MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 9. THE REPRODUCTIVE PROCESS

ANATOMY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

1. TESTIS

The Testis (testis) is a paired organ located in the Scrotum. On average, it is 4 cm long, 3 cm wide, and weighs 25 g. It presents medial and lateral surfaces, anterior and posterior borders, and upper and lower poles. The left testis hangs slightly lower than the right one. The Epididymis is attached to the posterior border of the testis, comprising a HEAD, body, and tail (Fig. 9.1).

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Fig. 9.1. Membranes of the testis and Spermatic Cord (schematic diagram)

Externally, the testis is covered by a dense fibrous capsule, the tunica albuginea, which adheres to its parenchyma. At the posterior border, this capsule thickens to form the Mediastinum testis (Fig. 9.2). Fibrous septa extend from the mediastinum, dividing the testis into lobules. The parenchyma of the testis consists of convoluted and straight seminiferous tubules. Male Germ Cells, or spermatozoa, are produced within the convoluted seminiferous tubules. The straight seminiferous tubules empty into the rete testis located within the mediastinum. From here, seminal fluid leaves the testis via efferent

ductules that form the epididymis (its lobules). The efferent ductules empty into the duct of the epididymis, which continues as the vas deferens. In addition to spermatozoa, the testis produces Male Sex Hormones that influence The Development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Fig. 9.2. Internal and external Male reproductive Organs (schematic diagram)