By Taju A.

(MSc in Medical Physiology),

MTU,
Department of Biomedical Sciences
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Reproduction
• Process by which a living organism creates a likeness of itself.

• One of the fundamental properties of all living things.

• Reproductive system does not contribute to homeostasis.

✓ Not necessary for survival of an individual, but essential for

survival of species.

❖Significance
✓Procreation: Perpetuating the species
✓For recreational & relational purposes

➢ Is copulation an absolute necessity for procreation?

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Male Reproductive
Physiology

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Male reproductive functions
• Spermatogenesis:- Sperm production

• Steroidogenesis:- Sex hormone secretion

• Sperm transport to female reproductive system during copulation.

Functional anatomy of male reproductive system

• Male reproductive organs include:-
✓ Testes (male gonads)
✓ Reproductive tracts:- Epididymis, vas deferens & ejaculatory duct.

✓ Accessory glands:- Seminal vesicles, prostate & bulbourethral glands.

✓ Supporting structures:- Penis & scrotum

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Testes
• Male gonads which descend to the scrotum during 7th month of
intrauterine life.
✓ Scrotum protects testes & regulates testicular temperature.
• 32-35˚C is optimum for spermatogenesis.
❖ Achieved by the action of:-
o Peri-scrotal air circulation
o Scrotal reflex: Dartos + cremasteric muscles
o Sweat glands & subcutaneous fat
o Counter-current exchanger by pampiniform plexus
❖ Hot bath & tight under clothing reduces sperm count. 6
Cryptorchidism
• Failure of testes to descend.
✓ High T˚ degenerates spermatozoa
leading to sterility.
✓ 10% of newborn, 2% at age 1yr &
0.3% after puberty.
✓ Treat before puberty b/c of high
incidence of tumors.

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• Testes has 200-300 lobules.
✓ 2-4 loops of seminiferous tubules in each lobule.
• Each lobule consists 2 compartments.
A. Intratubular compartment:
✓ 80-90 % testicular volume.
✓ Composed of seminiferous tubules.
✓ Contain spermatogenic & sertoli cells.
B. Peritubular compartment:
✓ 10-20 % testicular volume.
✓ Contain Leydig cells, capillaries & myoid cells.
Ducts in the testes
• Seminiferous tubules → Tubuli recti → Rete testis → Efferent
ductules → Epididymis 8
Spermatogenic cells (germ cells)
• Germinal epithelial cells of seminiferous tubules.

• Found in various stages of spermatogenesis.

• In children, only primitive germ cells (spermatogonia) present.

• Sexually mature individual contain all stages spermatogenic

cells arranged in orderly manner:
✓ Basal compartment contain early-
stage sperm cells.

✓ Adluminal compartment contain of

later-stage sperm cells.

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Sertoli (sustentacular) cells
• Supporting or nurse cells in the somniferous tubules.
• Functions

✓ Physical support & nutrition to maturing germ cells.

✓ Phagocytose residual bodies & damaged germ cells.

✓ Formation of blood-testis barrier by tight junction.

o Protects germ cells from harmful substances in blood.

o Prevents escape of antigenic products of germ cells into circulation.

– Prevents autoimmune destruction of sperm.
o Maintenance of seminiferous luminal fluid composition.
✓ Releasing spermatozoa from seminiferous tubule (spermiation).
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• Secretory functions of Sertoli cells
✓ Mullerian inhibitory substance (MIS):- regress Mullerian duct.

✓ Inhibin:- suppresses FSH release from pituitary by -ve feedback.

✓ Androgen binding protein (ABP):- maintains concentration of androgen

in Sertoli cells.

✓ Estrogen:- aromatase enzyme converts androgen into estrogen.

✓ Transport proteins:- like transferrin (for Fe) & ceruloplasmin (for Cu).

✓ Plasminogen activator:- proteolytic activity on tight junction.

✓ Seminiferous tubular fluid rich in K+ & HCO -3.

