Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System

Roberts, Kenneth P.; Pryor, Jon L.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-1848-7_1

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…These organs act together to produce functional spermatozoa (Roberts 1995). The efferent ductules, which connect the rete testis to the initial segment of the epididymis, are lined by columnar ciliated and non-ciliated epithelial cells (Robaire and Hermo 1988).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cells positive for microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) are present along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis

et al. 2006

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Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) is a neuronal cytoskeleton marker with predominant expression in the developing nervous system. The present study provides evidence for the expression of this cytoskeleton protein in non-neuronal and neuronal cells along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis (initial segment, caput, and cauda). Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to confirm the presence of MAP 1B (mRNA and protein) in rat tissues. Immunohistochemical studies revealed MAP-1B-positive staining in columnar ciliated cells present in efferent ductules and in narrow cells located in the initial segment, in both rat and human. MAP-1B-positive basal cells, located underneath the columnar cells, were only identified in the initial segment and caput epididymidis of the rat. Qualitative analysis of tissues from 40-day-old and 120-day-old rats indicated that the number of MAP-1B-positive ciliated, narrow, and basal cells per tubule increased with sexual maturation. These immunoreactive cells did not stain for dopamine beta-hydroxylase or acetylcholinesterase, indicating that they were not adrenergic or cholinergic in nature. Immunohistochemical studies also revealed the presence of MAP-1B-positive staining in interstitial nerve fibers in caput and cauda epididymidis from both rat and human. Thus, the expression of MAP 1B is not confined to a specific cell type in rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis. The functional significance of this cytoskeleton protein in tissues from the male reproductive tract requires further investigation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cells positive for microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) are present along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis

et al. 2006

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“…The maturation process takes place in the epididymis during a 5to 10-day transit period. The epididymis is responsible for the maturation of spermatozoa, as a conduit for spermatozoa to get to the vas deferens, and as a storage site (2,3). From the first meiotic division onward, germ cells are outside of the central compartment of the body, i.e., they traverse a blood-testis/blood-epididymis barrier.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical windows of exposure for children's health: the reproductive system in animals and humans.

Pryor

Hughes

Foster

et al. 2000

Environ Health Perspect

114

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Drugs and environmental chemicals can adversely affect the reproductive system. Currently, available data indicate that the consequences of exposure depend on the nature of the chemical, its target, and the timing of exposure relative to critical windows in development of the reproductive system. The reproductive system is designed to produce gametes in far greater excess than would seem to be necessary for the survival of species. Ten to hundreds of millions of spermatozoa are generated daily by most adult male mammals, yet very few of these germ cells succeed in transmitting their genetic material to the next generation. Although the number of oocytes produced in mammalian females is more limited, and their production occurs only during fetal life, most ovaries contain several orders of magnitude more oocytes than ever will be fertilized. Toxicant exposures may affect critical events in the development of the reproductive system, ranging from early primordial germ cell determination to gonadal differentiation, gametogenesis, external genitalia, or signaling events regulating sexual behavior. Although there are differences between the human reproductive system and that of the usual animal models, such models have been extremely useful in assessing risks for key human reproductive and developmental processes. The objectives for future studies should include the elucidation of the specific cellular and molecular targets of known toxicants; the design of a systematic approach to the identification of reproductive toxicants; and the development of sensitive, specific, and predictive animal models, minimally invasive surrogate markers, or in vitro tests to assess reproductive system function during embryonic, postnatal, and adult life.ImagesFigure 1Figure 2

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“…The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced by the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete gonadotropins, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both of which work with HCG to stimulate testosterone secretion by Leydig cells of testis and its conversion to DHT, which combine with receptors on target cells to regulate penile development and maturation. [9] Therefore, any abnormalities in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG axis) would impair development of the penis. In our case, there may be a disturbed signal transduction system during gestation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Congenital absence of the penis (aphallia)

Qiang

Zhou

et al. 2019

Medicine

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Rationale: Absence of the penis, known as aphallia, is a very rare congenital anomaly. It is believed to be a result of either the absence of the genital tubercle or its failure to fully develop and is associated with the level of hormones and chromosomal rearrangements. The failure of the genital tubercle influences the development of the penis and partly depends upon testosterone secreted by Leydig cells of the testis. Chromosomal polymorphisms may affect the functions of protection and regulation, potentially leading to susceptibility to congenital diseases. Herein, an extremely rare case of a congenital absence of the penis is described. Patient concerns: A 3-month-old was brought to the OPD by his parents with complaints of absence of penis since birth and urine being passed rectally. When he was born, he was registered as a boy because his chromosomes were 46XY but with 9qh+. Local examination revealed the total absence of the penis. The scrotum was well developed. The testes were palpable bilaterally. The anal opening was located normally. No urethral orifice could be identified. However, his parents had not yet decided whether to accept treatment. The child has been lost to follow up. Diagnosis: Congenital absence of the penis (aphallia) (46 XY normal male karyotype). Interventions: We explained the nature of the abnormality and management options to the parents. However, it was much regretted that the patient was too young to make a decision and that his parents had not made a decision yet. They left without any further contact. Outcome: Because the parents left our hospital without any contact, it has not been possible to develop a follow-up plan. Lessons: In consideration of the rarity and devastating psychosocial consequences of this case, we accordingly call for active cooperation with doctors to minimize the negative impact of this malformation. Early assignment of gender avoids confusion and contradiction. Parental confidence solidifies the child's own confidence in his or her gender.

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Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System

Cited by 7 publications

References 39 publications

Cells positive for microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) are present along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis

Cells positive for microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B) are present along rat and human efferent ductules and epididymis

Critical windows of exposure for children's health: the reproductive system in animals and humans.

Congenital absence of the penis (aphallia)

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