Physiology Of Male

Reproductive
System
By
Dr. Selvia Samir
Lecturer of physiology
Male mammals play an
important role in reproduction

Function of male
reproductive system:
• Production of spermatozoa through
process called spermatogenesis
• Deposition of sperms in female
reproductive tract
• Secretion of androgen
Bull of male
reproductive
system
 Components of male
reproductive system:

Accessory sex gland

seminal vesicle
Secondary sex organ:
Ampulla
a-Epididymes
Primary sex organ: (testis or bulbourethral gland
b-Vas deferens
testicles) prostate gland (pars interna,
c-Urethra
pars externa)
d-Penis
• The male gonads (testis) produce sperm and lie within the
scrotum
• Sperm are delivered to the exterior through a system of
ducts: epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and
the urethra
• Accessory sex glands:
• Empty their secretions into the ducts during ejaculation
• Include the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and
bulbourethral glands
 The Testes
–Function:
Exocrine function (Site of
spermatogenesis) & endocrine function
hormone production “testosterone”
–Structure:
• Tunica albuginea – outer cell layer
• Each testis is subdivided into 250-
300lobules by septa, each lobules
containing 1-4 seminiferous tubules
 The Testes
• In between the seminiferous tubules are
interstitial cells (Leydig cells)which produce
hormones (testosterone & inhibin).

• The tubules converge and unite to form

the rete testis

• The rete testis gives rise to several ducts

(Efferent ducts) which open into the
epididymis
 The Testes
Seminiferous tubules (building unit of testis)
Surrounded by myoid cell

• The tubules epithelium composed of

2 categories of cells:
-The germ cells or spermatogonia at different
stages of sperm development

-Sertoli cells
 Gametogenesis is the Gametogenesis in the male is
process whereby a haploid known as spermatogenesis
cell (n) is formed from a and produces spermatozoa.
diploid cell (2n) through Gametogenesis in the female
meiosis and cell is known as oogenesis and
differentiation. result in the formation of ova.
 Spermatogenesis

• Males start producing sperm when they reach puberty

• Sperm are produced in large quantities (~200 million a day)

to maximize the likelihood of sperm reaching the egg. Sperm
are continually produced as males need to be ready to
utilize the small window of fertility of the female.

• Sperm production occurs in the testes of the male,

specifically in the seminiferous tubules.
 Spermatogenesis
Def: It is the process of transformation of spermatogonia into
sperm.

Spermatogenesis
Meiosis

Spermiogenesis

Spermatocytogenesis Meiosis spermiogenesis

Spermatocytogenesis

Meiosis

Spermiogenesis
 Spermatogenesis
Spermatocytogenesis
The primitive stem cell in the male is referred to as
spermatogonium.

These cells are located just above the basement membrane

of seminiferous tubules between Sertoli cell.
• Def: It is the process of transformation of spermatogonia
into primary spermatocyte.

• The first step of in spermatogenesis is a mitotic division of

the spermatogonium. One of the daughter cells remains to
replace the original spermatogonium (resting
spermatogonium), while another cell (spermatogonium A1)
undergoes a series of mitotic divisions (A2, A3, A4,
intermediate spermatogonium and type B spermatogonium.
• Type B spermatogonium undergo last mitotic division to
form primary spermatocyte (containing 2 N).

• The first meiotic division yields two secondary

spermatocytes. Usually, these secondary spermatocytes
do not fully separate during cell division leaving a
cytoplasmic connection between the cells.
• Following the second meiotic division (again, an
incomplete division), the cells are known as spermatids.
As the germ cells undergoing meiosis, they also migrate
towards the lumen of seminiferous tubules.
 Importance of spermatocytogenesis

• Production of progeny (production of sperm)

• Production of dormant spermatogonia
• Maintenance of stem cell population
• Maintenance of spermatocytogenesis
• Maintenance of the ability to produce sperms
throughout the adult life of males
Spermiogenesis:
Definition: Transformation of spermatid into spermatozoa
without division

