Male reproductive organs. Structure, development and function of the male reproductive system in mammals. Internal organs of the male reproductive system

The complex of organs, both external and internal, that are responsible for reproduction and procreation is called the reproductive system. In men it is structured more clearly than in women. Representatives of the stronger sex have their own anatomical and functional characteristics. These features are used as the main way to differentiate the sexes and are called sexual characteristics. The structure of the male reproductive organs requires detailed consideration.

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In general, the entire complex structure of such a system works to perform three main tasks:

production and movement of male reproductive cells;
transportation of sperm to the woman’s genitals for their subsequent contact with the egg and fertilization;
synthesis of hormones that are necessary for the proper functioning of the reproductive system.

It is worth noting that the complex of reproductive organs is closely related to the male urinary system, so many consider them to be a single whole, although in fact this is not the case.

Modern medicine has impressive knowledge in the field of male anatomy, including the structure of the genital organs. The necessary information is provided at school. Male puberty takes longer than females and is not as pronounced.

The fact that the reproductive system is functioning properly is evidenced by such phenomena as the growth and development of the penis, erection, emissions, ejaculation, and spermatogenesis. Secondary sexual characteristics indicate that hormones are produced in the right quantities, hormonal balance is maintained, which is very important for a person.

The male reproductive system is divided into two groups:

External organs, that is, those that are visible to the naked eye. Includes the penis and scrotum.
Internal organs– there are more of them, and they are not visible, since they are hidden inside the body. These organs include the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, testicles with appendages and the vas deferens - the channels through which the ejaculate moves.

Each representative of the stronger sex has the same structure of the reproductive system. The only difference is the size of some organs, such as the scrotum or penis. Any functional deviation from the norm is considered pathology. They can threaten a man’s ability to procreate, and therefore require competent study and subsequent elimination.

It is necessary to consider each organ of the reproductive system separately. Let's start with the external ones, or rather, with the penis. This is the main organ in the entire complex, which can simultaneously perform several important functions:

urination;
erection – an increase in the size of the penis and its hardening, which is necessary for proper intimate contact with a woman;
ejaculation is the process of releasing seminal fluid containing male reproductive cells. In this way they are transported to the egg located inside the uterus.

The genital organ has a unique structure. The unusual ability to significantly increase in size under the influence of hormones and sexual arousal is due to high-quality blood nutrition and the presence of cavernous bodies. All parts of the penis are very elastic and sensitive, can be stretched and subsequently take on primary dimensions.

The scrotum is a pouch of skin and muscle that is located under the penis. It may have different sizes and differ in appearance. At the same time, its task is always the same - to protect the testicles, epididymis and vas deferens from negative external influences. The scrotum maintains the temperature necessary for spermatogenesis.

The muscles are hidden under the outer skin. They are needed for a reason, but to raise or lower the testicles, depending on the conditions environment. For example, if the scrotum is exposed to cold, the muscles pull the testes upward, where they actually hide in the abdominal cavity. If it’s hot, then on the contrary, they lower them.

The external genitalia grow and develop only during puberty. In the future they remain unchanged.

Now let's talk about the internal organs related to the reproductive system:

They are very important for every man. This paired organ is hidden in the scrotum. It is necessary for the production and peculiar “growing” of sperm. It is here that they reach full readiness for further fertilization of female germ cells.

The testicle consists of seminiferous lobules and seminiferous tubules. Their sizes are individual for each man, but this in no way affects functionality. It should be noted that the testicles are one of the most vulnerable organs in the male body. A strong blow to them can provoke a severe painful shock, from which a person can even die.

2. Epididymis

An oblong body attached to the outer side of the testicle. By and large, this is where the process of spermatogenesis takes place. In the epididymis, sperm gradually accumulate, mature and subsequently move along the spermatic ducts. This entire process takes about two weeks.

The appendage consists of a head, body and tail. It is very small, but it plays an extremely important role.

3. Vas deferens

These are ducts that serve for the unhindered transportation of seminal fluid. They have a diameter large enough for the reproductive system. They begin in the testicles and pass through the prostate gland. These are unique connecting paths, thanks to which the very meaning of the existence of the reproductive system becomes relevant.

4. Prostate gland

The organ that men traditionally know the least about. But at the same time, it is very important, since it performs several functions simultaneously. The prostate gland is small in volume and resembles a walnut in appearance. It is located just below the bladder, so it can be felt through the rectum. The prostate is divided into two parts, connected by a narrow isthmus. The urethra and vas deferens pass through the gland.

The main task of the prostate gland is to produce testosterone. This steroidal androgen, considered the main male hormone, has a profound effect on a man and his sexuality. Testosterone stimulates the entire reproductive system.

