MALE REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM
Histology lecture by

Doc. MUDr. Dimitrolos Kraj, CSc

Department of Histology & Embryology
Faculty of Medicine, UP, Olomouc, CZ

11/2009

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(CHAPTER OUTLINE)

1. THE TESTIS
2. EXCRETORY GENITAL
DUCTS
3a

3b
3c
2b
2a
1

a - EPIDYDIMIS
b - DUCTUS DEFERENS

3. ACCESSORY GENITAL
GLANDS
a - SEMINAL VESICLE
b - PROSTATE GLAND
c - BULBOURETHRAL
GLANDS

4. PENIS (incl. penile urethra)

THE TESTIS
Topics: - MICROANATOMY of the organ
- SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL
- INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF LEYDIG
- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

This is an organ with dual function:

function:
1. Production of spermatozoa
2. Secretion of hormones

THE TESTIS
A]

(MICROANATOMY )

CONNECTIVE TISSUE
STROMA:
- Tunica albuginea
(collagen, fibrocytes
fibrocytes).
).
- Mediastinum testis (hilum
hilum).
).
- Fibrous septa separate
testicular lobules.
- TESTICULAR LOBULE
is composed of 4 highly
coiled seminiferous tubules
surrounded by a loose
connective tissue.

[10]

THE TESTIS
(MICROANATOMY )

A]

CONNECTIVE TISSUE
STROMA:
- Tunica albuginea
(collagen, fibrocytes
fibrocytes).
).
- Mediastinum testis (hilum
hilum).
).
- Fibrous septa separate
testicular lobules.
- TESTICULAR LOBULE
is composed of 4 highly
coiled seminiferous tubules
surrounded by a loose
connective tissue.

[10]

Human testis, LM x 150

(10)

Human testis, LM x 250

(10)

THE TESTIS

(MICROANATOMY
MICROANATOMY))

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
- They are about 50 cm long highly coiled
tubules lined with a special
stratified (seminiferous) epithelium
composed of several types
of spermatogenic cells and
one type of supporting cell.

Structure:
Structure:
1 - Tunica propria is the most external
envelope composed of fibroblasts +
myoid cells.
2 - Seminiferous epithelium undergoes
spematocytogenesis and spermiogenesis.

SEMINIFEROUS
TUBULE

(8)

Septum

Tunica
albuginea

Seminiferous
tubule

Seminiferous
tubule

Testis, seminiferous tubules, LM, x 132

Seminiferous
tubule

(8)

lumen
SPERMIOGENESIS

CELLS IN THE
SEMINIFEROUS TUBULE

(7)

THE TESTIS

(SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS
SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS))

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
Structure (cont.):
(cont.):

1 SPERMATOGONIA (SG)
are the first cells in the lineage of
spermatogenesis.
Small and rounded.
Located next to the basal lamina.
Have pale chromatin.
They undergo series of mitoses
and some of them progress giving
rise to PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTES.
SEMINIFEROUS
TUBULE

(8)

THE TESTIS
(SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS
SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS))

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
Structure (cont.):
(cont.):

1 SPERMATOGONIA (SG)
are the first cells in the lineage of
spermatogenesis.
Small and rounded.
Located next to the basal lamina.
Have pale chromatin.
They undergo series of mitoses
and some of them progress giving
rise to PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTES.

SG

ST2

SG

ST1

SEMINIFEROUS
Testis,TUBULE
seminiferous tubule, LM x 540

(8)

THE TESTIS
(SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS
SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS))

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:

PS

Structure (cont.):
(cont.):
2 - PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTES (PS)
are the largest cells in the middle
zone of the epithelium.
They enter the prophase of the first
meiotic division.
division.
Dense chromosomes are visible
within their nuclei (44+XY).
They develop into

ST2

ST1

PS

Testis, seminiferous tubule, x 540

(8)

THE TESTIS
(SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS
SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS))
SS

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
Structure (cont.):
(cont.):
3 SECONDARY SPERMATOCYTES (SS)

They are smaller cells with reduced

number of chromosomes (22+X or Y).
They soon enter the second meiotic
division to become

ST2

ST1

SPERMATIDS
SS

Testis, seminiferous tubule, x 540

(8)

