Male Reproductive System Prostate Gland

What Are The External Structures Of The Male Reproductive System

• Made up of three parts: two are called the corpus cavernosa and the other is called the corpus spongiosum.
• Prepuce, a retractable skin shell, shields the glans during birth.

Wrinkled, skin-covered pouch that sits on top of the perineum.

Responsible for supporting the testes and regulating the temperature of sperm.

Tightens toward the body during cold weather and relaxes away from the body during hot weather to improve sperm production and viability.

Two oval-shaped glands found in the scrotum.

Contain lobules and Leydig’s cells, which create testosterone, and seminiferous tubules, which produce sperm

Tightly coiled tube that transports sperm from the tubule to the vas deferens

Measures approximately 20 feet in length

Prostate Histology And Pathology

When a patient is suspected of suffering problems with their prostate tissue, there are certain things that a doctor needs to take into account. This helps the doctor determine what the patient might be suffering from.

This process generally starts even before any major tests are conducted. The doctor begins to collect data on prostate pathology and histology when the patient initially complains about specific symptoms.

Certain conditions can affect prostate gland function. This is why it is important for a male patient to ensure they consult with a physician when they have symptoms that may signal prostate problems.

Histology helps a doctor determine the specific risks that affect the patient. This can be an important part of choosing the right diagnostic tools. For example, with histology, the physician needs to consider the history of conditions like BPH and prostate cancer in the patients family.

Some studies have liked these conditions to certain hereditary and genetic factors. For this reason, a man with a family history of the conditions may be at a higher risk of developing these problems themselves.

This also helps to reduce the risk of unnecessary tests being conducted. For example, if a man has a family history of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a physician may consider testing for this condition first. This reduces the risk of a needle biopsy being performed, which can have serious side effects.

How Does The Procedure Work

After anesthesia, a surgeon will insert a tool called a resectoscope into the urethra. In some cases, a separate device will be used to flush sterile fluid through the surgical site.

Once the surgeon has positioned the resectoscope, they will use it to cut away abnormal prostate tissues and seal broken blood vessels.

Finally, the surgeon will insert a long plastic tube called a catheter into the urethra and flush destroyed prostate tissues into the bladder where they are excreted through urine.

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Treatment For Urinary Problems

If your urinary problems are caused by infection or enlargement of the prostate gland, treatment may include:

• a long course of antibacterial medication because infection is difficult to get rid of, the antibacterial medication will need to be taken for many weeks
• medication to improve urine flow and other symptoms
• surgical procedures the type of surgery required depends on the size of the prostate and the condition of the urethra. Types of procedures include:
• transurethral resection of the prostate
• transurethral incision of the prostate
• laser resection of the prostate
• open surgery prostatectomy
• removal of prostate tissue using water jets or steam

UroLift® for men for whom medication has not been successful but their prostates are not so enlarged that they need more invasive surgery. This procedure involves the transurethral insertion of staples to separate the lobes of the prostate. It has minimal side effects and preserves ejaculatory and erectile function

a number of other procedures that have been developed to reduce urinary symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your options.

How Big Is The Prostate

Your prostate is about the size of a walnut.

The prostate usually gets larger after age 40 . It can grow from the size of a walnut to the size of a lemon. Benign prostatic hyperplasia isnt cancerous, and it doesnt increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

How much does your prostate weigh?

Your prostate weighs about 1 ounce , which is as heavy as five U.S. quarters.

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Cause Of Urinary Problems As Men Age

Many men experience urinary symptoms as they age, which may be caused by inflammation of the prostate gland . In older men, symptoms may be due to a blockage in the tubes due to a benign enlargement of the prostate gland . The most common symptom is difficulty emptying your bladder. Urinary symptoms may become bothersome enough that they require treatment. Not all urinary symptoms are due to changes to the prostate. Also, some men have enlarged prostates and yet experience few, if any, symptoms.

Problems With Enlarged Prostate Gland

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland is more common as men get older. It can cause troublesome symptoms, although it doesnt always.

