REPRODUCTIVE HISTOLOGY OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

AY 2019 -2020 Dr. Galang

Module 7 04/13/20

OUTLINE
1) Testes TESTES
a) Interstitial Tissue
b) Seminiferous Tubules Testis (or testicle) is surrounded by a dense
c) Spermatogenesis connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea,
d) Clonal Nature of Male Germ Cells which thickens on the posterior side to form the
e) Spermiogenesis mediastinum testis
f) Sertoli Cells
2) Intratesticular Ducts Tunica Albuginea,
3) Excretory Genital Ducts : is a thick layer formed by collagenized fibrous
a) Epididymis tissue. The parietal layer has abundant smooth
b) Ductus or Vas Deferens muscle fibers, whereas the innermost layer
4) Accessory Glands of albuginea contains large vessels
a) Seminal Vesicles (tunica vasculosa).
b) Prostate Gland
c) Bulbourethral Glands
5) Penis

The male reproductive system is consists of:

testes, genital ducts, accessory glands, and penis.
Testes produce sperm & secrete testosterone, which
drives male reproductive physiology

Testosterone is important for: spermatogenesis,

fetal sexual differentiation, control of GnRH
secretion in pituitary. Mediastinum testis
DIhydrotestosterone: metabolite of testosterone,
acts on tissues during puberty. : a mass of connective tissue at the back of
the testis that is continuous externally with the
The Genital ducts and Accessory glands: produce tunica albuginea and internally with the
secretions required for sperm activity, and contract interlobular septa and encloses the rete testis.
to propel spermatozoa and the secretions
Semen: composed of Spermatozoa and Secretions

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO

 Interlobular septa Seminiferous Tubules
: penetrate the are the site of the
organ and divide it germination,
into about 250 maturation, and
pyramidal transportation of the
compartments or sperm cells within
testicular lobules. the male testes
(sperm production)

Testicular lobules
: Each lobule
contains sparse
connective tissue
with Leydig cells
and one to four
highly convoluted
seminiferous Tunica Vaginalis
tubules.
: Is a serous sac that carries testis during migration
from abdominal cavity & Line the interior of the
scrotum and envelops the testis and its associated
ducts and spermatic cord.
Leydig cells or Interstitial Cells
: are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in
the testicle. They secrete testosterone in the
presence of Luteinizing Hormone.

Pampiniform Venous Plexus

Contains cooler blood from the testis, which draws
heat from the arterial blood by a countercurrent
heat-exchange system.

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO

 TWO TYPES OF CELLS OF GERMINAL
EPITHELIUM:
INTERSTITIAL TISSUE
THe interstitial tissue of the testis between the
seminiferous tubules consists of sparse connective 1. Sertoli cells: Large non-dividing cells (Figure 21–
tissue containing fbroblasts, lymphatics, and blood 4), which physically and metabolically support
vessels including fenestrated capillaries. developing sperm cell precursors
Interstitial Cells or Leydig Cells, 2. Dividing cells of the Spermatogenic Lineage
(Figure 21–5a)
During puberty, develop as large round or polygonal
cells with central nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm
rich in small lipid droplets (Figure 21-2b, 21-4).
Produce the steroid hormone testosterone, which
promotes development of the secondary male sex
characteristics
Testosterone secretion: is triggered by the
pituitary gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone (LH),
which is also called interstitial cell stimulating
hormone (ICSH).
Testosterone synthesis: begins at puberty, when
the hypothalamus begins producing gonadotropin-
releasing hormone (GnRH).
In the late embryonic testes gonadotropin from the
placenta stimulates interstitial cells to synthesize SPERMATOGENESIS
the testosterone needed for development of the the first part of sperm production, involves mainly
ducts and glands of the male reproductive system. mitosis and meiosis and is followed by
spermiogenesis, the final differentiation process
SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES occurring in the haploid male germ cells
Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules at a
rate of about 2 × 108 per day in the young adult. Spermatogenesis: begins at puberty with
proliferation of stem and progenitor cells called
Each tubule is actually a loop linked by a very short,
spermatogonia
narrower segment, the straight tubule, to the rete
testis, a labyrinth of epithelium-lined channels Spermatogonia
embedded in the mediastinum testis (Figures 21–2a
and 21–3). Spermatogonia: with dark, ovoid nuclei act as stem
cells, giving rise both to new stem cells and to cells
About 10-20 efferent ductules connect the rete with more pale-staining, ovoid nuclei that divide
testis to the head of the epididymis (Figure 21–2a). more rapidly as transit amplifying (progenitor) cells
Lined with a complex, specialized stratifed Type A Spermatogonia: undergo unique clonal
epithelium called germinal or spermatogenic divisions that leave most of the cells interconnected
epithelium (Figure 21–2b). as a syncytium, These become type B
spermatogonia, more spherical and pale nuclei.
Myoid Cells
Type B Spermatogonium: undergoes a final
A fibrous connective tissue, with an innermost layer
mitotic division to produce two cells that grow in
containing flattened, smooth muscle-like that covers
size and become primary spermatocytes.
the basement membrane of this epithelium (Figure
21–2b).
: allow weak contractions of the tubule.
ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO
 Primary Spermatocytes
Primary Spermatocytes: replicate their DNA, and
enter meiosis, during which homologous
chromosomes come together in synapsis.
: DNA recombination occurs, and two rapid cell
divisions produce haploid cells
: Has 46 (44 + XY) chromosomes, the diploid
number, and a DNA content of 4N
Soon after their formation, these cells enter the
first meiotic prophase
: are the largest cells of the spermatogenic lineage
& characterized by the presence of partially
condensed chromosomes (Figure 21–6)
Secondary Spermatocytes
: Homologous chromosomes separate in the first
meiotic division, which produces smaller cells called
secondary spermatocytes (Figures 21–5a) with only
23 chromosomes (22 + X or 22 + Y)
: Still consists of two chromatids so the amount of
DNA is 2N