THE TESTIS
(SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS
SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS))

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
Structure (cont.):
4 SPERMATIDS (S) are very
small cells located close to lumen
of the tubule.
Fine chromatin.
Nucleoli visible.
They undergo a process of

ST2

ST1

SPERMIOGENESIS
(formation of the mature sperm cells)
Testis, seminiferous tubule, x 540

(8)

SPERMIOCYTOGENESIS

sc

Testis, seminiferous tubule, LM x 540

(8)

lumen
SPERMIOGENESIS

CELLS IN THE
SEMINIFEROUS TUBULE

(7)

THE TESTIS

lumen

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
Structure (cont.):
(cont.):

6 - SERTOLI CELLS (SC) are

elongated pyramidalpyramidal-shaped cells
that embrace spermatogenic cells.
Their bases adhere to the basal
lamina of sem. tubules, apices
reach the lumen of tubules.
Have ovoid or triangular vertically
elongated nucleus, prominent
nucleolus.

occluding
junction

tunica propria
(6)

est.

interstitium

THE TESTIS

lumen

occluding
junction

BASAL

SERTOLI CELLS - structure (cont.):

Cytoplasm is rich in smooth
endoplasmic reticulum, GA and
lysosomes.
Occluding junctions are between
adjacent Sertolli cells and
separate the basa
basall and adluminal
compartments.

ADLUMINAL

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:

tunica propria

= blood / testis barrier

(6)

est.

interstitium

THE TESTIS

lumen

B] SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES:
SERTOLI CELLS - Functions:

Support
Support,, protection and
nutrition of spermatogenic cells
Phagocytosis of residual
cytoplasm of spermatids
Secretion of androgen
androgen--binding
protein, activin and inhibin
(to activate and suppress
FSH synthesis).

occluding
junction

tunica propria
(6)

est.

interstitium

OUTLINE OF TOPICS
1. THE TESTIS:
-

MICROANATOMY

- SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS and
SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL

- INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF LEYDIG

- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

SPERMIOGENESIS
Spermatids differentiate into mature sperm cells in 4 phases:
1

Sertoli cell

Sertoli cell

late spermatid

Sertoli cell

Sertoli cell

Sertoli cell

(3)

SPERMIOGENESIS
Spermatids differentiate into mature sperm cells in 4 phases:
1

1. Golgi phase :
In the Golgi apparatus
- an acrosomal granule
(and later vesicle)
is synthesized
- centrioles migrate to the cell
surface opposite to the
forming acrosome

late spermatid

(6)

Sertoli cell

(3)

SPERMIOGENESIS
Spermatids differentiate into mature sperm cells in 4 phases:
2

late spermatid

Sertoli cell

2. Cap phase :
- acrosomal vesicle
cover anterior half of
the nucleus
(acrosomal cap)
- acrosome contains
hydrolytic enzymes
and proteases
- initiation of the
flagellar axoneme
starts at the side of
centrioles

SPERMIOGENESIS
Spermatids differentiate into mature sperm cells in 4 phases:
3. Acrosomal phase:
- advanced condensation of the
nucleus and its elongation,
- mature acrosome at the apical
position covers anterior half
of the nucleus
- mitochondria accumulate at
the base of the flagellum
- flagellar axoneme continues to
grow to the length

Sertoli cell

(3)

SPERMIOGENESIS
Spermatids differentiate into mature sperm cells in 4 phases:
4. Maturation phase:
- most of the residual cytoplasm
of the spermatid is shed off as
a residual body and later is
phagocytized by Sertoli cells
- mitochondria form a spiral
sheath in the midle piece of the
flagellum
- flagellar axoneme of the
principal piece continues
to grow
- spermatozoa are gradually
released into the lumen of the
seminiferous tubule

Sertoli cell

(3)

Spermiogenesis - acrosome phase, EM

(6)

Spermiogenesis - maturation phase, EM

Spermiogenesis head and middle piece, S Sertoli cell, EM

(6)

MATURE SPERM CELL

(CELL PARTS)

HEAD

MIDDLE
PIECE

PRINCIPAL PIECE

END PIECE

MATURE SPERM CELL

longitudinal sections

MATURE SPERM CELL

transverse sections

(3)