Late in spermatogenesis, spermatids are haploid but nonmotile

When the spermatids reach the lumen, they remain embedded
within the sustentacular cells, where they undergo tail
development, acrosome formation and nuclear condensation.
Spermatid contains:
1- centrally located spherical nucleus
2- Golgi complex
3-Centrioles
4-Mitochondria
5-chromatin bodies
Steps:
1- chromatin condensation 2- acrosome formation
3- formation of mid piece and flagellum (migration of centriole
and cytoplasm- rearrangement of mitochondria).
Spermiogenesis: Spermatids to Sperm

Figure 27.9a
Spermiogenesis
Spermatids develop into spermatozoa in 4 stages:
Golgi phase
Acrosomal
Cap phase

Acrosomal phase

Maturation phase
Spermiogenesis
Golgi phase: Golgi phase
Spermiogenesis
Golgi phase

1-proacrosomal granules appear in the Golgi complex and

each one enclosed within a membrane limited vesicle

2-Coalescence of the proacrosomal granules forming a

single acrosomal granule within its acrosomal vesicle
3-Adherence of the acrosomal granule to the nuclear
envelope at the anterior pole of cell
4-Early stage of tail development
a- positioning of centrioles at the opposite pole of nucleus
b- initiation of formation of axonemal complex from one of the
centrioles (distal one).
Spermiogenesis
Cap phase
Spermiogenesis
Cap phase

1- development of acrosomal cap over nucleus and condensation

of chromatin.

2- the proximal centriole become localized at the posterior pole

of the nucleus to form neck piece.
3- Development of flagellum from axonemal complex.

❑Acrosome contains hydrolases (proteases, hyaluronidase,

neuramidase, acid phosphatase) important in penetration of
the oocyte membrane during fertilization.
Spermiogenesis
Acrosomal phase
 Spermiogenesis
Acrosomal phase

1- Annulus (Ring shaped structure) are formed from

chromatin body around the flagellum.
2-The manchette formed from microtubules and encircle
the initial part of the flagellum.
3-Nucleus is flattened and elongated at the anterior of the
cell and further condensation of chromatin is occurred.
4-Rotation of the spermatid (flagellum projects into the
lumen of the tubule and the acrosome towards the base
of the epithelium)
5-Movement of cytoplasm to the posterior of cell
6- Further development of flagellum

7- Linkage of flagellum to nucleus via the

connecting piece developed from a centriole
Spermiogenesis
Maturation phase
Spermiogenesis
Maturation phase

1-the nucleus and the acrosome takes the shape characteristic

of species

2-movement of annulus distally and makes a limite between the

middle piece and the principle piece

3-migration of mitochondria and formation of mitochondrial

sheath around the flagellum in the middle piece
 Maturation phase

4- disappearance of manchette.
5-the excess cytoplasm is casted off contain remnant of
Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes,
mitochondria, microtubules of manchette and remnant of
chromatin body, this is called residual body.
6-the spermatid head and the residual body are associated
with invagination in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells.
 Maturation phase

7-progressive movement of the spermatid toward the lumen of

the seminiferous tubules
8-the attachment of Sertoli cells and spermatid is progressively
attenuated
9-all connections are lost and the majority of the residual bodies
being retained within the Sertoli cells or shed into the tubular
lumen
10-release of spermatid from Sertoli cells (spermiation).
 Maturation phase
Maturation phase
11-breaking the stalk connecting the spermatid and the residual
body results in the formation of the cytoplasmic droplet in the neck
region of the released spermatozoa (proximal protoplasmic droplet).

• Finally, the fully formed spermatozoa are shed into the lumen of
seminiferous tubules, where they are carried to the epididymis.
This whole process takes between (60-70) days.
 Spermiation
Definition:
It is the release of spermatozoa from the sertoli cells into
the lumen of seminiferous tubules by peristaltic action of
myoid cells.
 Spermiation
Types of spermiation

Spontaneous Mating
Spermiation Spermiation

It is the release of It is the release of

spermatozoa from spermatozoa during
time to time due to mating due to strong
the tonic release of release of LH and
LH oxytocin
Sperm cannot move yet

• Motility will developed

in epididymis
Spermatogenic cycle

Definition

• It is the interval of time during which spermatogonia are transformed to

spermatozoa
• The duration is fixed and not affected by adverse condition
• Adverse condition can affect on the spermatozoa
 species Duration species Duration
(day) (day)