• This fluid movement is a driving force for nonmotile spermatozoa.
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Leydig (interstitial) cells
• In the interstitial space between seminiferous tubules.

• Primary cells of steroidogenesis (androgens mainly testosterone).

✓ Testosterone enters to Sertoli cells to bind with ABP.

o Important for spermatogenesis & estrogen production in
Sertoli cells.

• Active during early intrauterine life & after puberty.

• Numerous in newborn male infants for 1st few months of life.

• Almost non-existent during childhood.

• LH controls Leydig cell by cAMP dependent mechanism.

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Spermatogenesis

• Process of continuous germ cell differentiation to produce

spermatozoa.
• Site: Seminiferous tubules
• Onset: > 13 years of age (during puberty).
✓ Continue throughout life & decrease in old age
• Duration: One spermatogenic cycle is 70-78 days.
• Transport: 12-21 days
• Daily production:100-200 million sperms/day

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Phases of spermatogenesis
1. Proliferative phase (Spermatocytogenesis)

• Mitotic division of spermatogonia produce 2 types of

spermatogonia.
✓ Spermatogonia A:- Serve as pool of undifferentiated stem cells.

✓ Spermatogonia B → 10 spermatocyte spermatocyte (diploid).

2. Growth phase

• Meiosis (reduction division) that takes place only in germ cells.

✓ Meiosis I:- 10 spermatocytes → 20 spermatocytes (haploid).
✓ Meiosis II:- 20 spermatocytes → spermatids (haploid).
❖ Every primary spermatocyte form 4 spermatids. 14
3. Maturation phase (Spermiogenesis)

• Spermatids undergo morphological change.

✓ Spherical spermatids transform into elongated spermatozoa.

o Sertoli cells dispose of excess cytoplasm.

o Nucleus is condensed & forms most of the head.

o Golgi apparatus forms acrosomal cap.

o Mitochondria forms a spiral sheath.

o Centriole elongates to form the axial filament.

❖ Spermiation:- Detachment of spermatozoa from Sertoli cells to the

lumen of somniferous tubule.
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Spermiogenesis & spermatozoon structure

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Parts of a sperm cell
• Head

✓ Nucleus with 23 chromosomes.

✓ Acrosome – vesicle filled with proteolytic

enzymes.

• Neck – contains basal body & centriole.

• Tail – used for locomotion.

✓ Middle piece – contains mitochondria.

✓ Principal piece – longest portion of tail.

✓ End piece – terminal, tapering portion of tail.

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Hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis

• Testosterone - essential for growth & division of germinal cells.

• LH - stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone.

• FSH - stimulates Sertoli cells to enhances spermatogenesis

• Estrogens - formed by sertoli cells, essential for spermiogenesis.

• Growth hormone - ↑ Leydig cells response to LH

✓ Controlling metabolic functions of the testis.

✓ Promotes early division of spermatogonia

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Hormonal regulation of testicular function

• Testicular function is regulated by

hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular
(HPT) axis.

• Feedback inhibition on hypothalamus

& pituitary results from:

✓ Rising levels of testosterone

✓ Increased inhibin

❖ How does abuse of androgens cause

infertility in men?
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Extraneous factors affecting spermatogenesis
• Temperature: Optimum T°: 32 - 35°C
• X-irradiation:
• Chronic malnutrition:
• Avitaminosis: Vitamin A, B12 & folic acid deficiency
• Chronic illnesses
• Drugs & toxins:- Inhibit replication of spermatogonium.
• Alcohol:- ↑aromatase activity →↓ GnRH (↑ feminization signs)
• Marihuana (Cannabinoids):- ↓ Spermatogenesis (↓Testosterone
synthesis, ↓ sperm)
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Transport of sperm
• Sperm in seminiferous tubules is nonmotile.

• Movement of sperm up to epididymis results from pressure

created by seminiferous tubular fluid secreted by Sertoli cells.

• Sperm undergo maturation (capable for motility) in epididymis.