NECK

HEAD : condensed nucleus, acrosome, plasmalemma

NECK (CONNECTING PIECE) : 2 centrioles (proximal and distal)

longitudinal sections

MATURE SPERM CELL

transverse sections

(3)

MIDDLE PIECE

MIDDLE PIECE :
- axoneme (9 + 2 microtubules)
- outer dense fibers
- spiral mitochondrial sheath
- plasmalemma
longitudinal sections

MATURE SPERM CELL

transverse sections

(3)

PRINCIPAL PIECE

PRINCIPAL PIECE :
- axoneme (9 +2 microtubules)
- outer dense fibers and fibrous sheath
MATURE SPERM CELL
- plasmalemma
longitudinal
sections

transverse sections

(3)

Mature sperm cell

longitudinal sections

END PIECE :
- axoneme, - plasmalema

(3)

CLONAL NATURE OF
DEVELOPING GERM CELLS

Basal lamina

Only initial spermatogonia

divide and produce separate
daughter cells.
Cell, committed to
differentiation, stay connected
by thin cytoplasmic bridges.

They isolate only at the

terminal stage of the
spermiogenesis.

Lumen

Spermatogenic cycles, human seminiferous tubule

(6)

Spermatogenic cycles, human seminiferous tubule

Stages of spermatogenic cycles display a helical

distribution along the tubule. Consequently, across the
section displays more than one cellular association.
(6)

OUTLINE OF TOPICS
1. THE TESTIS:
-

MICROANATOMY

- SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS and
SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL

- INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF LEYDIG

- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

E] INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF LEYDIG

They are endocrine cells located in interstitium and surrounded by a network of
fenestrated capillaries

Interstitial cells of Leydig

(7)

E] INTERSTITIAL
CELLS OF LEYDIG
Structure:

Polygonal cells arranged in

small clusters, central nucleus.
Eosinophilic cytoplasm,
rich in lipid droplets, well
developed smooth endoplasmic
reticulum.
Crystals of Reineke (2x20 um)
in the cytoplasm.
Function: - Steroid
Steroid--secreting cells

produce androgen (testosterone).

Interstitial cells, testis LM x 270

(8)

E] INTERSTITIAL
CELLS OF LEYDIG
Structure:

Polygonal cells arranged in

small clusters, central nucleus.
Eosinophilic cytoplasm,
rich in lipid droplets, well
developed smooth endoplasmic
reticulum.
Crystals of Reinecke (2x20 mm)
in the cytoplasm.
Function: - Steroid
Steroid--secreting cells

produce androgen (testosterone).

EM

(9)

Hormonal control of male

reproductive system

(1)

OUTLINE OF TOPICS
1. THE TESTIS:
-

MICROANATOMY

- SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS
and SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL

- INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF
LEYDIG
- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

F] INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS
1) TUBULI RECTI: (straight tubules)
- lined mainly by Sertolli cells (S) and
simple cuboidal epithelium (CS)

2) RETE TESTIS (anastomotic network)

- lined with a simple cuboidal epith.
3) DUCTULI EFFERENTES lined with segments of cuboidal cells
with stereocilia and columnar ciliated
epithelium with an irregular outlines
(scalloped, festooned appearance),
thin layer of circular smooth
muscle cells outside of the basal
lamina, at their ends they fuse with
the ductus epidydimidis

CS

(1)

STRAIGHT
TUBULE

(1)

F] INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS - 2
1) TUBULI RECTI: (straight tubules)
- lined mainly by Sertolli cells (S) and
simple cuboidal epithelium (CS)
2) RETE TESTIS (anastomotic network)
- lined with a simple cuboidal epith.
3) DUCTULI EFFERENTES lined with segments of columnar cells
with stereocilia and cuboidal ciliated
epithelium with an irregular outlines
(scalloped, festooned appearance),
thin layer of circular smooth
muscle cells outside of the basal
lamina, at their ends they fuse with
the ductus epidydimidis

RT

TR

ST

Rete testis, Human, x132

(8)

F] INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS - 2
1) TUBULI RECTI: (straight tubules)
- lined mainly by Sertolli cells (S) and
simple cuboidal epithelium (CS)
2) RETE TESTIS (anastomotic network)
- lined with a simple cuboidal epith.
3) DUCTULI EFFERENTES lined with segments of columnar cells
with stereocilia and cuboidal ciliated
epithelium with an irregular outlines
(scalloped, festooned appearance),
thin layer of circular smooth
muscle cells outside of the basal
lamina, at their ends they fuse with
Rete
SEM
thetestis,
ductus
epidydimidis

RT

TR

ST

Rete testis, Human, x132

(8)

F] INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS - 3
Sem

1) TUBULI RECTI: (straight tubules)

- lined mainly by Sertolli cells (S) and
simple cuboidal epithelium (CS)
2) RETE TESTIS (anastomotic network)
- lined with a simple cuboidal epith.
3) DUCTULI EFFERENTES lined with segments of columnar cells
with stereocilia and cuboidal ciliated
epithelium with an irregular outlines
(scalloped, festooned appearance),
thin layer of circular smooth
muscle cells outside of the basal
lamina, at their ends they fuse with
the ductus epidydimidis

(1)

F] INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS - 3
1) TUBULI RECTI: (straight tubules)
- lined mainly by Sertolli cells (S) and
simple cuboidal epithelium (CS)
2) RETE TESTIS (anastomotic network)
- lined with a simple cuboidal epith.
3) DUCTULI EFFERENTES lined with segments of columnar cells
with stereocilia and cuboidal ciliated
epithelium with an irregular outlines
(scalloped, festooned appearance),
thin layer of circular smooth
muscle cells outside of the basal
lamina, at their ends they fuse with
the ductus epidydimidis

(1)

DE

DE
CT

DE

Ductuli efferentes, human, LM x 132

DE

(8)

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(CHAPTER OUTLINE)

1.

THE TESTIS: -

MICROANATOMY
- SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS and SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL
- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

2.

EXCRETORY GENITAL DUCTS:

- EPIDYDIMIS
- DUCTUS ( VAS ) DEFERENS

3.

ACCESSORY GENITAL GLANDS:

- SEMINAL VESICLE
- PROSTATE GLAND
- BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS

4. PENIS:

(Corpora Cavernosa and Penile Urethra)

1]
Structure:
Structure:
Composed of head, body
and tail
tail..
Contains a single highly coiled duct
called ductus epidydimidis (DE).
Surounded by fibrous tissue with
blood vessels (BV).

EPIDYDIMIS

1] EPIDYDIMIS
Structure:
Structure:
Composed of head, body
and tail.
Contains a single highly coiled duct
called ductus epidydimidis (DE).
Surounded by fibrous tissue with
blood vessels (BV).

DE

DE

Human epidydimis, H&E stain, LM x 30

DE

(10)

1]

EPIDYDIMIS

Structure:
Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium (basal cells and columnar cells
with stereocilia
stereocilia).
).
Basal lamina, outer smooth muscle cells.
cells.

(1)
(9)

1]

EPIDYDIMIS

Structure:
Lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium (basal cells and columnar cells
with stereocilia
stereocilia).
).
Basal lamina, outer smooth muscle cells.
cells.
SMOOTH
MUSCLE

(1)

BC
PC

SM

SpC

Ductus epidydimidis, monkey, LM x 270

(8)

PC

BC

Ductus epidydimidis, monkey,LM

monkey,LM x 540

(8)

Principal cell in epidydimis

EM

(1)

2]

Just before its

termination
it dilates to form
ampulla and joins
with ducts of
seminal vesicles
to form
ejaculatory duct.

DUCTUS (VAS) DEFERENS

Vas deferens, overview, LM x5

(6)

2]

DUCTUS (VAS) DEFERENS

Straight thick muscular tube

connecting to prostatic urethra,
Narrow lumen, very thick wall.
Structure: - Mucosa: Pseudostratified
columnar epithelium with stereocilia
stereocilia..
- Lamina propria: Connect. tissue
with elastic fibers, supports folds.
- Muscularis
Muscularis:: smooth muscle with
inner longitudinal,
longitudinal, middle circular
and outer longitudinal orientation.
- External connective tissue is
continuous with the spermatic cord
(testicular artery, pampiniform plexus,
nerves, cremaster muscle).