Spermatogenic
cycle
Cock 5-6 Horse 57

Mouse 34 Rat 60

Rabbit 49 Man 72

Ram 49 Bull 79
Spermatogenic wave

It is continuous release of spermatozoa from the

seminiferous tubules due to the orderly arrangement of the
different stages of epithelial cells
• Sperm have three major regions
1-Head: contains DNA and has a helmetlike
acrosome containing hydrolytic enzymes that
allow the sperm to penetrate and enter the egg

2-Midpiece: contains mitochondria spiraled around

the tail filaments

3-Tail: a typical flagellum produced by a centriole

 Function of sertoli cells (Nurse cell)

Supportive
Formation of
function to the Movement of
Blood testis
developing germ germ cells
barrier
cells

Nutritive function
Secretory Secretion of (lactate &
function testicular fluids glycoprotein
inclusions)

phagocytosis of
damaged germ Regulation
spermiation
cells and residual spermatogenesis
bodies
 Blood testis barrier (BTB)

Blood testis barrier (BTB) is a physical barrier between the

blood or lymph vessels and the lumen of seminiferous
tubules of animal testes.
 Blood–testis barrier (BTB)
Blood testis barrier include:
1-Layer of contractile myoid cells
2-Tight junctions between the Sertoli cells (All spermatogonia are
situated below the tight junctions in the basal compartment while
above the junctions, the adluminal compartment, contains the
spermatocytes and spermatids.
Function of BTB:

Immunological isolation Restrict flow of toxic

To protect the sperm cell macromolecules
(which is haploid) from of interstitial
immunological attack fluid to spermatogonia

Retains other
substances such as
androgen binding
protein (ABP) inside the
seminiferous tubules
 Secretory function of sertoli cells
1-androgen-binding protein (ABP): binds testosterone (T) and
directs (T) from Leydig cells to germ cells
2-anti-Mullerian hormone, which induces regression of
Mullerian (female) structures during fetal life
3-inhibin, which inhibits pituitary FSH secretion
4- Activin (activate FSH)
5- Metal binding proteins: transferrin, ceruloplasmin
6- Vit binding proteins : Retinol binding protein
7- Testicular plasminogen activators (responsible for
migration and release of sperm)
8- steroid secretion:
Metabolize androgen to dihydrotestosterone and
estrogen through reductase and aromatase
Function of leydig cells (interstitial cell)

Secretion of
androgen

Secretion Secretion of
of hormone
leydig cells binding
oxytocin
(interstitial globulin
cell)

Secretion of Secretion of
peptide phermones
factor
Function of leydig cells (interstitial cell)

oxytocin
A) In interstitial fluid , it facilitate the rhythmic
contraction of seminefrous tubules and sperm
evacuation
b) Oxytocin transported to luminal compartment, it
facilitate the contraction of the efferent ducts and
proximal epidydimal duct
 Testosterone: Secretion and
Metabolism
• Testosterone is the principal androgen secreted by the
mature testis
• Normal young men produce about 7 mg each day, of
which less than 5% is derived from adrenal secretions
• Testosterone in blood is largely bound to plasma
protein, with only about 2 to 3% present as free
hormone
– About half is bound to albumin,
– and slightly less to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG),
which is also called testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin
(TeBG)
 Testosterone: Mechanism of Action
• Like other steroid hormones,
testosterone penetrates the
target cells whose growth and
function it stimulates
• Androgen target cells generally
convert testosterone to 5 α-
dihydrotestosterone before it
binds to the androgen receptor
• The androgen receptor is a
ligand-dependent transcription
factor that belongs to the •
•
Testosterone (T)
Androgen receptor (AR)
nuclear receptor superfamily • 5 α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• The thickness of the arrows reflects
the quantitative importance of each
reaction
 Function of Testosterone:
1- Effects on the Male Genital Tract
• Testosterone promotes growth,
differentiation, and function of all organs of
reproduction
• Maintenance of normal reproductive function
in the adult also depends on continued
testosterone secretion