Spermatids
: Division of each secondary spermatocyte separates
the chromatids of each chromosome and produces
two haploid cells called spermatids
: Contains 23 chromosomes (Figures 21–5a, 21–6)
: No S phase (DNA replication) occurs between the
first and second meiotic divisions, the amount of
DNA per cell is reduced by half when the
chromatids separate and the cells formed are
haploid (1N)
: With fertilization, a haploid ovum and haploid
sperm produced by meiosis unite and the normal
diploid chromosome number is restored.
“ 23 Chromosome Sperm + 23 chromosome ovum
= 46 Chromosome Zygote”

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO

 THE CLONAL NATURE OF MALE GERM CELL
:Only the initial spermatogonia divide and produce
separate daughter cells.
:Once committed to differentiation, the cells of all
subsequent divisions stay connected by intercellular
cytoplasmic bridges.
:Only after they are separated from the residual
bodies can the spermatozoa be considered as
isolated cells.
SPERMIOGENESIS
:the FINAL PHASE of sperm production
:temperature-sensitive process, spermatids
differentiate into spermatozoa
:NO CELL DIVISION during this process
Spermiogenesis includes:
• Formation of the acrosome
• Condensation and elongation of the nucleus
• Development of the flagellum
• Loss of much of the cytoplasm
ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO
FOUR PHASES OF SPERMIOGENESIS
1. GOLGI PHASE
Small proacrosomal vesicles from the Golgi
apparatus coalesce as a single-membrane-limited
acrosomal cap close to one end of the nucleus.
Centrioles migrate away from the nucleus to form
flagellar axoneme.
2. CAP PHASE
The acrosomal cap spreads over about half of the
condensing nucleus.
Acrosome specialized type of lysosome containing
hydrolytic enzymes, mainly hyaluronidase and
acrosin (trypsin-like protease)
3. ACROSOME PHASE
a. Nucleus: becomes condensed, flattened, and
located in head region
b. Mitochondria: aggregate around proximal
portion of the flagellum—develops into
middle piece of tail (ATP for flagellar
movement is generated)
c. Spermatid elongation
4. MATURATION PHASE
Unneeded cytoplasm is shed as a residual body from
each spermatozoon and remaining intercellular
bridges are lost.
Mature but not yet functional or mobile sperm are
released into the lumen of the tubule.
 SERTOLI CELLS

Structure:

