Histology of the Male Reproductive System (Repro 5) PROF. DR. FAUZIAH OTHMAN DEPT OF HUMAN ANATOMY

Contents Histology of testes Histology of testes Histology of vas deferens Histology of vas deferens Histology of seminal vesicle Histology of seminal vesicle Histology of prostate gland Histology of prostate gland Histology of the Bulbourethral gland Histology of the Bulbourethral gland

Histology of testes

Tunica albuginea- dense white fibrous capsule composed of dense irregular connective tissue, forming septa that divide each testis into series internal compartments called lobules.

Spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules

Seminiferous tubules Stratified germinal epithelium Stratified germinal epithelium Surrounded by a layer CT with fibroblast and an inner basement membrane (bm). Surrounded by a layer CT with fibroblast and an inner basement membrane (bm). –Consist: Supporting (Sertoli cell)  Slender, elongated cells with irregular outlines that extend from the bm.  Primary spermatocytes  Spermatocytes  Spermatids

Spermatogenesis Process where the spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules divide, differentiate, and produce sperm. Process where the spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules divide, differentiate, and produce sperm. 3 phases 3 phases –Mitotic division of spermatogonia –Meiotic division of spermatocytes, somatic chromosome no. – spermatids –Spermiogenesis morphological transformation spermatids sperm.

Testes produce both testosterone and sperm LH and FSH are produced by the pituitary gland. LH and FSH are produced by the pituitary gland. LH binds to receptors on the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) and stimulate testosterone. LH binds to receptors on the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) and stimulate testosterone. FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to synthesize and release ABP (androgen-binding protein) into seminiferous tubules to stimulate spermatogenesis. FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to synthesize and release ABP (androgen-binding protein) into seminiferous tubules to stimulate spermatogenesis. ↑ concentration of testosterone essential for proper spermatogenesis. ↑ concentration of testosterone essential for proper spermatogenesis.

Sertoli cells Supportive cells in the seminiferous tubules located among the spermatogenic cells Supportive cells in the seminiferous tubules located among the spermatogenic cells Fx: physical support, protection and nutrition of the developing sperm (spermatids) Fx: physical support, protection and nutrition of the developing sperm (spermatids) Phagocytosis of cytoplasm developing sperm (spermatids) Phagocytosis of cytoplasm developing sperm (spermatids) Produce and release ABP. Produce and release ABP.

Seminiferous tubule, straight tubules, rete testis & ductuli efferentes

Ductuli efferentes of the ductus epididymis

Histology of vas deferens

Vas deferens A narrow and irregular lumen with longitudinal mucosal folds. A narrow and irregular lumen with longitudinal mucosal folds. Psuedostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia. Psuedostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia. Thin lamina propria Thin lamina propria consists of compact colagen fibers and fie net work of elastic fibers. consists of compact colagen fibers and fie net work of elastic fibers. Thick muscularis Thick muscularis 3 SM layers 3 SM layers –Inner longitudinal –Middle circular –Outer longitudinal Adventitia. Adventitia. Abundant of blood vessels Abundant of blood vessels

Ampulla of the vas deferens Terminal portion of the vas deferens enlarges into an ampulla Terminal portion of the vas deferens enlarges into an ampulla Lumen of ampulla larger than vas deferens. Lumen of ampulla larger than vas deferens. Numerous irregular branching mucosal folds Numerous irregular branching mucosal folds Deep glandular diverticula or crypts Deep glandular diverticula or crypts Simple columnar or cuboidal epithelium. Simple columnar or cuboidal epithelium. Lamina propria Lamina propria 3 layers of SM 3 layers of SM Thin inner longitudinal Thin inner longitudinal Thick middle circular Thick middle circular Thin outer longitudinal Thin outer longitudinal

Ampulla of the vas deferens

Accessory reproductive glands Seminal vesicles Seminal vesicles Yellowish viscous fluid high in fructose Yellowish viscous fluid high in fructose Energy source for sperm motility Energy source for sperm motility Produce most fluid found in semen Produce most fluid found in semen Prostate gland Prostate gland Porduce thin, watery slightly acidic fluid Porduce thin, watery slightly acidic fluid The enzyme fibrinolysin liquefies the semen after ejaculation. The enzyme fibrinolysin liquefies the semen after ejaculation. Bulbourethral glands Bulbourethral glands Produce clear, viscid, mucus-like secretion during erotic stimulation Produce clear, viscid, mucus-like secretion during erotic stimulation As lubricant for thr penile urethra. As lubricant for thr penile urethra.

Histology of seminal vesicle

Glandular epithelium of seminal vesicles normally varies low pseudostratified, low columnar or cuboidal.

Prostate gland & prostate urethra

Prostate gland Prostate gland Prostetic urethra Prostetic urethra –Psuedostratified epithelium Glandular acini vary in size Glandular acini vary in size Lumina of acini normally wide and irregular Lumina of acini normally wide and irregular –Protrusion of epithelium-covered connective tissue folds –Proteinaceous secretions sometimes prostatic concretions. –Glandular epithelium simple-columnar or psuedot Fibromuscular stroma –Characteristic feature of prostate gland  SM bundles and CT fibers blend together in the stroma throughout the gland.  ratified, cells lightly stain, some region squamous or cuboidal.

Histology of prostate gland

Histology of the Bulbourethral gland