2- puberty
 Function of Testosterone:
3- Effects on secondary sexual characteristics
1Stimulates growth of the larynx and thickening of the
vocal chords
2 musculature in males
3 Stimulate growth of pubic, chest, axillary, and facial hair
4Growth and secretion of sebaceous glands in the skin are
also stimulated
5In both men and women androgens increase sexual drive (
libido )
6 Aggression and fighting behavior in males
7growth of comb, wattle and ear lobes in cocks
8- bright color of feathers in male birds
 Function of Testosterone:

• 4- metabolic effect
• 1- increase the nitrogen retention 2- promotes protein anabolism
• 3- Promote growth of muscle 4- increase glycogen store
• 5- retention of Na and water body weight
6- Stimulates red blood cell production
7- deposition of calcium in bones
 Sperm capacetation
Definition
• it is the changes in plasma membrane that
allow sperm to undergo acrosomal reaction
and hyperactive motility

N.B. the spermatozoa are covered by decapacitating

factors ( epididymal glycoproteins and seminal
proteins) to maintain the membrane integrity of
sperm in femal reproductive tract
 Sperm capacetation
The capacitation includes
A) gradual removal of glycoprotein coat
1- Head
❑change of membrane permeability
❑acrosomal reaction
2- Middle piece
❑facilitate the energy out put
3- Main piece and end piece
❑facilitate the hyperactive motility
 Sperm capacetation
B) change in spermatozoal membrane

• 1- efflux of cholesterol from plasma membrane

fluidity of plasma membrane

destabilization of plasma membrane particularly

over the acrosome
 Acrosomal reaction
Definition
• fenestration of the acrosomal membrane and
release of acrosomal enzymes for penetration
of zona pellucida

• must occure near to ova

 Mechanism of Acrosomal reaction
1- efflux of cholesterol
2- massive influx of ca ions

3- fusion of plasma membrane with outer

acrosomal membrane at multiple sites
4- formation of pores at the site of fusion

5- release of acrosomal enzymes

6- lossese of plasma and outer acrosomal membrans

7- exposure of inner acrosomal membrane which

contain receptors for sperm- egg binding
 Hyperactive motility
Hyperactive motility of sperms at the site of fertilization
necessary for:

1Escape of spermatozoal binding to the epithelial cells of uterine

tube

2 Penetration of zona pellucida

2 types of motility:
1 Bending motility ------------- forward motion
2 helical motility --------------- penetration of ova
 control of the testis function

Animal Managemental Environmental

factors Fs Fs

1) hormones 1) nutrition 1) temperature

2) hereditary 2) housing 2) humidity
3)psychic 3) light
factors 4) radiation
Control of the testis function Animal
factors 1- hormonal control
1- pituitary hormones
A- FSH (Gametogenic Hormone)
❑ Germ cells ------------- spermatogenesis
❑ Sertoli cells ------------ secretory function (ABP)

B-LH (Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone)

❑ Germ cells -------- spermiogenesis
❑ Leydig cell -------- development and maintenance
-------- secretion of androgen
❑ Sertoli cells ------- secretion of estrogen
-------- spermiation
Control of the testis function
Animal factors
1- hormonal control
 1- hormonal control
• Testicular function depends on stimulation by
two pituitary hormones, FSH and LH
– Secretion of these hormones by the pituitary
gland is driven by the secretion of the
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
– Pulsatile hypothalamic GnRH required for normal
gonadotropin regulation pulses occur every 1 to
1.5 hours
– Absence GnRH pulses, or continuous exposure,
leads to hypogonadism
• Signals from the testis are inhibitory so,
Castration results in a prompt increase in
secretion of both FSH and LH
Control of the testis function
Animal factors

1- hormonal control
2- Adrenal glands
❑The both testis and adrenal secrete the same hormone

3- Thyroid hormones
❑ thyroid hormone (in winter)------ sperm production
❑ thyroid hormone (in summer)---- sperm production
Control of the testis function
Animal factors
2- hereditary factors
• The structural abnormalities of the reproductive
system are inherited and carried on autosomal
recessive gene such as
❖ Cryptorchidism
❖Hypoplasia or aplasia if testis
❖ Sperm abnormalities
❖ Abnormalities of duct system
Control of the testis function
Animal factors
3- Psychic factors