Ductus deferens, monkey, H&E, LM x 132

(8)

LM x 270

(8)

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(CHAPTER OUTLINE)

1.

THE TESTIS: -

MICROANATOMY
- SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS and SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL
- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

2.

EXCRETORY GENITAL DUCTS:

- EPIDYDIMIS
- DUCTUS ( VAS ) DEFERENS

3.

ACCESSORY GENITAL GLANDS:

- SEMINAL VESICLE
- PROSTATE GLAND
- BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS

4. PENIS:

(Corpora Cavernosa and Penile Urethra)

SV

VD
PG
BG

1]

SEMINAL VESICLES

Two sacksack-like glands composed of a single highly tortuous tube,

(Contain no spermatozoa !!) Structure
Structure::
Mucosa
Mucosa:: - Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with secretory granules
(protein synthesis)
Lamina propria:
propria:
(con.tissue
con.tissue)) with
elastic fibers and
blood vessels,
Muscularis: thin
layer of smooth
muscle cells
Adventitia
Adventitia:: loose c.t
c.t..

1]

SEMINAL VESICLES

Seminal vesicle, human, LM x 132

(8)

Seminal vesicle, monkey, LM x 132

Function: secretion of
spermatozoa-activating substances
(fructose, citrate, prostaglandins)
(8)
is testosteron-dependent

2]

PROSTATE GLAND

It is formed by 2525-50 branched tuboalveolar glands which

open to prostatic urethra.
Prostatic glands have

3 concentric locations
related to the urethra:
mucosal,
submucosal and
main glands

(1)

2]

PROSTATE GLAND

Structure:
Fibroelastic capsule
capsule,, c.t
c.t.. septa.
Fibromuscular stroma (rich in
smooth muscle cells).
Glands are lined by simple
columnar or pseudostratified
epithelium.
Cells have features of protein
synthesis (RER).
Prostatic concretions (P)
(corpora amylacea
amylacea)) are
glycoprotein bodies which can
calcify (diagnostic
(diagnostic landmark).
landmark).

2] PROSTATE

GLAND

Prostate gland, monkey, LM x 132

(8)

Function: The secretion of the prostate gland is

acidic ( pH 6.5). It contains fibrinolysin, citric acid,
zinc, amylase, prostateprostate-specific antigen.

Prostate gland, monkey, prostatic concretion, LM x 540

(8)

3]

BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS

(Cowpers glands) are tuboalveolar mucusmucus-secreting glands

located close to the membranous portion of the urethra.

(3)

3]

BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS

This compound
tubo--alveolar gland is lined
tubo
with a simple cuboidal
epithelium (mucous cells)
In c.t. septa, there are some
smooth and skeletal
muscle cells.
Function:
Clear mucous secretion
(lubricant).

3]

BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS

This compound
tubo--alveolar gland is lined
tubo
with a simple cuboidal
epithelium (mucous cells)
In c.t. septa, there are some
smooth and skeletal
muscle cells.
Function:
Clear mucous secretion
(lubricant).
Human, H&E, LM x 40

(10)

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(CHAPTER OUTLINE)

1.

THE TESTIS: -

MICROANATOMY
- SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS and SPERMIOGENESIS
- STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL
- INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS:
+ TUBULI RECTI
+ RETE TESTIS
+ DUCTULI EFFERENTES

2.

EXCRETORY GENITAL DUCTS:

- EPIDYDIMIS
- DUCTUS ( VAS ) DEFERENS

3.

ACCESSORY GENITAL GLANDS:

- SEMINAL VESICLE
- PROSTATE GLAND
- BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS
(3)

4. PENIS: (Corpora Cavernosa and Penile Urethra)

4. PENIS

Cylindric masses of erectile tissue, one of which

contains urethra
They are surrounded by thin skin

Corpora cavernosa:
cavernosa:
a)

Corpora cavernosa of the penis

(2 dorsally located cylinders)
b) Corpus cavernosum of the urethra
(c. spongiosum)
(1 ventral cylinder)

Penis - transverse section, (s

(schem.)

