Male Reproductive System

Function To manufacture the male gamete (spermatozoon or sperm) and deliver it to the female reproductive tract.

Basic Anatomy Testicle (testis) Scrotum Accessory organs Penis

Basic Functions Testes Produce spermatozoa and testosterone Scrotum Provides favourable environment (temperature) Accessory glands and penis Assist spermatozoa to reach the female reproductive tract in good condition Testis

Long axis is horizontal Testes are close to the abdominal wall Unlike the bull and ram Is suspended from the body by the spermatic cord Contains blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, ductus deferens Surrounded by the vaginal tunic Contains a mass of seminiferous tubules Site of spermatogenesis Sperm are delivered into a network of tubules - the rete testis Efferent ductules Epididymal duct At that head of the epididymis

Interstitial cells = Leydig Cells Secrete testosterone Are stimulated by LH Sustenacular cells = Sertoli Cells Envelop developing sperm Nourish developing sperm Mediate the effects of testosterone and FSH Epididymis Long convoluted tubule Connects the efferent ductules with the ductus deferens Houses the sperm as they mature Sperm are immature when they leave the testis and take 4 days within the epididymis before they are capable of fertilization Ductus Deferens Muscular tube that leaves the epididymis and propels sperm to the urethra The Inguinal Canal

The passage from the abdominal cavity to the exterior of the body. It starts at the deep inguinal ring, and extends to the supercial inguinal ring. Involves the internal and external abdominal oblique muscles.

The Descent of the Testis In the normal horse... In the fetus the gonads develop just caudal to the kidneys The testes descend to the scrotum (provides a lower temperature that is favourable for spermatozoa) The descent is guided by the "gubernaculum" Cordlike structure that extends to the inguinal canal Completed by birth or shortly after Cryptorchid One (or both) testis has failed to descend Can be retained In the abdomen In the inguinal canal Accessory Sex Glands Produce the bulk of the ejaculate (semen) which is the medium that carries the sperm Provides nutrition and acts as a buffer against the acidity of the female reproductive tract Ampullae Vesicular Glands Prostate Bulbourethral Penile Anatomy Glans Body

Crura Urethral process

Penis in Cross Section Corpora cavernosa Corpus spongiosus

The Muscles Urethral muscle Striated muscle that is the voluntary sphincter of the bladder Spongiosus muscle Functions to help the urethra empty during ejaculation Ischiocavernosus muscles Pull the penis dorso-craniad during erection Retractor penis muscle Seminiferous Tubules Sertoli Cells Production of spermatozoa Secrete uid that bathes the developing sperm cells Includes "androgen-binding protein" that transports androgens from the testis to the epididymis

Leydig Cells Secrete testosterone Spermatogenesis

Meiosis Morphology Head Nucleus Acrosome Tail Microtubules/laments Mitochondria Sperm Production Onset of sexual maturity 10-24 months Sperm output Semen volume/ejaculate, 30-200mL total output Sperm Rich portion usually constant around 45-70mL Gel portion changes considerably with teasing and amount of activity Sperm output 6-9 billion Survival time with fertilizing capacity: 1-2 days Semen Collection Up to 70,000 spermatozoa/second 57 days maturation for each sperm cell Daily production = 3 billion or more Age and season dependent Pre-ejaculate Clear lubricant Sperm Rich Sperm and seminal plasma Gel Mucous substances at end of ejaculation

Hormones of Male Reproduction GnRH From the hypothalamus Gonadotrophin releasing hormone stimulates FSH and LH FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) From the pituitary to stimulate testicular function Acts on the Sertoli cells LH (Luteinizing hormone) From the pituitary to stimulate testicular function Acts on the Leydig cells Inhibin Negative feedback for FSH Maintains adequate rate for breeding season Testosterone Steroid hormone Enters cells to exert its effect Converted to dihydrotestosterone Supports maturation of sperm Promotes development and function of accessory sex organs Development of secondary sex characterstics Promotes male sexual behaviour Anabolic Steroids Synthetic Increase protein synthesis and skeletal muscle mass Are similar to androgens Can promote secondary sex characteristics