✓ Stimulatory --------- presence of male with female

✓ Inhibitory ----------- fear, pain, or presence of strangers
Control of the testis function
Managemental Fs
1- Nutrition
❑Food should be balanced
❑Underfeeding delays the onset of puberty in all animals
❑Low protein ration causes decrease in semen volume
and decreased total sperm count
❑Vitamens
Vit A, E, C essential for reproduction
❑Minerals
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are
essential for reproduction
Control of the testis function
Managemental Fs

2- Housing
❑Hygeinic housing increases reproductive function
Control of the testis function
Environmental Fs 1- Temperature
❑The testicular temp for optimal spermatogenesis is 2-3
C lower than the body temp.
❑ environmental temp ------ testicular temp
❑ environmental temp and body temp lead to
reversible impairment of spermatogenesis and
degeneration of semineferous tubules
Tempreture causes decreased sensitivity of the testis to the Gn.

❑The fertilizing capacity of the ram, bull and stallion

semen are higher in spring and lower in summer
Control of the testis function
Environmental Fs
2- Humidity
❑Increase the humidity potentiate the effect of temp.
3- Light
❑Light is gonadal stimulatory factor by stimulating Gn.
❑Light eye optic nerve hypothalamus
LH-RH pituitary gland LH
❑The wave length and color play arole :
✓ Red color -------------------- more effective
✓ White color ------------------ next
✓ Green and ultraviolet ------- reduced sexual activity
Control of the testis function
Environmental Fs 4- Radiation
• The reproductive organs are very susceptible
to x-ray radiation
• The most susceptible cells are spermatogonia
• Spermatozoa, sertoli and leydig cells are less
sensitive to radiation
 Spermatic Cord
• Contains the structures running
from the testicles to the pelvic
cavity.
• Passes through the inguinal
canal
• Contents:
– Vas Deferens
– Nerves
– Blood Vessels: the veins
draining the testis form
network (Pampiniform plexus)
around the highly coiled
spermatic artery
 The Scrotum
• Sac of skin and superficial fascia that hangs
outside the abdominopelvic cavity at the root
of the penis
• Contains paired testicles separated by a
midline septum
• Its external positioning keeps the testes 3C
lower than core body temperature (needed
for sperm production)
 Scrotum
1-Position: as testes
-inguinal region: Ox, Ram, Horse.
- perineal region: Dog, Boar, Camel
The Scrotum

Figure 27.2
 Scrotum
• The scrotum composed of the following layers:
1-skin: thin, relatively hairless and contained sweet and
sebaceous glands
2-tunica dartos: consists of smooth muscle fibers
intermingled with connective tissue
3-scrotal facia: allow great mobility of the testis
4- tunica vaginalis: membranous sac extend from
abdominal cavity through inguinal canal to the bottom of
scrotum
• Consistes of 2 layers parietal and visceral, vaginal cavity
between them contains a serous fluid( lubricant and
facilitate testis movement)
 Scrotum
Function
1 protection of testis
2 thermoregulation of testicular temp

Mechanisms of thermoregulation

1- cooling mechanism (vascular transfer of heat)

2- heat loss mechanism (change in the position)
 1- Cooling Mechanism
1-Evaporation of moisture from the scrotal cutaneous blood
vessels
2-Cooling of venous blood in blood vessels
3-The cooler venous blood (33 cº) inter in the pampiniform
plexus, which serves as a countercurrent heat exchange area
4-Exchange of heat from the worm arterial blood (39 cº) to the
cooler venous blood (33 cº)
5-The temperature of arterial blood leaving the plexus is (34 cº)
Scrotum 2- Heat loss Mechanism

In cold weather

1Contraction of smooth muscles of tunica

dartos
2Ascending of the testis to the worm abdominal
wall to increase the heat gain
3Decrease the scrotal surface area for
conservation of heat and decrease the heat loss
 Scrotum 2- Heat loss Mechanism
In hot weather

1- Relaxation of smooth muscles of tunica dartos.