The prostate also produces a special secretion - the so-called juice, which mixes with the ejaculate, forming an environment favorable to maintaining the viability of sperm, as well as preventing the penetration of infections that may be present in the urethra.

The rhythmic contraction of the prostate muscles has a massage effect on the bladder, making it more elastic. Thanks to this, a person’s ability to artificially retain urine increases significantly.

The prostate, due to its not entirely favorable position and versatility, is highly susceptible to various pathologies. The penetration of infection into the gland causes inflammation, which is known as the proliferation of prostate tissue, as well as its degeneration. All this provokes not only the development of serious diseases, but also a significant decrease in the functionality of the organ.

5. Seminal vesicles

This is a small paired organ that is located above the prostate gland, on both sides Bladder. Its task is to synthesize secretions that are mixed with seminal fluid and saturate it with extremely useful elements to increase the resistance of male germ cells to aggressive environmental influences. By and large, it is the seminal vesicles that are the main source of energy for sperm.

From the bubbles there are two ducts through which the secretion moves. The ducts connect to the vas deferens coming from the testicles, where all the fluid is mixed to form the final ejaculate. Various problems with the seminal vesicles are one of the main reasons for the incapacity of gametes and, as a consequence,.

The male reproductive system is quite complex and multi-level. It must be treated with the utmost care, since a man’s ability to procreate directly depends on its functionality.

The male reproductive system is a complex of organs that are responsible for reproduction and procreation. The male reproductive system has a simpler structure than the female reproductive system. Specific reproductive features collectively characterize a person’s sex. The female and male reproductive systems have functional and anatomical differences. Those characteristics that are most unambiguous and can be used to distinguish the sex of a particular person are called sexual characteristics.

Structure of the pelvic organs

Depending on the location, the organs included in the male reproductive system are divided into:

Internal, which are located inside the man’s body.
External.

The anatomical features of the reproductive system determine the primary characteristics of gender, which are laid down and formed during the prenatal period. The male reproductive system includes internal organs located in the male pelvis:

Testicles (testicles).
Vas deferens.
Seminal vesicles with ejaculatory ducts.
Prostate gland.
Bulbous (bulbar) glands.

And the genitals (penis and scrotum) are located outside. The functions of the male reproductive system are under the control of the cerebral cortex, subcortical nerve centers, lumbar and sacral spinal cord, hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland. The anatomy of the male reproductive system determines the following functions:

Gamete production.
Production of testosterone and other male hormones.

The testicles (testicles) have the following structure: paired, located outside the pelvis in the scrotum - a bag-like formation of skin and a thin layer of muscle tissue. It is divided by a muscular septum into 2 sections, into which the testicles descend from the pelvic space in the second trimester of gestation. The testicles look like a slightly flattened ellipsoid.

The gonad is covered by a dense membrane of connective tissue, which, in the part facing the body, forms a cushion - the testicular mediastinum. From it, thin partitions (septa) pass into the inner part of the testicle, dividing the organ into 150-280 lobules. Inside each of the lobules there are several convoluted tubules (Sertoli glands), in the walls of which there are seed-forming elements that produce gametes. Between the tubules are cells of glandular tissue that produce the male hormone, testosterone.

Sperm are formed in the male testicles.

Meaning of clauses

Convoluted tubules penetrate the testicular membrane, enlarge and enter the accessory tributary, which passes into the vas deferens. The endothelium of the efferent tubules is formed by epithelium that helps transport gametes to the epididymis, where the germ cells mature. The epididymis, 5-6 cm long and 1 cm thick, is located on the posterior wall of the testicle and has the following structure:

Head.
Body.
Tail.

The functions of the epididymis are not only to deposit and ensure the maturation of sperm. This formation also selects male gametes. Spermophages are located in the walls of the epididymis - special cells that absorb and dissolve mutated and sedentary sperm. In addition, a secret is formed in each crypt of the epididymis, which is a nutrient medium for sperm and facilitates their transportation.

The common accessory duct passes into the vas deferens, the length of which is up to 0.5 m. Together with the nerves and vessels, it goes from the scrotum into the abdominal cavity, where its distal end expands and forms a capsule measuring 4x10 mm. Then the duct returns to the pelvis, unites with the seminal vesicle, passes through the prostate and flows into the urethra.

At the junction there are seminal tubercles - protrusions that have a mesh structure and are adjacent to the back of the bladder. The wall of the seminal vesicle is lined with a mucous membrane that forms large folds and produces a secretion that liquefies the sperm. The vas deferens, the seminal vesicles and their ducts, and the vas deferens form the vas deferens, located outside the testicles.

The main function of the epididymis is to deposit and ensure the maturation of sperm.