• Tall, columnar epithelial cells—divides the

seminiferous tubules into 2 compartments
(basal and adluminal)
• Nucleus: ovoid or triangular, euchromatic,
prominent nucleolus
• Blood-testis barrier-tight occluding junctions
between their basolateral membranes,
within seminiferous epithelium
: tightest blood-tissue barrier in mammals
:prevents autoimmune attacks against INTRATESTICULAR DUCTS
spermatogenic cells
3 GENERAL FUNCTIONS: • The intratesticular ducts are the straight
tubules (or tubuli recti), the rete testis,
• Support, protection, and nutrition of the and the efferent ductules
developing spermatogenic cells
• All of which carry spermatozoa and liquid
:supply many plasma factors needed for cell from the seminiferous tubules to the duct of
growth and differentiation the epididymis
1. TUBULI RECTI
• Exocrine and endocrine secretion
• Short, straight, narrow passageway
:releases into seminiferous tubules, water connecting the seminiferous tubules to the
that carries new sperm out of the testis. rete testis
:Androgen-binding protein (ABP)—maintains
• Lined by Sertoli cells (proximal half) and
necessary concentration of testosterone--
simple cuboidal to columnar epithelium
synthesized under influence of FSH
(distal half)
:in the fetus: secretes Mullerian-inhibiting
substance (MIS) which determines maleness • Has a thinner basement membrane

• Phagocytosis • Begins in the interstitial connective tissue

and run the major part of their course in the
: excess cytoplasm shed by residual bodies is mediastinum
phagocytosed and digested

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO

 2. RETE TESTIS EXCRETORY GENITAL DUCTS

• Anastomosing wide channels in the mediastinum

testis epithelium
1. EPIDIDYMIS
• Lined by ciliated cuboidal epithelium that also
• 7cm along posterior surface of testes, 6m
contain microvilli
in length when straightened
• Connects the seminiferous tubules to the
• Ductus epididymis and ductus
efferent ductules (ductuli efferentes) efferentes constitute the epididymis
• The activity of the cilia helps to move the
spermatozoa along the tube as they are • Lined by pseudostratified columnar
immobile until they reach the epididymis epithelium with long non-motile microvilli or
• The microvilli absorb excess materials, stereocilia and regenerative basal cells
including protein and potassium from seminal
fluid • Stereocilia – found on the luminal surface;
absorbs fluid released from the testes along
with sperm
• Spermatozoa can be seen in the lumen
throughout the epididymis Surrounded by
circular layers of smooth muscle that undergo
peristaltic contractions

3. EFFERENT DUCTULES

• Originate from the rete testis and gradually fuse

to form the ductus epididymis
• Distinctive scalloped outline that results from a
lining that consists of tall ciliated cells and short
cells
2. VAS DEFERENS
• A layer of smooth muscle surrounds the walls
• Columnar ciliated cells (motile) – maintain • Has a thick muscular wall that is composed
sperm motility of three layers of smooth muscle:
• Low cuboidal non-ciliated cells (endocytosis) –
absorptive properties/ concentrates secretion o Inner longitudinal
• Function: reabsorb testicular fluid from the
semen and propel immobile sperm to epididymis o Middle Circular
o Outer Longitudinal

• Lined by pseudostratified columnar

epithelium with stereocilia

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO

 • Vasectomy • The lamina propria contains elastic fibers and is
surrounded by smooth muscle with inner circular
o Vas deferens is ligated for and outer longitudinal layers that empty the gland
contraception during ejaculation.
• The seminal vesicles are exocrine glands in which
§ Keeps sperm out of your production of their viscid, yellowish secretion
semen; sperm cells stay in depends on testosterone.
• Fluid from seminal vesicles typically makes up
testicles During vasectomy,
about 70% of the ejaculate and its components
where do sperm go? include the following:
§ Fructose, a major energy source for
§ Sperm production and sperm
sperm, as well as inositol, citrate, and
storage/ removal reached a other metabolites;
static equilibrium after § Prostaglandins, which stimulate activity
vasectomy, likely due to in the female reproductive tract; and
spermatogenic degeneration § Fibrinogen, which allows semen to
coagulate after ejaculation.
or less sperm production as a
result of aging or due to
vasectomy-induced testicular
(interstitial) fibrosis
§ Thus, overproduction of sperm
and distension of the tract
would disappear or decrease
with time

