The male reproductive system is responsible for the production, storage and delivery of the male gametes. It consists of the testes (gamete production), a system of ducts (gamete maturation and passage to the exterior) and several associated glands (provide fluid medium for transport and nourishment of the gametes).

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the organization of the testis, its various compartments.
• Recognize interstitial Leydig cells and know their function.
• Recognize and understand the cytological differences among the developing germ cells during spermatogenesis.
• Recognize and understand the functions of Sertoli cells, including their role in the blood-testis barrier.
• Understand the changes in the Golgi apparatus, centrioles, and mitochondria of spermatids that occur during spermiogenesis.
• Identify and distinguish histologically the various parts of the duct system responsible for sperm transport and storage.
• Identify and know the secretory product’s function of the various glands on the male reproductive system.
• Understand the structure and the physiological significance of the components of the penis.

We start with the testis.