(7)

STRUCTURE OF THE CORPUS

CORPUS CAVERNOSUM:

CAVERNOSUM

- Capsule of dense connective

tissue (tunica albuginea)
and trabeculi.
- Erectile tissue is formed by
venous spaces lined with
endothelium.
- Deep artery in each of the
cavernous body branch into
helicine arteries which
supply blood into venous
spaces (lacunae).
- Over filing of venous spaces
makes erection possible.
Penis - transverse section, (s
(schem.)

(7)

Dee

- Small veins, that drain

the venous spaces,
penetrate the
tunica albuginea and bring
blood into dorsal and
other veins.

vein

VEINS

Penis - transverse section, (s

(schem.)

(7)

endothelium

Smooth
muscle

Cavernous tissue,
(schematic)

(11)

STRUCTURE OF THE CORPUS CAVERNOSUM

SM
SM

Corpus cavernosum, vascular spaces (SM), LM x 135

(10)

- Small veins, that drain the

venous spaces, penetrate the
tunica albuginea and bring
blood into dorsal vein.
Mechanism of erection:
- Parasympathetic impulses
cause dilatation of afferent
arteries with subsequent
overfilling of venous spaces
with blood (errection).
- This is further increased by
compression of peripheral
veins against the inner surface
of the tunica albuginea.
Penis - transverse section, (S
(Schem.)

(7)

Mechanism of errection flaccid penis

(11)

Mechanism of errection
errected penis
(11)

4. PENIS
c) Penile urethra:
Lined with pseudostratified
columnar epithelium
(stratified squamous ep. in
the glans penis).
Mucous glands of Littre are
scattered along the penile
urethra.

(10)

Urethra, human, LM x 132

Gland

urethra
(8)

4. PENIS
d) Thin skin:
- It covers the body of
the penis (epidermis,
dermis, subcutis
subcutis).
).
- Prepuce (foreskin) is
a fold of skin that covers
glans penis.
- Sebaceous glands are
numerous in the internal
fold of this skin and
on the surface of the
glans penis.
(10)

EMBRYOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MALE
GENITAL ORGANS

RESOURCES:

1 Mesothelium (mesodermal epithelium) lining the

posterior abdominal wall.
2 Underlying mesenchyme (embryonic connective
tissue).
3 Primordial germ cells (immigrant cells).

INDIFFERENT STAGE OF GONADS

DEVELOPMENT
Undifferentiated gonocytes (3rd weeek) develop in the wall of the yolk
sac, cloaca and allantois and migrate along the dorsal mesentery of
the hindgut into
the uro-genital
ridge.
This ridge
appears at the
level of
mesonephros.

(17)

INDIFFERENT STAGE OF GONADS

DEVELOPMENT
At 6th week, the coelomic epithelium of the genital ridge proliferates and epithelial
cells penetrate into the underlying mesenchyme to form the primitive (primary)
sex cords.
The sex cords are connected to the surface epithelium.
At this stage it is impossible to differentiate between male and female gonad.
Presence
of the Y chrom.
stimulates
development
of male
gonads.
(17)

SEX CHROMOSOMES IN GONOCYTES

STIMULATE DIFFERENTIATION OF GONADS

(SRY gene =
Testis Determining Factor)

(15)

FURTHER DIFFERENTIATION
OF TESTIS
Testis determining factor is the SRY gene of the Y
sex chromosome.
Primitive sex cords proliferate and penetrate deep
into the medulla medullary cords
(primitive germ cells and Sertolli cells).

Near the hilum, the cords break up into a network of

tubules rete testis.
A dense layer of the fibrous connective tissue forms
the tunica albuginea, that separates
the testis cords from the surface epithelium.
Leydig cells derive from the mesenchyme between
the cords and produce testosteron.
(17)

DEVELOPMENT OF THE
MALE GENITAL DUCTS
1 - Initial indifferent stage - genital ducts of
both sexes are present.
Ducts in MALES
Mesonephric duct (of Wolff) develops
D. epididymidis
D. deferens
Mesonephric tubules (epigenital) develop
Ductuli efferentes
and also ducts in FEMALES
Paramesonephric duct (of Mller) develops
Uterine tube
MaleTestisDevel.mov
Uterus
Vagina (the upper part)

1)

2)

4)

Testis Ovary

3)

6th week

(18)

1) Regressing pronephros
2) Mesonephric tubules
3) Wolffian duct mesonephric collecting
duct
4) Mullerian paramesonephric duct

DEVELOPMENT OF THE MALE GENITAL DUCTS

2 - Genital ducts in MALES

A few excretory tubules (epigenital
tubules) establish contacts with rete
testis and form efferent tubules.