• Sperm transport in epididymis & vas deferens is due to peristaltic

contractions of smooth muscle.

• Sperm stored in the tail of epididymis & vas deferens, for several
months without loss of viability.

• Sperm expelled out of urethra as part of semen by ejaculation.

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Semen & accessory gland secretions
• Semen:- fluid ejaculated during orgasm at the time of sexual act.

✓ ⁓2.5-5 ml of semen per ejaculation.

Components of semen

• Sperm from vas deferens (⁓10%).

✓ 50 -150 million sperm per ml of semen

• Fluid from prostate gland (⁓30%).

• Fluid from the seminal vesicles (⁓ 60%).

• Small amounts from bulbourethral glands.

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Seminal vesicles secretion

• Secrete yellowish, viscous fluid.

• Contains fructose, phosphorylcholine, ascorbic acid, flavins,

fibrinogen & prostaglandins.

• Functions:

✓ Nutrition to sperms after ejaculation.

✓ Clotting of semen soon after ejaculation.

✓ Decrease viscosity of mucus in cervix.

✓ Stimulate reverse peristalsis in uterus & oviduct.

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Prostate gland secretion
• Secrete milky & alkaline fluid.
• Contains spermine, citric acid, fibrinolysin, fibrinogenase, zinc,
phosphate, bicarbonates & hyaluronidase.
• Functions:
✓ Maintenance of optimum pH to neutralizes acidic vaginal secretion.
o ↑Motility & fertilizing potential of sperm cells
✓ Lysis of coagulum, 15 – 30 minutes after ejaculation
Bulbourethral glands secretion
• Secrete mucus & alkaline fluid.
• Pre-ejaculatory fluid:- flushes urethra, lubricant & buffers.
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Semen analysis
• A tests for assessment of male fertility.
• Abstain from sexual activity for at least two days.
• Color: White, opalescent
• Ejaculatory volume: 2.5 to 5 ml.
• Sperm density: 50-150 x106 sperm cells/ml (euspermia).
✓ Oligospermia: 5-20 x 106 sperm cells/ml
✓ Azoospermia: <5 x 106 sperm cells/ml
• pH: 7.2 to 7.7
• Specific gravity: 1.028

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• Liquefaction: Should liquefy within half-an-hour.
• Motility: > 60% should be actively motile within 3 hours of
collection.
✓ Velocity: 1 to 4 mm/min.
✓ Asthenospermia: Motile sperm < 50%.
• Morphology: > 80% should have normal morphology.
✓ Teratospermia: sperm morphology > 85% abnormal.
• Fructose content: Fructose concentration is 2–7 mg/ml.

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Androgens & their physiologic effect
• Androgens are male sex hormones synthesized from cholesterol.
✓ Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione,
dehydroepiandrosterone
• Testosterone is so much more abundant than the others.
• Potency: DHT > T > Androstenedione > DHEA.
✓ DHT > 10 x T

Origion
• Testes: Leydig cells (Interstitial cells → 95%)
• Adrenal cortex (DHEA, DHEAS, Androstenedione).
• Ovary (females) 28
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The physiologic effects of androgens
• Prenatal development

✓ Masculinizes internal & external genitalia in fetus.

✓ Promotes descent of testis into the scrotum.

• Reproduction-related effects

✓ Growth & maturation of reproductive system at puberty.

• Targets all male reproductive organs & accessory glands.

✓ Initiation & maintenance of spermatogenesis.

✓ Develops sex drive at puberty.

✓ Controls gonadotropin hormone secretion.

