MALE REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY Lectured by: Dr Dexter Santos

Transcribed by: Dr Abigail Michaela Moss

fluid, thus increasing motility and fertility of sperm.
PHYSIOLOGIC ANATOMY Sperm are most motile at pH 6-6.5
• Semen
o Sperm (10%) + Seminal vesicle fluid (60%) + Prostate
gland fluid (30%) + bulbourethral gland secretions
o Average pH: 7.5
• Cremasteric reflex
o Caused by stroking the upper inner thigh
o Brings the scrotum closer to the body to keep sperm
in optimal operating temperature
o “scrotal reflex”
• Testicular torsion
o Twisting of spermatic cord
o Compromised blood supply
o Testicular pain; absence of cremasteric reflex on one
side

• Seminal Vesicles
SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION
o Lined with secretory epithelium that secretes
mucoid material containing fructose, citric acid, • Genetic Sex
prostaglandins and fibrinogen which adds bulk to the o Fetus is bipotential in first 5 weeks of gestational life
semen o Determines gonadal sex
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Ø Mucoid consistency of semen o 6-7 week AOG: testes begin to develop
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o Serves to wash sperm through ejaculatory duct and o 9 week AOG: ovaries begin to develop
urethra • Gonadal Sex
o Fructose acts as source of nutrition for the o Presence of male or female gonads
ejaculated sperm o In males:
o Prostaglandins react with cervical mucus (decrease Ø Germ cells: produce spermatogonia
the viscosity) to make it more penetrable by sperm Ø Sertoli cells: produce antimullerian hormone
Ø Possibly causes reverse peristalsis in the uterus Ø Leydig cells: produce testosterone
and oviducts to aid in movement of sperm • Phenotypic Sex
o Empties its contents into ejaculatory duct shortly o Male Phenotype
after release of sperm from the vas deferens Ø Internal genital tract: prostate, seminal
• Prostate Gland vesicles, vas deferens, epididymis
o Secretes fluid containing calcium, citrate ion, Ø External genitalia: scrotum, penis
phosphate ion and profibrinolysin Ø Antimullerian hormone, testosterone
o Profibrinolysin- causes fibrinogen from seminal o Female Phenotype
vesicle fluid to form a weak fibrin coagulum to hold Ø Internal genital tract: fallopian tubes, uterus,
semen in deeper regions of the vagina upper third of vagina
Ø Viscosity of coagulum immobilizes sperm Ø External genitalia: clitoris, labia majora, labia
rd
o Gives semen milky appearance minora, lower 3 of vagina
o Contracts simultaneously with the vas deferens to Ø No antimullerian hormone, no testosterone
add to the bulk of the semen Ø Estrogen
o Neutralizes acidic fluid of vas deferens and vaginal • Cryptorchidism
secretions (pH 3.5-4) by contributing slightly alkaline o failure of one or two testis to descend