The urethra passes through the prostate gland, so men may have problems urinating if the enlarged gland restricts the flow of urine. If the flow stops completely, a catheter is required to empty the bladder. It is rare for this form of acute urinary retention to cause kidney damage.

An enlarged prostate doesn’t always cause urinary problems. Studies indicate that the size of a man’s prostate gland has little influence on the type or severity of his urination problems. BPH is just one possible cause of urinary symptoms.

Another cause of urinary symptoms can be changes to the muscular wall of the bladder, which may cause spasms of the bladder or weaken the bladder, causing problems passing urine.

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Functions Of Male Reproductive System

The functions of the male reproductive system are as follows:

Testis produces reproductive cells by a process called spermatogenesis and also secretes the male sex hormone testosterone.

Epididymis stores sperms and maturation of sperms takes place here.

Vas deferens helps in the storage of maturated sperms and helps in its transmission.

Prostate glands help in the production of the fluid that nourishes and transports sperms.

Bulbourethral glands secrete mucus that serves for lubrication.

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How Does The Male Reproductive System Work

The male reproductive system:

• produces sex hormones, which help a boy develop into a sexually mature man during puberty

When a baby boy is born, he has all the parts of his reproductive system in place, but it isn’t until puberty that he is able to reproduce. When puberty begins, usually between the ages of 9 and 15, the located near the brain secretes hormones that stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone. The production of testosterone brings about many physical changes.

Although the timing of these changes is different for every guy, the stages of puberty generally follow a set sequence:

• During the first stage of male puberty, the scrotum and testes grow larger.
• Hair begins to grow in the pubic area and later on the face and underarms. During this time, a boy’s voice also deepens.
• Boys also have a growth spurt during puberty as they reach their adult height and weight.

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Where Is The Prostate And What Does It Look Like

The word prostate comes from the Greek word prostates, which means one who stands before, aptly describing the position of the gland. That is, when viewed from below, the prostate stands before the bladder.

Because the rectum is behind the prostate, it is possible to feel the prostate with a finger when inserted through the rectum. The prostate feels elastic because its surrounded by a supportive tissue called the stroma, which is made of flexible smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue .

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Get Yourself Regularly Checked

Depending on whether youre in a high-risk or average-risk category, various prostate cancer screening recommendations apply. Starting at the age of 40, if you are in a high-risk category, you should consider getting checked for prostate cancer. Men who are at a normal risk should start getting screened at the age of 55.

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How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated

Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia may include

• lifestyle changes
• minimally invasive procedures

A health care provider treats benign prostatic hyperplasia based on the severity of symptoms, how much the symptoms affect a mans daily life, and a mans preferences.

Men may not need treatment for a mildly enlarged prostate unless their symptoms are bothersome and affecting their quality of life. In these cases, instead of treatment, a urologist may recommend regular checkups. If benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms become bothersome or present a health risk, a urologist most often recommends treatment.

Vasculature Lymphatics And Innervation Of The Testes And Scrotum

Pampiniform venous plexus drains to testicular vein renal vein and inferior vena cava High risk of left-sidedvaricocele because of the perpendicular orientation of the left gonadal vein to the left renal vein	Scrotal veins drain to external pudendal vein
Sympathetic fibers from the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve dartos muscle contraction
Motor innervation
Posterior scrotal nerves

The Left Gonadal vein is the LonGest.

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Where Is The Prostate Located

The prostate may be felt by inserting a finger into the rectum and pushing it toward the front of the body.

The urethra, a tube that takes urine and sperm out of the body, travels through the prostate. Since the prostate surrounds this duct, any prostate issues may affect urine flow.

This organ is part of the male sexual, or reproductive, anatomy.

How Can I Feel My Prostate

You cant touch your prostate, but you can feel it from the outside of your body or through your rectum .

The easiest way to feel your prostate is from the back half of your perineum, near your rectum. The area mainly contains nerves and veins, not tissue. Your prostate should feel soft or rubbery.