The testicle is attached with the help of the spermatic cord to the posterior edge in such a way that it is located in the scrotum slightly forward with its upper part. The size of the testicles and their topography may vary. As a rule, one testicle is higher than the other (the left one is slightly higher than the right). This structure can be justified by reducing the risk of compression of the testicles during movement. In the physiology of the male reproductive system, the urethra, or urethra, plays the role of a transport route for sperm. The length of the canal is about 19-22 cm. The following flow into the canal:

Both vas deferens.
Prostatic duct.
Ducts of the seminal vesicles and many other glands.

The two largest of them are the Cooper's glands. Their secretion provides moisture and an alkaline environment that is important for sperm life.

Characteristics of the prostate and Cooper glands

The male reproductive system includes the prostate, which is an unpaired glandular-muscular formation. A small (4x5x2.5 cm) organ covers the urethra on all sides in the part that is located near the bladder. The lobed (30-50 lobules) structure of the gland contributes to the accumulation of secretions produced by glands localized in the walls of the lobules. The secretion they produce is necessary for the activation of germ cells. Prostate secretions include:

Various enzymes.
Fructose.
Lemon acid.
Salts of sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, etc.

They influence sperm motility and their readiness to perform the fertilization function. The bulbous-urethral (bulbar, Cooper) gland is a paired formation that is located in the urogenital diaphragm at the root of the male penis. The duct of the bulbar gland opens into a slit-like opening into the urethral cavity. The secretion produced by the gland mixes with the ejaculate during the release of sperm from the urethra. Its functions are still unclear.

The bulbous-urethral (bulbar, Cooper) gland is a paired formation that is located in the urogenital diaphragm at the root of the male penis.

External genitalia

The phallus, penis, penis refers to the external organs of the reproductive system. Their structure and functions are interconnected. Thus, the phallus performs two functions - excreting urine from the bladder and introducing sperm into the woman’s genital tract. There is no relationship between the two functions, so when, for example, ejaculation occurs, the urinary function is blocked. The anatomy and structure of the penis is as follows - it consists of 2 parts:

The base, or root, which is attached to the bones of the symphysis pubis.
The trunk, which ends with a head on the dorsal part.

The internal structure of the male penis is as follows - it consists of 2 cavernous bodies and one spongy body. The phallus consists of 3 layers of porous tissue, which are modified vascular tissues. The inner layer has the following structure: it is represented by a spongy body that covers the urethra. Two processes (pedicles), which form the corpora cavernosa, are attached to the bottom of the pubic bones. Their anterior part connects with the spongy body, which, expanding in the distal part, forms a thickening, and in the proximal part - a head.

The head of the male penis is covered with a delicate skin equipped with nerve endings and cells that produce lubricant. It covers the head and, with the help of a frenulum, connects to the lower surface of the organ. The anatomy of the foreskin undergoes age-related changes. The cellular structure of the penis is due to the growth of the tunica albuginea, which covers both cavernous bodies, deep into the spongy and cavernous bodies in the form of trabeculae. This structure ensures erection of the male sexual organ.

Functional Features

The function of the reproductive system is the production of germ cells. In a man these are sperm, and in a woman they are eggs. Their fusion is called fertilization, which gives rise to the development of a new organism. Sexual reproduction, which provides the structure and physiology of the function of the human reproductive system, provides an advantage over the non-sexual species, since the combination of the hereditary properties of the organisms of a man and a woman allows the child to receive significantly more parental inclinations than if he received the material of only one person.

The carrier of hereditary information is the chromosomal apparatus of the germ cell. Thus, gametes contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, of which 22 pairs are identical in a representative of the stronger sex and a woman (autosomes), and one pair determines sex. In women these are two XX chromosomes, in men - XY. The sperm contains half the set of chromosomes. When an egg fuses with a sperm that carries the X chromosome, it develops female body(XX).

If the male reproductive cell has a Y chromosome, then male body(XY). The chromosome contains a nucleus located in the head of the sperm. The structure of the male reproductive cell allows it to actively move due to the tail and penetrate into the egg. The nucleus is covered with a membrane - an acrosome, which contains special enzymes that allow gametes to perform their main task - fertilization. The physiology of reproductive function is impossible without sex hormones, which ensure the normal development of the reproductive system and are necessary for both the female and male body. Under their influence:

Protein synthesis increases.
There is an intensive increase in muscle tissue.
Bone calcification and skeletal growth occur.

The main function of the male reproductive system is the production of sperm.

Together with hormones produced by other endocrine glands, androgenic hormones ensure a man’s reproductive health – his fertility. The physiology and structure of the male phallus ensure sexual intercourse, as a result of which the function of fertilization becomes possible. Sexual activity is impossible without penile erection, which is a conditioned reflex and occurs in response to a set of certain sexual stimuli.