Male

The mesonephric duct forms the

epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal
vesicles and ejaculatory duct.
The paramesonephric duct
degenerates in males except for some
of its residues appendix testis and
utriculus prostaticus.
6th week

(15)

MALE GENITAL DUCTS BEFORE AND AFTER

DESCENT

(Mller d.)

(Wolffian d.)
(Mller d.)

The 4th month

(meson.)

After descent of the testis

(15)

DESCENT
DESCEN
T OF TESTIS
During intrauterine development
the testis is located in the
abdomonal cavity.
It is positioned retroperitoneally
at the posterior abdominal wall
(as is also the kidney).
Gubernaculum testis is a band
of ligament connecting the caudal
pole of testis, through the inquinal
muscles (intraabdominal portion)
with scrotal folds (extraabdominal
portion).

Testis reaches inguinal canal by

12 weeks, but it appears in
scrotum only by 33 weeks.

The 2nd month

The 6th month

The 3rd month

The 8th month

After birth
(17)

DESCENT
DESCEN
T OF TESTIS

(17)

E) Tunica vag. communicates with the abdominal cavity (inguinal hernia can occur).
TestesDescent.mov
F) Tunica vag. does not communicate with the abdominal cavity.

ORIGIN OF UROGENITAL ORGANS

1

Urinary
bladder

(17)

DEVELOPMENT OF CLOACA
It is divided by the urorectal
septum into anorectal canal
+ urogenital sinus (UGS).

INDIFFERENT

The UGS subdivides into

3 parts which give rise to:

1 - Cranial vesical most of

the bladder.

Anorectal canal

2 - Middle pelvic the prostatic and membranous parts of the male urethra
and the entire female urethra.

3 - Caudal phallic grows towards the genital tubercle the penile urethra.
Cloacal membrane has no mesoderm between ectoderm and
endodermem.

(17)

DEVELOPMENT OF CLOACA
It is divided by the urorectal
septum into anorectal canal
+ urogenital sinus (UGS).

IN MALES

The UGS subdivides into

3 parts which give rise to:

1 - Cranial vesical most of

the bladder.
2 - Middle pelvic the prostatic and membranous parts of the male urethra
and the entire female urethra.

3 - Caudal phallic grows towards the genital tubercle the penile urethra.
Cloacal membrane has no mesoderm between ectoderm and mesoderm.

(17)

DEVELOPMENT OF EXTERNAL GENITALIA

INDIFFERENT STAGE
up to the 7th week.
Distinguishing starts in
the 9th week, and it is
completed in the 12th week.

INDIFFERENT
Urorectal septum

Cloacal folds (laterally to

cl. membrane) develop.

Genital tubercle at the

cranial end of the cloacal membrane (CM).

(17)

MaleExtGen.mov

Labioscrotal (genital) swellings and laterally urogenital folds develop.

Due to fusion of CM with the urorectal septum, CM is subdivided into the anal
membrane and urogenital membrane (they rupture a week later).
UG membrane forms a floor of the urethral groove which is bounded by UG folds.

DEVELOPMENT OF MALES GENITALIA

With phallus elongation, UG folds form the
lateral walls of urethral groove (lined with
endoderm of urethral plate from phallic part of
UG Sinus).

IN MALES

UG folds fuse spongy (penile) urethra, the

surface ectoderm fuses penile raphe (3rd m.).
At the tip of the glans penis the ectoderm
grows inside ectodermal cord, which then
canalizes and joins with spongy urethra (4th m.).
Prepuce by the circular ingrowth of
ectoderm at the periphery of the glans.
It breaks down during infancy.
Corpora cavernosa and c. spongiosum
develop from phallic mesenchyme.

(17)

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PENIS

Labio-scrotal swellings form by their fusion scrotum and scrotal septum.

