LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Male Reproductive Histology

After reviewing the histology video’s and attending the interactive learning session reviewing images in class, students should be able to:

• Describe the histological structure and organization of the testis

• Outline the process of spermatogenesis occurring in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubule

• Explain the cellular components and functional significance of the blood-testis barrier.

• Describe the histological structure and function of the intratesticular and extratesticular duct system

• Identify and describe the histological appearance of the accessory sex glands: prostate and seminal vesicles

• Identify the histological features of the penis

• Recognize typical male histological features in slides demonstrating pathology or atypical anatomy

I. Male Reproductive Organs to Identify and Correlate with Function.

Testis Epididymis - ductus epididymis and efferent ductules Ductus Deferens (Spermatic Cord) Seminal Vesicle Prostate Gland Penis

II. Structures of the Male Organs to Identify and Correlate with Function

Testis: germinal epithelium tunica albuginea (dense irregular connective tissue) tunica vaginalis (visceral / parietal layers) mediastinum septae testicular lobule seminiferous tubules straight tubules (tubuli recti) rete testis (simple cuboidal epithelium)

Seminiferous Tubules (of Testis):

myoid cells (peritubular contractile cells)

spermatogonia spermatocytes: o primary spermatocytes o secondary spermatocytes o early spermatids o late spermatids o spermatozoa residual bodies

Sertoli cells basal compartment/luminal compartment Leydig (interstitial) cells

Epididymis:

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia

Efferent Ductules:

“scalloped” appearance- high and low cuboidal cells

Ductus (Vas) Deferens:

Outer longitudinal Middle circular Inner longitudinal Lamina propria Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia

Penis: skin (keratinized stratified squamous epithelium) tunica albuginea (penis) pectiniform septum corpus cavernosum corpus spongiosum o penile urethra (pseudostratified columnar epithelium) glands of Littré (paraurethral glands) dorsal veins (penis) venous sinuses and trabeculae (penis)

Prostate:

Fibromuscular stroma prostatic urethra (transitional epithelium) compound tubuloalveolar glands (secretory units) seminal colliculus ejaculatory ducts (prostate gland) prostatic concretion

Seminal Vesicle:

Mucosal folds Pseudostratified columnar epithelium Apical protrusions (“blebs”: secretions)