Fertilizing abilities

The structure of the male reproductive system determines the so-called morning erections. The entire system is innervated by very close nerve endings, so a full bladder has a mechanical effect on the nerve endings at the base of the penis, which leads it to an erect state without sexual stimulation.

The physiology of erection is determined by the ability of the penis to increase in size. This is necessary not only for introducing the phallus into the woman’s genitals, but also for stimulating the nerve endings on the head. In this case, nerve impulses enter the nerve centers, which are located in the lumbosacral spinal cord. When the increased impulse exceeds the threshold of excitation, ejaculation occurs - the release of sperm into reproductive system women.

The physiology of the male reproductive system is normally designed to clearly perform the function of continuing the species. At one time, 2-8 ml of sperm are released, which contains 120 million sperm. This makes up only 5% of the contents of the ejaculate, the remaining 95% comes from the secretion of the glands of the reproductive system. In order to ensure a high level of fertility, it is necessary that more than 55% of sperm have normal morphology and more than half have high motility.

The main function of the male reproductive system is to continue the species.

Anatomically, the human reproductive system is designed to shorten as much as possible the path that the cell needs to travel, but at the same time, its physiology ensures that the egg is fertilized only with high-quality material. For example, a man’s reproductive function is impossible without:

Normal operation of the system for selecting healthy and active sperm in the epididymis.
The functioning of the glands that produce a secretion that neutralizes the acidic environment of a woman’s vagina.
Level hormonal levels, which provides neurohumoral regulation of the process.

The lifespan of a sperm in a woman’s genital tract is 2 days. The reproductive physiology of the system determined the production of such a large amount of seminal material in order to increase the chance of a single sperm to overcome obstacles on the way to the egg. The energy reserve of sperm is enough for 12-24 hours of active movements, and although they remain viable for another day, they will no longer be able to fertilize an egg.

The video shows the difficult path that sperm must go through to fulfill its reproductive purpose. From a physiological point of view, you can improve a man’s fertility by:

Stimulates testosterone production.
Introducing it into the body.

You can increase sperm activity and improve sperm quality by taking vitamin and mineral complexes and normalizing your lifestyle. But not only physiology influences the process of ejaculation and erection. Great importance has a psycho-emotional state. For example, taking hallucinogenic mushrooms increases spermatogenesis and increases libido, as they affect the physiology of the reproductive system, increasing the susceptibility of receptors.

And psychedelic surroundings, music or colors, on the contrary, have a depressing effect on a man’s physiology. However, physiology alone cannot explain the sexual attractiveness of some female phenotypes. Therefore, the psychological component is an important component in the normal functioning of the reproductive system. The physiology and structure of the male reproductive organs is the minimum knowledge necessary for any man to avoid the development of pathology or a decrease in the function of one of the most important systems in human life.

The human body is a complex of physiological systems (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, etc.) that ensure the existence of a person as an individual. If any of them is violated, disorders occur that are often incompatible with life. The functions of the sexual or reproductive system are aimed primarily at the continued existence of humans as a biological species. All life-supporting systems function from birth to death; the reproductive system “works” only in a certain age period, corresponding to the optimal increase in physiological capabilities. This temporary conditionality is associated with biological expediency - bearing and raising offspring requires significant resources of the body. Genetically, this period is programmed for the age of 18–45 years.

Reproductive function is a complex of processes that covers the differentiation and maturation of germ cells, the process of fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and subsequent care of the offspring. The interaction and regulation of these processes is ensured by a system whose center is the neuroendocrine complex: hypothalamus - pituitary gland - gonads. The reproductive, or genital, organs play a central role in the reproductive function. The genital organs are divided into internal and external.

Structure and age characteristics of the male reproductive system

In men, the internal genital organs include the gonads (testes with appendages), vas deferens, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral (Cooper's) glands; to the external genitalia - the scrotum and penis (Fig. 9.2).

Fig. 9.2.

Testicle – men's steam room gonad, which performs exocrine and endocrine functions in the body. The testicles produce sperm (external secretion) and sex hormones that influence the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics (internal secretion). The shape of the testicle (testis) is an oval body, slightly compressed from the sides, lying in the scrotum. Right testicle larger, heavier and located above the left.

The testicles form in the abdominal cavity of the fetus and descend into the scrotum before birth (at the end of pregnancy). The movement of the testicles occurs along the so-called inguinal canal - an anatomical formation that serves to guide the testicles to the scrotum, and after the descent process is completed, to locate the vas deferens. The testicles, having passed the inguinal canal, descend to the bottom of the scrotum and are fixed there by the time the child is born. Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) leads to disruption of its thermal regime, blood supply, and trauma, which contributes to the development of dystrophic processes in it and requires medical intervention.