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• Effects on secondary sexual characteristics
✓ Male pattern of hair growth (beard,♦pubic hair & baldness).
✓ Deep voice due to enlargement of larynx & thickening of vocal cords.
✓ Wide shoulder due to enlargement of muscle mass.
✓ Bone growth & male pelvis shape (narrow, long, funnel shape).
✓ Thick skin & secretion of sebaceous glands.
• Nonreproductive effects
✓ Stimulate protein synthesis (anabolism).
✓ Increases bone matrix & causes Ca2+ retention.
✓ Closure of epiphyseal plates after conversion to estrogen.
✓ Increases basal metabolic rate & erythropoiesis.
✓ Induce aggressive behavior.
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Estrogen in men
• Sources
✓ Glandular (testis & adrenal cortex):- 10-20%
✓ Extraglandular:- 90-80%
• Testosterone aromatase estradiol
• Androstenedione aromatase estrone
• Function
✓ Spermiogenesis/maturation.
✓ Reabsorption of fluids…fertility.
✓ Insulin sensitivity.
✓ HDL, LDL, Triglycerides.
✓  Bone maturation, Osteoporosis
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Andropause
• Androgen deficiency in aging males.
✓  Androgens in the plasma.
✓  Sensitivity in the target tissues.
• Does not occur in all elderly men, no definite age of onset.
• Decline is slow & symptoms are more subtle.
• Features
✓ Prostatic hypertrophy
✓ Potency & libido (T).
✓ Fatiguability ( muscle mass & strength).
✓ Signs of feminization ( peripheral aromatization of T to
estrogens → gynecomastia).
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Hormonal changes:-

•  GnRH/LHRH amplitude/burst

•  Amplitude pulsatile LH release (frequency).

•  Gonadotropic cells reserve capacity for bioactive LH secretion.

•  Plasma LH & FSH.

•  Leydig cell →  T (plasma T & free T)

•  Sertoli cell →  spermatogenesis (&  α-inhibin)

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Genital Changes:
• Testes: weight, diameter, volume
• Penis: involutional changes
• Secondary sexual characteristics:  Axillary, pubic & facial hair
Sexual Function
•  Frequency of erection (morning erections, ↓thoughts,
↓libido)
•  ejaculation.
• Impairment of performance component (erectile potency)
• All phases of the sexual act are affected.

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Physiology of male sexual act
• Sexual act is a sexual intercourse, copulation, or coitus.
• Has physiologic, emotional, psychological & sociological aspects.
• Human sexual response in both sexes is divided into four phases:
✓ Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm & Resolution
1. Excitement phase
• Various erotic stimuli prepare genitalia for copulation.
✓Touch & mechanical stimulation of erogenous zones.
o Glans penis, lips, tongue, nipples & ear lobes.
✓Erotic thought, sights, sounds & smells.
✓Induced or inhibited by emotional or higher mental activity.
• Involves erection of penis & lubrication. 36
Penile erection & lubrication

• Penis becomes hard, stiff & elongated.

• Erection is a neurovascular event.

• PNS reflex promotes the release of NO.

• NO relaxes penile arteries & causes erectile

tissue to fill with blood.
• Expansion of corpora cavernosa:

✓ Compresses their drainage veins

✓ Retards blood outflow & maintains engorgement

• PNS impulses promote secretion of lubricating mucus.

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Sildenafil
(Viagra)

PDE5
5’ GMP

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2. Plateau phase
• Intensification of responses that started during excitement.
• Steadily increasing HR, BP, RR & muscle tension.

3. Orgasm phase
• Responses that culminate the mounting sexual excitement
• Results when intensity of sexual stimulation reaches its peak.

• Heavy breathing, HR up to 180 bpm, generalized muscle

contraction & heightened emotions.

• Intense pleasure (feeling of release & complete gratification).

• Contractions usually result in ejaculation of semen.

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• Ejaculation:- a 2-phase expulsion of semen into & out of urethra.

A. Emission phase:
• Emptying sperm & glandular secretions into prostatic urethra.
• Sympathetically induced contraction of the smooth muscles.

B. Expulsion phase:
• Forceful expulsion of semen out of urethra.
• Motor-neuron-induced contraction of bulbocavernosus muscle.
4. Resolution phase
• After orgasm, excitement disappears within 1-2 minutes.
• Returns genitalia & body systems to their pre-arousal state.

• Refractory period in male prevents multiple orgasm.

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