Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Functions and Anatomy
Male Reproductive System: Key Functions and Anatomy
1. What are the main functions of the Male Reproductive System? What is the Testes’ part in this system?
The main functions are to produce sperm and transfer them to the female reproductive tract. The testes are a crucial component, as they produce sperm and androgens, such as testosterone. They are active throughout the reproductive lifespan of the male.
2. What are the Dartos and Cremaster muscles? What is the function of these two muscles working simultaneously?
The Dartos muscle makes up the subcutaneous muscle layer of the scrotum. It continues internally to make up the scrotal septum, a wall that divides the scrotum into two compartments, each housing one testis. The Cremaster muscles come from the internal oblique muscle of the abdominal wall; there are two Cremaster muscles, which cover each testis like a muscular net. By contracting simultaneously, both can elevate the testes in cold weather (or water), moving the testes closer to the body and decreasing the surface area of the scrotum to retain heat.
3. What is Cryptorchidism? Is it reversible or not? When should the testes descend in a normal situation, and at what time can we consider it as Cryptorchidism if the testes do not descend? Can it affect adults? Can physical therapy treat this condition?
Cryptorchidism is the clinical term used when one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum before birth, due to an absent testis or simply not descending. Testes should descend at approximately the 30th – 35th to 40th week post-conception (WPC). After 3 to 6 months with no descending testes, the treatment is surgical (the only treatment for this situation – Orchidopexy). Secondary Cryptorchidism can occur after inguinal hernia repair. Physical therapy cannot treat this condition.
4. What are the stages of semen formation?
The stages are as follows:
- Ejaculation
- Sperm (from the tail of the epididymis)
- Ductus deferens (spermatic cord)
- Mix with fluid at the seminal vesicle (now containing both sperm and seminal vesicle secretions)
- Prostate gland (excretes an alkaline, milky fluid to the passing seminal fluid—now called semen)
- Bulbourethral glands (thick, salty fluid – lubricates the end of the urethra and the vagina)
5. What is a Vasectomy? How is the surgery performed? What are the consequences?
A vasectomy is a procedure for permanent sterilization that involves the division of the vas deferens. A urologist will perform a small cut on the scrotum, take a small piece of the vas deferens, then cauterize the ends and suture them. There are rare side effects or complications. There are no hormonal effects after surgery. Vasectomy reversal is possible in some cases.
Perineal Structures: Urogenital and Anal Triangles
6. What are the Urogenital and the Anal Triangles? What are their compositions?
Urogenital Triangle (UGT): The anterior triangle of the perineum that includes the external genitals. The superficial transverse perineal, ischiocavernous, and bulbospongious muscles form a superficial layer of striated muscles in the urogenital triangle. The borders of the UGT are the anterior part of the pubic symphysis and the anterolateral portion of the ischial tuberosities. The contents of the UGT are the penis and scrotum in males, and the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and vaginal and urethral orifices in females.
Anal Triangle: Defined either by its vertices or its sides.
- Vertices: One vertex at the coccyx bone and the two ischial tuberosities of the pelvic bone.
- Sides: The perineal membrane (the posterior border of the perineal membrane forms the anterior border of the anal triangle) and the two sacrotuberous ligaments.
Female Reproductive System: Uterus and Fertilization
7. The uterus is the muscular organ that nourishes and supports the growing embryo. Which part of the uterus connects with the vagina, and what is its function?
The cervix is the narrow inferior portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina. It produces mucus secretions that become thin and stringy under the influence of high systemic plasma estrogen concentrations, and these secretions can facilitate sperm movement through the reproductive tract.
8. What is the difference between a non-pregnant uterus and a pregnant uterus in weight and volume?
Weight increases from approximately 60g to 1000g. Volume increases from approximately 80 ml to 4-5 liters.
9. What is the importance of the Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes) for the whole process of fertilization?
The uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes) serve as the conduit of the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus. Each of the two uterine tubes is close to, but not directly connected to, the ovary and is divided into sections. The isthmus is the narrow medial end of each uterine tube that is connected to the uterus. The wide distal infundibulum flares out with slender, finger-like projections called fimbriae. The middle region of the tube, called the ampulla, is where fertilization often occurs.