In a newborn, the length of the testicle is 10 mm, weight - 0.4 g. Until puberty, the testicle grows slowly, and then its development accelerates. By the age of 14, it has a length of 20–25 mm and a weight of 2 g. At 18–20 years, its length is 38–40 mm, weight - 20 g. Later, the size and weight of the testicle increase slightly, and after 60 years they decrease slightly.

The testicle is covered with a dense connective tissue membrane, which forms a thickening at the posterior edge called mediastinum. Radial connective tissue septa extend from the mediastinum into the testicle, dividing the testis into many lobules (100–300). Each lobule includes 3–4 blindly closed convoluted seminiferous tubules, connective tissue and interstitial Leydig cells. Leydig cells produce male sex hormones, and the spermatogenic epithelium of the seminiferous tubules produces spermatozoa, consisting of a head, neck and tail. The convoluted seminiferous tubules become straight seminiferous tubules, which open into the ducts of the testicular network located in the mediastinum. In a newborn, convoluted and straight seminiferous tubules do not have a lumen - it appears during puberty. In adolescence, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules doubles, and in adult men it triples.

Efferent tubules (15–20) emerge from the testicular network, which, twisting strongly, form cone-shaped structures. The combination of these structures is the epididymis, adjacent to the upper pole and posterolateral edge of the testicle; it contains the head, body, and tail. The epididymis of a newborn is large, its length is 20 mm, its weight is 0.12 g. During the first 10 years, the epididymis grows slowly, and then its growth accelerates.

In the area of the body of the epididymis, the efferent tubules merge into the epididymal duct, which passes into the area of the tail into vas deferens , which contains mature but immobile sperm, has a diameter of about 3 mm and reaches a length of 50 cm. Its wall consists of mucous, muscular and connective tissue membranes. At the level of the lower pole of the testicle, the vas deferens turns upward and, as part of the spermatic cord, which also includes vessels, nerves, membranes and the muscle that lifts the testicle, follows to the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity. There it separates from the spermatic cord and, without passing through the peritoneum, descends into the pelvis. Near the bottom of the bladder, the duct expands, forming an ampulla, and, having accepted the excretory ducts of the seminal vesicles, continues as ejaculatory duct. The latter passes through the prostate gland and opens into the prostatic part of the urethra.

In a child, the vas deferens is thin, its longitudinal muscular layer appears only by the age of 5. The muscle that lifts the testicle is poorly developed. The diameter of the spermatic cord in a newborn is 4.5 mm, at 15 years old – 6 mm. The spermatic cord and vas deferens grow slowly until the age of 14–15 years, and then their growth accelerates. Spermatozoa, mixing with the secretions of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, acquire the ability to move and form seminal fluid (sperm).

Seminal vesicles They are a paired oblong organ, about 4–5 cm long, located between the bottom of the bladder and the rectum. They produce a secretion that is part of the seminal fluid. The seminal vesicles of a newborn are poorly developed, with a small cavity, only 1 mm long. Until 12–14 years of age, they grow slowly; at 13–16 years of age, growth accelerates, and the size and cavity increase. At the same time, their position also changes. In a newborn, the seminal vesicles are located high (due to the high position of the bladder) and are covered on all sides by the peritoneum. By the age of two, they descend and lie retroperitoneally.

Prostate gland (prostate) ) is located in the pelvic area under the bottom of the bladder. Its length in an adult man is 3 cm, weight is 18–22 g. The prostate consists of glandular and smooth muscle tissue. The glandular tissue forms lobules of the gland, the ducts of which open into the prostatic part of the urethra. The mass of the prostate gland in a newborn is about

0.82 g, at 3 years – 1.5 g, observed after 10 years accelerated growth gland and by the age of 16 its weight reaches 8–10 g. The shape of the gland in a newborn is spherical, since the lobules are not yet expressed, it is located high, has a soft consistency, and there is no glandular tissue in it. By the end of puberty, the internal opening of the urethra shifts to its anterior-superior edge, glandular parenchyma and prostatic ducts are formed, and the gland acquires a dense consistency.

Bulbourethral (Cooper's gland - a paired organ the size of a pea - located in the urogenital diaphragm. Its function is to secrete a mucous secretion that promotes the movement of sperm through the urethra. Its excretory duct is very thin, 3–4 cm long, and opens into the lumen of the urethra.

Scrotum is a receptacle for the testicles and appendages. In a healthy man, it contracts due to the presence of muscle cells – myocytes – in its walls. The scrotum is like a “physiological thermostat” that maintains the temperature of the testicles at a lower level than body temperature. This necessary condition for normal sperm development. A newborn's scrotum is small in size, and intensive growth is observed during puberty.