2- Descending of the testis from the worm
abdominal wall to decrease the heat gain.
3- Increase the scrotal surface area to increase the
heat loss.
4- Maximizing the cooling of testicular venous
blood by evaporation from scrotal skin.
Male reproductive system consistes from:
1- primary sex organs ( testis, testicles)
2- secondary sex organs
a-Epididymes b-Vas deferens
c-Urethra d-Penis
3- Accessory sex organs
A- pairs: B- Single
• Seminal vesicle Prostate gland
• Ampullae
• Bulbourethral
 Epididymis (Storage and Maturation)
 the epididymis consistes of:
1Head (caput): it is present at the
pool entrance of of blood vessels and
nerves
2 body (corpus)
3Tail (cauda): present at the ventral
pool of testis
Its head joins the efferent ductules and
caps the superior aspect of the testis
The duct of the epididymis has
stereocilia that:
⚫Absorb testicular fluid
⚫Pass nutrients to the sperm
Epididymis
 Function of epididymis:
1- Transport of semen

2- Storage of semen

3- Maturation of sperm (2nd)

4- Regulation of spermatogenic cycle

5- Concentration of semen
 Function of epididymis:
1- Transport of semen

• The transport of spermatozoa is caused by:

1Fluid pressure from continuous production of sperms
and testicular fluids
2Negative pressure resulting from absorption of testicular
fluid at the tail of epididymis
3 Movemant of the cilia at the head of epididymis
4Contraction of myoid cells surrounding the epididymis
5- Contraction of tunica albuginea
Function of epididymis:
1- Transport of semen

• The transport time varies with species:

Bull 7 days
Ram 16 days
• The transport time may be reduced by 10- 20%
by increased frequency of ejaculation
Function of epididymis:
2- Storage of semen
Occur mainly in the tail of the epididymis (bull; 50-74 billions sperms

Low
temp

High Low
CO2 Storage pH Arrest the
condition
motility
Low Low
oxygen nutrient
Function of epididymis:
3- Maturation of sperm (2nd)

Movement of
protoplasmic droplet Change in nuclear Change in nature of
from neck to middle chromatin plasma membrane
piece then detached

Epididymal
Decapacitation by changes
Decreaseinspecific Removal of excess
glycoprotein coat sperms
gravity water from sperms

Alteration of
metabolic and Development of
structural state of progressive motility
tail organelles
Function of epididymis:
4- Regulation of spermatogenic cycle

• The epididymis regulates the cycle through:

• 1- Periodical evacuation of epididymis leads to new
production of spermatozoa
• 2- Autolysis of spermatozoa in epididymis may lead to a
metabolic reflex stimulation of spermatogenesis
Function of epididymis:
5- Concentration of semen

• Concentration occurs by absorbtion of testicular

fluids at the head and proximal part of the body
of epididymis
• Spermatozoa entering the epididymis
concentrated to about (4 billions/ ml)
 Vas Deferens
• A muscular tube 45 cm in length
leading from the epididymus
up into the body cavity to the
ejaculatory duct, where it unites
and empties its contents into
the urethra.
Posterior Bladder

99
Accessory Glands: Seminal Vesicles

• Are two elongated sac lie on the posterior wall of the

bladder and secrete 60% of the volume of semen
• Join the ductus deferens to form the ejaculatory duct
• Absent in camel, cat and dog
• The secretion is mucus in nature and slightly acidic
• The secretion is rich in
1-Fructose, inositol (source of energy to nourish sperm)
2-Minerals like calcium and citric acid (buffering action)
3-prostaglandins (causes contractions in female tract to
help propel sperm to egg)
Accessory Glands: Seminal Vesicles
4- Coagulating enzyme (vesiculase or coagulase) which causes
clotting of seminal protein (fibrinogen)
❑The clot is liquefied within 20 minutes to let the
spermatozoa free.
❑This phenomena is absent in camel, cat and dog, so the
anatomical organization of the penis of these animals
prolongs the coitus to ensure the passage of spermatozoa
up the female reproductive tract.
❑These anatomical organization are
1- Os penis in dog
2 Cartiligenous penis in camel
3Spine penis in tom cat cause bleeding at the end of coitus
which clot and close the cervix
Accessory Glands: ampulla of ductus defference

