, student should be
able to :
1. Describe the structure and function of the testes
2. Explain the control of steroid hormone production
by the testes
3. Describe the endocrine control of male
reproductive function
Male Reproductive System

Consist of :
1. Testes
2. Internal Genitalia (Accessory gland and ducts
include prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and
bulbourethral (Cowper,s glands)
3. External Genitalia (Penis and Scrotum)
 Male Reproductive System

Seminal vesicle-
semen Ductus deferens-
Prostate-
sperm duct
semen
Urethra-urine Peni
Epididymis-sperm s
maturation
Scrotum-cools
testis
Testis-sperm
formation
Gonads, ducts, sex glands & supporting structures
 Thermoregulation of testes
Scrotum is a sac of
loose skin, fascia &
smooth muscle divided
into two pouches by a
septum
Temperature
regulation of testes
Sperm survival requires
2-3 degrees lower
temperature than core
body temperature
Muscle in scrotum
Elevates testes on exposure
to cold & during arousal
Warmth reverses the
process
Effect of Temperature

Spermatogenesis requires a temperature lower than

interior body temperature.
Testes are normally maintained at 32-35C.
Keep cool by air circulating around the scrotum and
by heat exchange in a countercurrent between the
spermatic arteries and vein.
Testes Function

1. Produce Sperm (Spermatogenesis)

2. Produce Male Sex Hormones
(Testosterone)
 Spermatogenesis
Sperm forming cells go through two meiotic divisions

Each of four spermatids

develop into a sperm
Second meiosis division give
four spermatids,each with 23
single stranded chromosomes
First meiosis division give two
secondary spermatocytes,
each with 23 chromosomes
that become double stranded.
Primary spermatocyte with
2n=46 chromosomes
Spermatogonium with 2n=46
chromosomes multiply by
mitosis.
 Semen

Semen
Mixture of sperm and male accessories gland
fluid
Typical volume 2.5-5 mL with 50-150 million
sperm/mL
Slightly alkaline pH of 7.2-7.7 due to seminal
vesicle secretions
Provides transport medium, nutrients, and
protection
Coagulates after ejaculation due to clotting
proteins

Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

 COMPONENTS OF SEMEN

SPERMATOZOA
50 150 MILLION PER MILLILITER
FRUCTOSE
PROVIDES ENERGY FOR SPERM MOTILITY
SPERMINE
BASE, NEUTRALIZES VAGINAL ACIDITY
FIBRINOGEN
SEMEN CLOT, ADHERE TO VAGINA & CERVIX
CLOTTING ENZYMES
FIBRINOGEN FIBRIN
FIBRINOLYSIN
DISSOLVES FIBRIN 15 30 MIN AFTER EJACULATION
PROSTAGLANDINS
STIMULATES PERISTALTIC CONTRACTIONS OF UTERUS
DRAWS SPERM INTO UTERUS
DECREASES VISCOSITY OF CERVICAL MUCUS
 Accessory Male Glands

Prostate
Secretes 30%
of milky, slightly
acidic seminal
Seminal Vesicles fluid with an
Secrete 60% of clear, antibiotic to kill
alkaline seminal fluid, with bacteria
fructose sugar, ATP and
prostaglandins for normal
Cowpers Glands
sperm nutrition & function
Secrete clear,
Chemicals for coagulation
alkaline
of semen
mucus to buffer and
lubricate urethra

Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Synthesis and Secretion of Testosteron

Testosterone, the major androgenic hormone.

Synthesized and secreted by the leydig cells.
The steroidogenic pathways in the testes, are similar
to adrenal cortex.
Testosterone is not active in all androgenic target
tissues.
98 % of the circulating testosterone is bound to
plasma proteins, such as sex steroid binding globulin
and albumin.
Only free testosterone is biologically active.
Sex steroid binding globulin essentially functions as
a reservoir for the circulating hormone.
Testosterone is responsible for the fetal
differentiation of the internal male genital tract: the
epidydymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Normal Testosteron Level
 Puberty and Testosterone

- Puberty: Age at which individuals become capable of

sexual reproduction
- At puberty, testosterone is responsible for:
1. increased muscle mass,
2. the pubertal growth spurt,
3. closure of the ephyphyseal plates,
4. growth of the penis and seminal vesicles,
5. deepening of the voice,
6. spermatogenesis, and
7. libido.
 PUBERTY

Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

 Male Sexual Behavior and
Male Sex
28-
Act
20

Male sexual behavior

Testosterone required to initiate and maintain
Male sex act
Complex series of reflexes that result in
erection of penis, secretion of mucus into
urethra, emission, ejaculation
Sensations result in orgasm associated with
ejaculation and then resolution
 Erection and Lubrication
Sexual stimulation
Parasympathetic nervous system reflex
Dilation of the arterioles supplying the penis
Blood enters the penis compressing the veins so that
the blood is trapped
Blood sinuses of penis engorge with blood erection
Parasympathetic reflexes also stimulate secretion of
mucus by the urethral glands.
The mucus aids in vaginal lubrication during coitus
Neural Control
28-
of Erection
22
 Emission and Ejaculation
Emission
Muscle contractions close sphincter at base of
bladder
Fluids propelled through ductus deferens, seminal
vesicles, & ejaculatory ducts into bulb of penis
Prostatic fluid secreted into urethra

Ejaculation
Sympathetic nervous system reflex

Skeletal muscles squeeze semen out through

urethra
Male Sex Hormones

1. Testosteron is an anabolic steroid hormone

secreted by the Leydig Cells of the testes.
2. Gn-RH increases release of LH and FSH from
anterior pituitary gland
3. LH stimulates testosterone formation by the Leydig
Cells
4. FSH stimulates spermatogenesis and
spermiogenesis
5. Inhibin is formed by Sertoli Cells and inhibit FSH
secretion. Inhibin formation increases as the rate of
sperm cells production increases.
Regulation of Male Sex Hormone
Secretion
28-
25
 Regulation of Male Sex Hormone

- Negative feedback mechanism regulates testosterone

conc.
- As the conc. of testosterone rises , the hypothalamus
is inhibited , and the Ant. pituitary secretion of
gonadotropins is reduced .
- As the conc. of testosterone falls , the hypothalamus
signals the ant. Pituitary to secrete gonadotropins .
- The conc. of testosterone remains relatively stable
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