Penis has a head, neck, body and root. The glans is the thickened end of the penis, at which the external opening of the urethra opens. Between the head and the body of the penis there is a narrowed part - the neck. The root of the penis is attached to the pubic bones. The penis consists of three cavernous bodies, two of which are called the corpora cavernosa of the penis, the third is called the corpus spongiosum urethra (the urethra passes through it). The anterior section of the corpus spongiosum is thickened and forms the glans penis. Each corpus cavernosum is covered on the outside with a dense connective tissue membrane, and on the inside has a spongy structure: thanks to numerous partitions, small cavities (“caves”) are formed, which during sexual intercourse are filled with blood, the penis swells and becomes erect. The length of the penis in a newborn is 2–2.5 cm, the foreskin is long and completely covers its head (phimosis). In children of the first years of life, the state of phimosis is physiological, but with pronounced narrowing, swelling of the foreskin may be observed, leading to difficulty urinating. Under the foreskin, a whitish sebaceous substance (smegma) accumulates, produced by glands located on the head of the penis. If personal hygiene is not observed and an infection occurs, smegma decomposes, causing inflammation of the head and foreskin.

Before puberty, the penis grows slowly, and then its growth accelerates.

Spermatogenesis – the process of development of male reproductive cells, ending with the formation of sperm. Spermatogenesis begins under the influence of sex hormones during puberty in adolescence and then proceeds continuously, and in most men almost until the end of life.

The process of sperm maturation occurs inside the convoluted seminiferous tubules and lasts on average 74 days. On the inner wall of the tubules there are spermatogonia (the earliest, first cells of spermatogenesis), containing a double set of chromosomes. After a series of successive divisions, during which the number of chromosomes in each cell is halved, and after a long differentiation phase, spermatogonia turn into spermatozoa. This happens by gradually stretching the cell, changing and lengthening its shape, as a result of which the cell nucleus forms the head of the sperm, and the membrane and cytoplasm form the neck and tail. Each sperm carries half a set of chromosomes, which, when combined with a female reproductive cell, will give the full set necessary for the development of the embryo. After this, mature sperm enter the lumen of the testicular tubule and then into the epididymis, where they accumulate and are excreted from the body during ejaculation. 1 ml of sperm contains up to 100 million sperm.

A mature normal human sperm consists of a head, neck, body and tail, or flagellum, which ends in a thin terminal filament (Fig. 9.3). The total length of the sperm is about 50–60 µm (head 5–6 µm, neck and body 6–7 and tail 40–50 µm). The head contains the nucleus, which carries the paternal hereditary material. At its anterior end there is an acrosome, which ensures the penetration of sperm through the membranes of the female egg. The neck and body contain mitochondria and spiral filaments, which are the source motor activity sperm. An axial filament (axoneme) extends from the neck through the body and tail, surrounded by a shell, under which 8–10 smaller fibrils are located around the axial filament, performing motor or skeletal functions in the cell. Motility is the most characteristic property of the sperm and is carried out with the help of uniform blows of the tail by rotating around its own axis in a clockwise direction. The duration of sperm existence in the vagina reaches 2.5 hours, in the cervix - 48 hours or more. Normally, the sperm always moves against the flow of fluid, which allows it to move upward at a speed of 3 mm/min along the female reproductive tract before meeting the egg.

Male reproductive organs are considered less complex than female ones. However, they are by no means limited to the genitals visible from the outside. Inside the male body there is a complex system of tubules and ducts connected to the reproductive organs.

The epididymis is the epididymis. It is a highly convoluted canal and is part of the vas deferens. The epididymis is covered with connective tissue adjacent to the testis and located on the upper part of the testicle. In this canal, sperm mature and acquire the ability to fertilize.

Another part of the sperm storage and transportation system is a long curved canal - the vas deferens. Connected to it are the seminal vesicles: two formations located behind the bladder. They produce part of the seminal fluid, which is necessary for the movement and nutrition of sperm.

An important organ for men's health is the prostate gland. The size of a chestnut, it is located below the bladder. It produces 60% of the seminal fluid necessary for the transport of sperm.

It would seem that for fertilization, that is, for the ultimate goal, only one sperm is needed. But Mother Nature has programmed it in such a way that every day the male body produces millions of germ cells. From the testicle they enter the epididymis, an organ that preserves and supplies mature sperm with nutrients. The complete process of sperm maturation, from the germ cell in the seminiferous tubule to the mature form in the vas deferens, takes approximately 74 days. Normally, in order to become a father, a man must have at least 60-70 million sperm in his sperm.

Representatives of the stronger sex who have suffered from this disease in the post-pubertal period need to be especially attentive to their male health and carefully check the possibility of having children. Mumps damages the sperm precursor cells in the testicles. In most cases, only one testicle is affected, but some men experience complete infertility.