❑It is a glandular enlargement of the terminal parts of the

ductus deferens
Well developed --------------- stallion, bull and ram
Small --------------------------- dog, cat and camel
Absent boar
❑Function:
1 partial storage of semen for about 72 hrs
2secretions of certain metabolites (fructose and citric
acids)
Accessory Glands: Prostate Gland

Doughnut-shaped gland that encircles part of the urethra

inferior to the bladder
The secretion is slightly alkaline which neutralize the
acidity of seminal vesicle and ampullae secretions.
 Plays a role in the activation of sperm
 Enters the prostatic urethra during ejaculation
 Prostatic secretions include:
⚫Citrate: is a food source (TCA cycle)
⚫Proteolytic enzymes: acts to "decoagulate" the semen that
was coagulated by seminal vesicle secretions, which helps
the sperm begin their journey once inside the vagina
 Bulbourethral Glands
(Cowper’s Glands)

• Are paired Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate

• Present in all domestic animals except dogs

• Produce alkaline and thick secretion rich in mucus prior to

ejaculation that assist in cleaning, lubricating and
neutralizing traces of acidic urine in the urethra
 Semen
• Milky white, sticky mixture of sperm and accessory
gland secretions
• Provides a transport medium and nutrients (fructose),
protects and activates sperm, and facilitates their
movement
• Prostaglandins in semen:
– Decrease the viscosity of mucus in the cervix
– Stimulate reverse peristalsis in the uterus
– Facilitate the movement of sperm through the female
reproductive tract
 Semen
• The hormone relaxin enhances sperm motility

• The relative alkalinity of semen neutralizes the acid

environment found in the male urethra and female
vagina

• Seminalplasmin – antibiotic chemical that

destroys certain bacteria
 Semen
Animal Volume/ejaculate Sperm conc.
Concentration Summary
of s permatozoa •
(billions/ ml)
Bull 3-8 0.8-2

Ram 0.8-2 2-3 Low volume and

high
Tom 0.2-0.8 8-30 concentration

Cock 0.2-1.5 3-7

Stallion 60-100 0.15-0.3 high volume and

low concentration
 Physical properities of semen
1- consistency: milky to creamy in appearance.
2- color: yellow to grey
3- Viscosity: watery to gel
high viscous in dog, cat and rabbit
gel formation in rodents and primates
4- pH: 7.00
5- Osmotic pressure: similar to blood
 Penis
• It is the male organ of copulation
It is divided into three areas:
Glans (free extremity),body (main portion) and root (crura).
Types:
Erectile type (cavernous type) Non- erectile type (muscular –
fibroelastic)
In horse and dog In ruminant and swine

there is large amount of cavernous tissue there is large amount of connective tissue
(blood sinusoids) in relation to the in relation to the cavernous tissue
connective tissue
Presence of sigmoid flexure
 Erection
❖ Definition:
It is the increase in the length, size and stiffness of the penis
(parasympathetic mediate)
 Erection of erectile penis Erection of muscular penis
contraction of ischiocavernous muscle, bulbocavernous and urethral muscles

compression of the deep and superficial veins of penis against the ischial arch.

Impaired venous drainage from the cavernous tissue

Distension of corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum with blood

lengthening of penis by straighting of

sigmoid flexure by relaxation of
retractor penis muscle

Enlargement, lengthening and stiffness of penis

 Emission

Definition
It is the release of spermatozoa and fluids of accessory glands
into the pelvic urathra

It is a sympathetic mediated thoraco lumber reflex causing

contraction of the smooth muscles in ductus defference and
accessory glands
 Ejaculation
❖ Definition
It is the forced expulsion of semen from the
urethra and penis

❖It is a parasympathetic mediated sacral reflex causing

rhythmic contractions of ischiocavernous muscle,
bulbocavernous and urethral muscles

❖Ejaculation can be produced by mannual massage

of the accessory glands through the rectum or by
use of electric ejaculator
 Prepuce
❖It is an invagination of skin which completely encloses
and protects the free extremity of the retracted penis.

❖The lining mucous membrane is greatly folded and

contains numerous coiled tubular glands producing a fatty
secretion . This secretion mixed with cast epithelial cells
and bacteria forms a thick and ill smelling product called
smegma