10 weeks

Newborn

(15)

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PENILE

URETHRA

Urethral folds fuse spongy (penile)

urethra. The surface ectoderm fuses
urethral seam and later penile raphe (3rd m.).
At the tip of the glans penis the ectoderm
grows inside ectodermal cord, which then
canalizes and joins with spongy urethra (4th m.).
(E1)

(17)

COMPARISON
OF EXTERNAL
GENITALIA
MaleUrogenDevel.flv
DEVELOPMENT
IN MALES AND
FEMALES
(E3)

(17)

DEVELOPMENT OF PROSTATE GLAND

Multiple endodermal outgrowths

from the prostatic part of the urethra
into the surrounding mesenchyme.
The glandular epithelium differentiates
from these endodermal cells.
The fibromuscular stroma diff. from
the associated mesenchyme.

(17)

THE END

This presentation was compiled for internal use by

medical students only at the Faculty of Medicine,
Palack University, CZ
Palack
It can not be distributed by any means. DK.

REFERENCES

Some of the pictures and schematics,

shown in this presentation, were
scanned from the following textbooks.

10

Reference numbers are added to pictures in their right bottom corner.

REFERENCES

11

12

16

17

13

18

Reference numbers are added to pictures in their right bottom corner.

Some of the pictures and schematics,

shown in this presentation, were
scanned from the following textbooks.

14

15

FULL REFERENCES

Some of the pictures and schematics,

shown in this presentation, were
scanned from the following textbooks.

(1) Kierszenbaum A.L.: Histology and Cell biology, Mosby, London, 2002

(2) Fawcett D.W., Jensh R.P.: Concise Histology, Chapman&Hill, New York, 1997
(3) Stevens A., Lowe J.: Human Histology, 2nd ed., Mosby, London, 2000
(4) Cormack D.H.: Essential Histology, Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1997
(5) Cohen B.D., Wood D.L.: Structure and Function of the Human Body,
7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2000
(6) Kerr J.B.: Atlas of Functional Histology, Mosby, London, 2000
(7) Junqueira L.C., Carneiro J., Kelly R.O.: Basic Histology, Text and Atlas
Lange McGraw-Hill, New York, 2003
(8) Gartner L.P., Hiatt J.L.: Color Atlas of Histology, 3rded., Wiliams&Wilkins,
Baltimore, 19949)
(9) Krstic R.V.: Illustrated encyclopedia of Human Histology, Springer Verlag,
Berlin. 1984

FULL REFERENCES

Some of the pictures and schematics,

shown in this presentation, were
scanned from the following textbooks.

10) Ross M.H., Kaye G.I., Pawlina W.:Histology, text and atlas, 4th ed., Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2003
11) Krstic R.V.: Human Microscopic Anatomy, Atlas for students of Medicine and Biology,
Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1991
12) Ross M.H., Reith E.J.: Histology, Text and Atlas, Harper& Row, Lippincott Co., New York,
1985
13) Roroschenko V.P.:Di Fiores Altlas of Histology with Functional correlations, 9th ed.,
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2000
14) Lamberti A., MarinoT., Sodicoff M: The Histology lab assistant. Interactive CD-ROM ,
AGC Educational Media,
15) Sadler T.W.: Langmans Medical Embryology, 8th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
Philadelphia, 2000
16) Gartner L.P., Hiatt J.L.: Color Textbook of Histology, 2nded., W.B. Saunders Co.,
Philadelphia, 2001

INTERNET RESOURCES

http://www.kumc.edu/instruction/medicine/anatomy/histoweb/male/male
http://www.5min.com/Video/The-Anatomy-and-Function-of-the-Male-Reproductive-System151426645.htm
http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/urology/male_infertility/anatomy_and_physiology_of_male_reproducti
ve_system.html
http://tw3a.siuc.edu/431mlhst.htm
http://www.visualhistology.com/products/atlas/VHA_Chpt17_The_Male_Reproductive_System.html
http://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/Notes/genitalXY.htm
http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/martini10/chapter27/custom3/deluxe-content.html
http://physiology.lf2.cuni.cz/teaching/lecturenotes/reprod/sld001.htm