Varicocele

Varicocele is the presence of varicose veins in the testicular area. The development of this pathology is caused by impaired blood flow in this area. An increase in blood supply leads to an increase in temperature in the testicle. This causes a decrease in testosterone levels, which in turn impairs sperm production.

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)

While the boy is in the womb, his testicles are located inside the abdominal cavity. Shortly before birth they descend into the scrotum. If testicular descent does not occur before birth, the condition in the newborn is called cryptorchidism. Typically, during the first 6 months of life, the testicles descend into the scrotum on their own. However, we must remember that cryptorchidism that does not resolve on its own and is not treated can lead to impaired fertility and other pathological conditions.

Testicular cancer

If you are having difficulty conceiving, you should definitely get checked for possible testicular cancer. A malignant tumor developing in this organ can destroy normal testicular tissue, leading to infertility.

It was proven not long ago bad influence diabetes mellitus on sperm quality. In addition, disruption of hormonal regulation due to excess weight in type II diabetes mellitus also leads to problems with childbearing.

Injuries and surgeries

Severe mechanical damage to the testicles disrupts the production of germ cells, which leads to the development of infertility. In addition, injury sustained during sports or as a result of an accident can cause rupture of the vessels supplying the testicles with blood. Unfortunately, surgical operations to correct an undescended testicle or for an inguinal hernia can lead to impaired sperm production.

Anatomical abnormalities

In some individuals, the fluid released during sexual intercourse does not contain sperm at all. This phenomenon may be the result of an obstruction or disruption of the anatomical structure of the epididymis, which prevents the mixing of germ cells with seminal fluid to form sperm.

Overheat

Heating has a damaging effect on the physiological production of sperm. Staying in a hot bath for too long can raise the temperature of the testicles and temporarily interfere with sperm production.

Severe stress, fatigue, or alcohol use

Overwork, anxiety and excessive alcohol consumption reduce sexual desire. But although until recently most cases of impotence were explained by psychological reasons, new oral medications can improve treatment results.

Wrong lifestyle

Individual behavioral characteristics, which can also affect fertility, cannot be discounted. For example, negative impact provides overweight, eating unhealthy and unbalanced foods combined with a sedentary lifestyle.

The male reproductive system is a set of internal and external structures of the small pelvis that are responsible for the sexual and reproductive function of the male sex. A distinctive feature of these structures is their external location and simpler anatomical structure. The reproductive system is responsible for the duration of the biological species, the production of hormones and the fertilization of a woman’s egg. To avoid disruptions in the functionality of this system, it is necessary to regularly visit a urologist and diagnose organs using ultrasound, MRI or radiography.

The male reproductive organs are divided into internal and external. The anatomical structure of the entire system is much simpler than in women, since most of organs located outside the body.

External ones include:

The penis or penis is a key organ in the entire system, which is responsible for the excretion of urine, genital contact and the transport of sperm directly into the female uterine cavity. Located on the penis a large number of nerve endings to make it easier for a man to get an erection. The opening of the urethra is located in the head of the genital organ, which covers the foreskin. The penis consists of the root, the part that connects to the frontal area. The body or trunk is a part that consists of three components (two cavernous bodies and the urethra). The head is covered by the foreskin and consists of a spongy body. At birth, the foreskin may be removed to reduce the chance of infection.
The scrotum is a skin formation in the form of a small pouch located under the penis. The scrotum contains the testicles, which are responsible for the production of secretions and reproductive cells. In addition, it contains a large number of nerve clusters and vessels that ensure a regular flow of nutrients to the genitals. Muscle tissue envelops the scrotum to prevent cooling or overheating. This process is important in the production of sperm, as it is created under certain temperature conditions. When the ambient temperature is low, these muscles move the testicles closer to the body, and in hot weather, vice versa.
The testicles are a paired organ that resembles a small oval. They are located directly in the scrotum, communicating with other structures through the seminal canal. A healthy man has two testicles, and in cases of congenital pathology this number may change. The main function of the testicles is the production of testosterone (male sex hormone), secretions and sperm. The middle of the structure contains a large number of seminiferous tubules, which take part in the production of sperm.

If we consider the external organs from an anatomical point of view, the penis has the shape of a cylinder and consists of a large number of spongy bodies that fill with blood during an erection. When all the cavities are filled with liquid, the penis increases in size several times and hardens. If a man has problems with erection or has certain infections of the genitourinary system, penis hardness is not observed.

Since the top layer of the skin easily stretches and accepts different shape, then the increase in penis size occurs painlessly. With the onset of erection, the penis is ready to penetrate the woman’s genitals and have intercourse. During this process, the exit of urine from the urethra becomes impossible, since the prostate gland blocks its excretion.