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 o structurally/genetically abnormal testis v Repeated back and forth movement of
o Lack of testosterone the tail is caused by longitudinal sliding
o Undescended testis prone to cancer motion of the anterior and posterior
tubules making up Axoneme.
SPERMATOGENESIS v Major components:
ü Axoneme- Central skeleton
Occurs in the seminiferous tubules during active sexual life that is similar to cilia,
Stimulated by anterior pituitary gonadotropic hormones composed of microtubules
ü Cell membrane- covers
Duration: 74 days axoneme
ü Mitochondria surrounding
• Spermatogonia
axoneme in the body of the
o Primordial germ cells migrate into the testes to
tail
become spermatogonia
Ø Normal sperm velocity: 1-4 mm/min
o Lie within inner surfaces of seminiferous tubules.
• Hormonal Factors
o Undergo mitotic division and proliferate at puberty
o Testosterone- secreted by Leydig cells in testis
• Sertoli Cells
interstitium
o Supporting cells
Ø Growth and division of testicular germinal cells
o Surround and envelope spermatogonia all the way
o Luteinizing hormone- secreted by anterior pituitary
to the central lumen of the seminiferous tubule
gland
• STEPS
Ø Stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone
o Meiosis
o Follicle-stimulating hormone- anterior pituitary
Ø Spermatogonia migrate among Sertoli cells
gland
toward the central lumen of seminiferous
Ø Stimulates the Sertoli cells for the conversion of
tubule
spermatids to sperm
Ø Spermatogonia then become modified to large
o Estrogens- formed from testosterone by the Sertoli
Primary Spermatocytes
cells when stimulated by FSH
Ø Primary Spermatocytes undergo meiotic
Ø Essential for spermiogenesis
division to form Secondary Spermatocytes.
o Growth hormone- background metabolic functions
Ø The diploid Secondary Spermatocytes divide to
of the testes.
form haploid spermatids which are then
Ø Promotes early division of the spermatogonia
modified to haploid spermatozoa
Ø Deficient in dwarfs, causing infertility
o Sex chromosomes
• Maturation of Sperm
Ø The sperm of the male carries the sex
o Sperm within seminiferous tubules and early
determining chromosome.
epididymis are non-motile and cannot fertilize
Ø There can be a female sperm which carries the
o Spermiogenesis- spermatidàmotile spermatozoa
female X chromosome, or a male sperm which
o 18-24 hours in epididymis, sperm have capability of
carries the male Y chromosome
motility.
o Formation of Sperm
o Motility is inhibited in epididymis by inhibitory
Ø Spermatozoa have a head and a tail
proteins until after ejaculation
Ø The head - condensed nucleus of the cell with a
Ø Testes
thin cytoplasmic cell membrane surface
v Storage of sperm; maintain their
Ø Acrosome - thick cap formed from the Golgi
fertility for one month
apparatus on the head containing enzymes
v Sperm are kept in inactive state by
useful for fertilization of the ovum. (Acrosomal
inhibitory substances secreted by the
enzymes)
ducts.
v Hyaluronidase- digests the intercellular
v Maturation- sperm become mobile
cement of granulosa cells, hyaluronic
and capable of fertilizing the ovum;
acid
occurs after ejaculation
v Proteolytic enzymes- digest structural
Ø Mature Sperm
proteins that adhere to the ovum
v Activity is greatly enhanced in neutral
Ø Tail – flagellum; provides motility of the sperm
and slightly alkaline medium

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 (ejaculated semen). Increasing
temperatures increases activity, but

shortens sperm life.
v Acidity decreases activity and may
even cause death of sperm
v The life expectancy of ejaculated • Sperm abnormalities
sperm in the female genital tract or at
body temperature is 1-2 days
v Can be preserved for several weeks to
years at lowered temperatures (-
100⁰C)

• Capacitation of Spermatozoa
o Collective changes in ejaculated sperm that activate
them for the final processes of fertilization
o Fertilization is not possible otherwise
o STEPS:
Ø Uterine and oviducts wash away inhibitory
factors that suppress sperm activity.
Ø Spermatozoa are no longer in contact with the MALE SEXUAL ACT
cholesterol vesicles in the male genital tract
• Four Phases of the Sexual Cycle
which strengthen the acrosomal cap, resulting
o Excitement
in the weakening of the sperm head.
o Plateau
Ø The cell membrane of the sperm becomes
o Orgasm
more permeable to calcium ions, which gives
o Resolution
the flagellum a powerful whiplash motion
• Neuronal Stimulus
compared to the earlier stages after
o Glans penis- most important source for sensory
ejaculation. Increase in calcium permeability
nerve signals of the male sexual act
also allow the acrosome to release its enzymes
Ø Sexual sensation- special modality of sensation;
rapidly in order to penetrate the granulosa cell
end-organ system that transmits into CNS.
mass of the ovum
Ø Stimulation of glans penis (or areas adjacent to
• Acrosome Reaction it)àsexual signalsà pudendal nerveàsacral
o Acrosome contains proteolytic enzymes and
plexusàsacral portion of spinal cordàup the
hyaluronidase that aids the sperm in dissoluting the
spinal cordàundefined areas of the brain
granulosa cell layer and zona pellucida of the ovum
o Filling of sexual organs with secretions is a source of
o The sperm’s anterior membrane binds with receptor
the “sexual drive”, as well as mild infections of these
proteins on the ovum’s zona pellucida
organs
o Acrosome rapidly and immediately dissolves,
o “Aphrodisiac” drugs- ex: Cantharidin; irritate bladder
releasing the enzymes for them to penetrate the
and urethral mucosa
pathway for the sperm head through the zona
• Psychic Element
pellucida to the inside of the ovum.
o The male sexual act can be greatly enhanced by
o Fertilization- sperm head and ovum cell membranes
thinking sexual thoughts; dreaming of intercourse
fuse to form a single cell
can lead to ejaculation, “wet dreams”, “nocturnal
o Genetic material of sperm and ovum combine to
emissions”
form a new genome with equal number of
• Male Sexual Act in the Spinal Cord
chromosomes from the mother and father
o results from inherent reflex mechanisms integrated
After sperm penetrates the zona pellucida of the ovum, in sacral and lumbar spinal cord
calcium ions diffuse inward causing multiple cortical o Can be initiated by either psychic or actual
granules to be released into the perivitelline space. These stimulation; usually a combination of both
granules permeate the zona pellucida to prevent binding • Stages
of additional sperm. o Penile erection

