C.A.B.M. | 2024
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The Reproductive System
Overview of the Reproductive System
• Primary Sex Organs (Gonads):
o Male: Testes
o Female: Ovaries
o Functions:
▪ Produce gametes (sperm and
ova).
▪ Secrete sex hormones.
Male Reproductive System Anatomy
• Testes:
o Contained within the scrotum.
o Connected to the trunk via
spermatic cord, housing:
▪ Houses blood vessels, nerves,
and the ductus deferens.
• Coverings of the testes:
o Tunica Albuginea:
▪ Dense connective tissue
capsule around each testis.
o Septis
▪ Extensions of the capsule that
extend into the testis and
divide it into lobules
▪ Lobules:
▪ Contain seminiferous
tubules (sperm
production sites).
▪ Tightly coiled
structures
▪ Function as sperm-
forming factories
▪ Empty sperm into the
rete testis
▪ Rete Testis:
▪ Collect sperm for
transport to the
epididymis.
▪ Sperm travels from the rete
testis to the epididymis
▪ Interstitial Cells:
▪ Produce testosterone.
• Duct System:
o Includes the epididymis, ductus
(vas) deferens, and urethra, which
transport sperm from the body.
o Epididymis:
▪ 6 meters long, serves as a
storage and maturation site
for sperm.
▪ Found along the posterior
lateral side of the testis
▪ First part of the male duct
system
▪ Temporary storage site for
immature sperm
o Ductus (Vas) Deferens:
▪ Runs from the epididymis via
the spermatic cord through
the inguinal canal and arches
over the urinary bladder
▪ Ampulla—end of the
ductus deferens,
which empties into
the ejaculatory duct
▪ Ejaculatory duct—
passes through the
prostate to merge with
the urethra
▪ Ejaculation—smooth
muscle in the walls of
the ductus deferens
create peristaltic
waves to squeeze