During sexual intercourse, a secretion is released from the urethra, the function of which is to prepare the penis for intercourse. The secretion containing sperm enters the vagina with the onset of orgasm in a man.

The organs that are located inside the abdominal wall include:

The epididymis is a curved tube that extends from the back of each testicle. They play an important role in the preparation of sperm and their maturation. From the testicles, sperm enter the epididymis, where they mature and remain until the climax occurs. During strong arousal and approaching the climax, the secretion, along with the reproductive cells, is released into the vas deferens.
The vas deferens are tubes that start from the curved tubes of the appendages and pass into the pelvic cavity, where they are located near the bladder. During sexual arousal, these ducts transport mature sperm to the urethra.
Ejaculatory ducts – these ducts are a continuation of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. Therefore, after maturation, the sperm enters the ejaculatory or ejaculatory ducts, which direct it to the urethra.
The urethra or urethra is a long tube that passes through the entire cavernous body of the penis and ends at the urethral opening. Through this channel, the man empties and ejects seminal fluid. Despite the same transportation, these two fluids do not mix due to blockage of the prostate gland.
Seminal vesicles are small capsules that are located in close proximity to the bladder. They are connected to the vas deferens and provide reproductive cells with long-term vital activity. This process is associated with the production of a special liquid, fructose, which is saturated with carbohydrates. They are the main source of energy reserves for sperm and components in seminal fluid. Fructose allows germ cells to actively move and maintain vital activity for even longer. long time after entering the vagina.
The prostate gland or prostate is a small oval-shaped structure that is responsible for the energy saturation of sperm and ensuring their vital functions. In addition to these properties, the prostate gland serves as a barrier between urine and semen. The fluid that comes from the prostate is rich in carbohydrates, phospholipids and other nutrients.
Cooper's glands are small capsules located on both sides of the urethra near the prostate. The glands secrete a special secretion that has antibacterial properties. The secretion is used during the treatment of the urethra after urine is removed, and also as a lubricant before intercourse.

All organs are connected through hormones produced by endocrine glands.

Diseases of the reproductive system

Diseases of the genitourinary system can occur due to exposure to external factors (decreased immunity, diabetes mellitus, infections during unprotected sex and others) and structural changes in the genitals.

In adulthood, men are more susceptible to structural changes in soft tissues. This is especially true for the prostate gland, which begins to change with age.

Inflammation of the genitourinary system occurs due to hypothermia, injury or urogenital infections. Among all diseases, prostatitis is distinguished, which affects a large number of men every year. This pathology affects young people and men over 45 years of age.

The main symptoms of prostatitis are frequent urge to go to the toilet, pain during urination and decreased erection. In order to get rid of the disease and prevent relapses, a man should seek medical help from a doctor. The specialist will conduct a diagnosis and determine the etiological factor, after which he will prescribe the correct treatment.

Infectious diseases

This type of pathology is the most common, as the number of patients with sexually transmitted diseases increases every year. Unprotected sex causes infection in both males and females.

The main diseases transmitted this way include:

candidiasis is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida and occurs in people with weakened immune systems;
chlamydia is a disease caused by chlamydia;
gonorrhea is a pathology that affects the mucous membranes of the penis, rectum and eye membranes;
ureaplasmosis is a rare disease caused by gram-inactive microorganisms without a cell wall;
syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the skin, nervous and skeletal system person.

If these pathologies are ignored, the patient experiences serious damage to all functional systems, even death.

With infertility caused by infectious diseases or structural changes in the pelvic organs, many patients begin to worry about the question of how to improve a man’s reproductive functions and achieve the desired conception.

Male infertility can be caused by several reasons:

low sperm activity;
hormonal imbalances;
inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
structural changes in the vas deferens, which are responsible for transporting seminal fluid.

In order to begin treatment of male infertility, it is necessary to find out the etiological factor. To do this, the doctor takes a smear from the urethra and conducts a large number of tests for bacterial cultures and determination of hormonal levels.

Oncological formations

There are benign and malignant formations in the organs of the genitourinary system. Prostate adenoma or benign hyperplasia is the most common form of pathology that occurs in males after the age of 50. This is the proliferation of glandular tissue, which is accompanied by the formation of tumors. In this case, many parts of the prostate and adjacent structures are affected, including the urethra.

This results in the following symptoms:

pain during urination;
discomfort in the groin area;
sexual dysfunction;
frequent urge to go to the toilet.

In order to detect pathology in time, a man must regularly check the health of the reproductive system and pay attention to the first signs of the disease in time.

If a malignant tumor forms, a long course of chemotherapy is followed, during which the doctor monitors the improvement of the patient’s condition. With full recovery, there is a small probability of repeated relapses, so a man needs to be regularly examined by a doctor.