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 Ø Degree of erection is proportional to degree of v Treated with phosphodiesterase
stimulation inhibitors (Viagra, Levitra, etc)
Ø Parasympathetic impulses from sacral portion
of spinal cord to pelvic nerves to the penis
Ø Parasympathetic nerve fibers release NO, TESTOSTERONE AND OTHER MALE SEX HORMONES
vasoactive intestinal peptide, and acetylcholine
Ø NO activates guanylyl cyclase, to increase
cGMP which then relaxes the blood vessels of
the penis, increasing the blood flow towards
the erectile tissue of the corpora cavernosa.
Ø The large cavernous sinusoids in the erectile
tissue dilate from the increased blood flow.
Ø High pressure within erectile tissue causes the
penis to elongate and become hard.
o Lubrication
Ø Parasympathetic impulses cause urethral and
bulbourethral glands to secrete mucus which
flows through the urethra to aid in lubrication
during coitus.
Ø Unlubricated intercourse is unsuccessful; it
rather inhibits than stimulates sexual
sensations
o Emission & Ejaculation
Ø Sympathetic impulses from T12-L1 to initiate
emission
Ø Emission - Vas deferens contracts to release
sperm into internal urethra, followed by the
Androgens – collective term for male sex hormones secreted
contractions of the prostate gland and seminal
by the testes
fluid to release their secretions, forcing sperm
Testosterone – primary testicular hormone; most are
forward as the Bulbourethral gland then
converted to the more active dihydrotestosterone
secretes mucus.
• Secretion
Ø Ejaculation – filling of the internal urethra
o Sex-determining region Y (SRY gene) encodes testis
sends signals from the pudendal nerves to the
determining factor (SRY protein) which initiates
sacral regions of the spinal cords to excite
genital ridge cells in the fetus to differentiate into
ischiocavernosus & bulbocavernosus muscles
cells that secrete testosterone
to compress the base of erectile tissue.
o Testosterone is produced by Leydig cells
v Wave-like increases in pressure of
o Production influenced by anterior pituitary
both erectile tissue and urethra
gonadotropic hormone
ejaculate semen to exterior
o Some androgens produced in the adrenal glands for
Ø Considered the male orgasm.
minimal masculinizing effects (axillary and pubic
Ø Resolution – erection ceases
hair)
• Premature ejaculation – ejaculation as early as the
• Chemistry
excitement phase
o Steroid compounds synthesized from cholesterol or
• Retrograde Ejaculation – ejaculate is expelled towards
directly from acetyl CoA
the bladder
• Metabolism
• Erectile dysfunction
o Most testosterone secreted becomes bound to
o Inability to initiate or maintain rigid erection
plasma albumin to be delivered into the tissues or
Ø Trauma to parasympathetic nerves
degraded and excreted
Ø Castration or low testosterone environment
• Functions
Ø Nicotine, alcohol, antidepressants
o Masculinization of body
Ø Vascular diseases (diabetes, atherosclerosis)
o Effect on Fetus