PROSTATE GLAND

• dense organ that surrounds the urethra

below the bladder. It is approximately 2 cm
× 3 cm × 4 cm in size and weighs about 20 g.
• collection of 30-50 tubuloacinar glands
embedded in a dense fibromuscular stroma
in which smooth muscle contracts at
ejaculation
• Ducts from individual glands may converge
but all empty directly into the prostatic
urethra, which runs through the center of
the prostate.
• The glands are arranged in three major
zones around the urethra:
3. SEMINAL VESICLES
• The two seminal vesicles consist of highly tortuous § Transition zone
tubes, each about 15-cm long, enclosed by a
connective tissue capsule. § occupies only about 5% of the
• The unusual mucosa of the tube displays a great prostate volume, surrounds the
number of thin, complex folds that fill much of the superior portion of the urethra, and
lumen
contains the periurethral mucosal
• The folds are lined with simple or pseudostratified
columnar epithelial cells rich in secretory glands.
granules.
ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO
 § Central zone Medical Significance
• The prostate gland is prone to three common
§ comprises 25% of the gland’s tissue
problems:
and contains the periurethral
§ chronic prostatitis, usually involving
submucosal glands with longer ducts.
bacteria or other infectious agents;
§ Peripheral zone § nodular hyperplasia or benign prostatic;
§ hypertrophy, occurring mainly in the
§ with about 70% of the organ’s tissue, periurethral mucosal.
contains the prostate’s main glands
with still longer ducts;
§ Adjacent to basement membrane but
apical portion is found at the same BULBOURETHRAL GLAND
level of spermatids and spermatozoa;

• The tubuloacinar glands of the prostate are
all lined by a simple or pseudostratified
columnar epithelium and produce fluid that
contains various glycoproteins, enzymes, and
small molecules such as prostaglandins and is
stored until ejaculation;
• The paired round bulbourethral glands (or
Cowper glands), 3-5 mm in diameter, are
located in the urogenital diaphragm (Figure
21–13) and empty into the proximal part of
the penile urethra;

• prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that helps

liquefy coagulated semen for the slow
release of sperm after ejaculation;

• Small spherical concretions called corpora

amylacea which are 0.2-2 mm in diameter
and often partially calcified are normally
present in the lumens of many prostatic
tubuloacinar glands---may become more
numerous with age but seem to have no
physiologic or clinical significance.

• Each gland has several lobules with

tubuloacinar secretory units surrounded by
smooth muscle cells and lined by a mucus-
secreting simple columnar epithelium that
is also testosterone-dependent;

• During erection the bulbourethral glands, as

well as numerous, very small, and
histologically similar urethral glands along
the penile urethra, release a clear mucus-
like secretion that coats and lubricates the
urethra in preparation for the imminent
passage of sperm.

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO

 PENIS

• The penis consists of three cylindrical masses of

erectile tissue, plus the penile urethra,
surrounded by skin;
• Two of the erectile masses—the corpora
cavernosa—are dorsal; the ventral corpus
spongiosum surrounds the urethra At its end the
corpus spongiosum expands forming the glans.

• Most of the penile urethra is lined with

pseudostratified columnar epithelium. In the
glans, it becomes stratified squamous epithelium
continuous with that of the thin epidermis
covering the glans surface;

• Small mucus-secreting urethral glands are found

along the length of the penile urethra. In
uncircumcised men the glans is covered by the
prepuce or foreskin, a retractable fold of thin skin
with sebaceous glands on the internal surface.

• The corpora cavernosa are each surrounded by a

dense fibroelastic layer which is called the tunica
albuginea;
• All three erectile tissues consist of many venous
cavernous spaces lined with endothelium and
separated by trabeculae with smooth muscle and
connective tissue continuous with the surrounding
tunic;

• Central arteries in the corpora cavernosa

branch to form nutritive arterioles and small
coiling helicine arteries, which lead to the
cavernous vascular spaces of erectile tissue;

• Arteriovenous shunts are present between

the central arteries and the dorsal veins.
ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO
 • Penile erection involves blood filling the
cavernous spaces in the three masses of
erectile tissue. Triggered by external stimuli
to the CNS, erection is controlled by
autonomic nerves in these vascular walls.

• This enlarges the corpora cavernosa and

causes them to compress the dorsal veins
against the dense tunica albuginea, which
blocks the venous outflow and produces
tumescence and rigidity in the erectile
tissue. Beginning at ejaculation, sympathetic
stimulation constricts the helicine arteries
and trabecular muscle, decreasing blood
flow into the spaces, lowering the pressure
there, and allowing the veins to drain most
blood from the erectile tissue.
Medical Significance
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, can result from
diabetes, anxiety, vascular disease, or nerve damage
during prostatectomy. The drug sildenafil may alleviate
the problem by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase that
degrades cyclic GMP in the smooth muscle cells of
helicine arteries and erectile tissue. The subsequent
higher level of cGMP promotes relaxation of these cells
and enhances the neural effect to produce or maintain
an erection.

Source:
Junquiera’s Histology Textbook

ARANILLA, CALDO, GARCIA, MARALIT, NUÑEZ, QUINGKING, TOLENTINO