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Chapter 1 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System

from Part I - Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 April 2021

By
Ryan T. Scribner  and
Nicholas N. Tadros
Edited by
Ashok Agarwal ,
Ahmad Majzoub  and
Sandro C. Esteves
Ashok Agarwal
Affiliation:
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
Ahmad Majzoub
Affiliation:
Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Sandro C. Esteves
Affiliation:
Andrology & Human Reproduction Clinic, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Summary

The male reproductive system is a complex network of central nervous system circuits and internal and external pelvic organs. The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis leads to reproductive tract formation and development during embryogenesis, sexual maturation at puberty, and testosterone and sperm production by the testis as an adult. Spermatogenesis is regulated by pulsatile secretions of GnRH, LH, and FSH and feedback regulation on the HPG axis. Immotile spermatozoa are produced within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. During transport through the epididymis, sperm undergo the maturation processes to induce motility and subsequent fertility. Sperm are transported through the ejaculatory ducts and into the urethra during ejaculation, combining with the seminal fluid that provides a nutrient-rich environment, assists in sperm motility, and suppresses the immune response in the female reproductive tract.

Keywords

hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axistestisspermatogenesisepididymisvas deferensseminal vesicle
Type
Chapter
Information
Manual of Sperm Retrieval and Preparation in Human Assisted Reproduction , pp. 1 - 8
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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