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 Ø Formation of scrotum, penis, seminal vesicles,
prostate, etc., in the fetus
Ø Stimulus for descent of the testes during the
last 2-3 months of gestation

o Effect on Adult
Ø Body hair over the pubis, along the linea alba,
on the face, chest and back
Ø Decreases hair on the head (Male Pattern
baldness) from genetic background or large
quantities of androgenic hormones
Ø Hypertrophy of the laryngeal mucosa and
• Control of Male Sexual Functions
enlargement of the larynx (voice cracking)
o Gonadotropin-releasing hormone - stimulates
Ø Increases rate of secretion of body’s sebaceous
anterior pituitary gland to secrete Luteinizing
glands resulting in acne
hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone
Ø Increase in musculature (protein anabolic
(FSH)
function of testosterone) and body mass
Ø LH – primary stimulus for secretion of
Ø Calcium retention and total quantity of bone
testosterone by the testes
matrix. (protein anabolism)
v Cyclic release synchronized with
Ø Narrows, lengthens, strengthens and shapes
GnRH’s cyclic release
pelvis (funnel-shaped)
v Injection of pure LH in a child can
Ø Creates growth spurt and can be used to treat
cause fibroblasts to evolve into
osteoporosis in old age
functioning Leydig cells
Ø Increases Basal Metabolic Rate (protein
Ø FSH – stimulates spermatogenesis
anabolism)
v Responds better to long-term changes
Ø Indirectly increases hematocrit (RBC count)
in GnRH
Ø Raises extracellular fluid volumes by increasing
v Attaches to FSH receptors in Sertoli
reabsorption of Na
cells causing them to grow and release
• Basic Mechanism of Action
spermatogenic substances
o Testosterone enters prostatic gland after its secretion
v FSH and testosterone are needed to
and is converted to dihydrotestosterone
initiate spermatogenesis
o Dihydrotestosterone then binds to a cytoplasmic
v Both LH and FSH are secreted by cells
“receptor protein”. This complex then binds to a
in the anterior pituitary called
nuclear protein which initiates transcription of a
Gonadotropes, and exert effects by
cellular protein. The cells of the prostate gland also
activating the cAMP second
increase as a result.
messenger system
o Testosterone can initiate protein production in
Ø Secreted by neurons located in the arcuate
virtually any cell but is more active toward its target
nuclei of the hypothalamus
cells which produce the primary and secondary male
Ø Intensity determined by frequency of secretion
sex characteristics.
cycles and quantity of GnRH released each
cycle
o Testosterone has a negative feedback mechanism;
testosterone secreted inhibits GnRH secretion, thus
inhibiting LH and FSH release.
o Inhibin – secreted by the Sertoli cells to inhibit FSH
release
Ø Important in inhibiting the over production of
sperm

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 Ø Operates simultaneously and in parallel with E. A & B only
negative feedback mechanism of testosterone 4. Which of the following is/are true function/s of the
secretion Sertoli cell?
o Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – secreted by A. Supports spermatogenesis
the placenta during pregnancy B. Maintains the blood testis barrier
Ø Almost same effects on sexual organs as LH C. Produces the hormone inhibin
Ø Causes the male fetus to secrete testosterone D. All of the above
o Puberty and its Regulation E. A & B only
Ø Significant amounts of GnRH are not secreted 5. The Luteinizing Hormone in males:
during childhood A. Maintains the interstitial cells of the testis
Ø Any amount of secreted sex steroid has an B. Stimulates fetal and adult testosterone
inhibitory effect on GnRH during childhood production
Ø For unknown reasons, GnRH stops getting C. Support DHT production and release
inhibited at this stage of life, and puberty D. All of the above
begins E. A & B above
• Andropause
o Declining levels of testosterone
o Mood swings, muscle loss, bone loss, decreased
libido
o “male climacteric”
• Orchitis Answers: A,D,E,D,E
o Inflammation of testis
o May result in infertility or subfertility
o Disrupts blood-testis barrier References:
o Destroys seminiferous tubules • Powerpoint presentation
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• Guyton and Hall 13 edition

• Past E 2012 Reproductive Physiology

END OF TRANSCRIPTION
Sample Past E Questions (2012)
1. Which seminal fluid induces peristaltic contractions “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
in the female reproductive tract?
Mark Twain
A. Prostaglandins
B. Citrate
C. Fibrinogen
D. Fructose
2. True of sperm capacitation
A. Is a prerequisite before the sperm will be
capable of fertilizing the ovum
B. Calcium influx during this process causes flagella
to have a “whip” like movement
C. Surface proteins are redistributed and
cholesterol is withdrawn from the sperm cell
membrane
D. All of the above
E. A & B only
3. The sperm acrosome:
A. Contains hydrolytic and proteolytic enzymes
B. Would create path for sperm to penetrate ovum
C. Provides energy for whip like movement of
flagellum
D. All of the above

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