When you touch your prostate externally or internally, you may feel a sudden urge to pee.

Many people find prostate stimulation sexually satisfying. However, you cant accurately check your prostate health through a self-examination. If you have any concerns about your prostate health, talk to a healthcare professional. They can answer any of your questions and accurately assess your prostate health.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/09/2022.

References

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Fast Facts On Bph Surgery:

• Surgery is rarely the first line of treatment for BPH.
• A doctor who specializes in the urinary tract does most TURP surgeries.
• TURP is considered a fairly safe, effective procedure for treating BPH.

According to the American Urological Association, transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP is the most common type of surgery used to treat BPH. Every year, doctors perform it on around 150,000 American men.

Surgeons perform most TURP procedures when the patient is under general anesthesia and unconscious or asleep.

Alternatively, they use spinal anesthesia, where a needle is placed in the spine to stop any sensation below the waist.

Prostate Cancer Risk Increases With Age

People over age 55 are more likely to develop prostate cancer, but more often, it occurs even later. In fact, 60% of prostate cancers occur in people over age 65.

There is a wide range of treatment options for this condition. These include:

• Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the gland. It is performed either robotically or using laparoscopic methods.
• Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancerous tumors.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs that target and kill cancer cells. These may be taken orally or intravenously.

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What Is The Prostate Gland Structure Functions And Diseases

Prostate gland prevention

The prostate gland isnt that big about the size of a walnut but it plays an important role in male reproductive health. Located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, it wraps the top of the urethra, which drains urine from the body. Due to its location, the prostate gland can affect urination and sexual function.

Anatomic Imaging Of The Prostate

Chronic prostatitis 4 is one relatively common issue that men tend to develop. This is a consistent inflammation that affects the prostate gland.

Another common issue that affects the male population would be benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition is often referred to as BPH or an enlarged prostate. BPH is linked to several potential complications. This includes urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and even renal failure. The risk increases if the condition is not treated.

Anatomic imaging of the prostate is sometimes used as a way to assist in diagnosing certain prostate-related conditions. The testing procedure can be utilized to assist with identifying prostatitis, an enlarged prostate, and even prostate cancer.

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Maintain A Balanced Diet

Green, leafy vegetables are a fantastic starting step toward a healthy prostate, even if theyre not your favorite portion of any meal. These veggies are high in vitamins and antioxidants that keep you, and your prostate in particular, healthy.

So, for a tasty prostate-healthy meal, seek for recipes that include lettuce, spinach, kale, and broccoli. They all contribute to a normal prostate gland function.

Avoid charred meats while heaping your plate with these leafy greens. PhIP, a chemical molecule generated when meat is charred, is thought to be linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Structure Of Human Sperm

Human Sperm is the small tadpole-like motile, functional, haploid male gamete produced in the testes by the process called spermatogenesis.

The human sperm is microscopic and measures about 40-45 µm in length. Structurally, the sperm is divisible into the head, neck, middle piece and tail.

Head

The head is a small, almond-shaped structure located at the tip of the sperm that is covered over by a plasma membrane that encloses the acrosome and nucleus.

The acrosome is a cap-like structure present at the tip of the sperm head. It is derived from Golgi bodies of spermatids, which contains enzymes that help in dissolving the egg membrane during fertilization.

The nucleus of sperm is called the male pronucleus which has a haploid set of chromosomes to transmit the hereditary characteristics from the male.

Neck

The neck is a short narrow part between the head and the middle piece. It contains two centrioles and proximal and distal centrioles.

The centriole present towards the nucleus is called proximal centriole, and it is necessary for the first cleavage division of the zygote.

The centriole present towards a tail is called distal centriole, and it gives rise to the axial filament.

Middle Piece

The middle piece is a little cylindrical in structure and it encloses the axial filament surrounded by a mitochondrial spiral. This supplies energy for the movement of sperm hence, the middle piece is known as the engine room.

Tail

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Gene And Protein Expression

About 20,000 protein coding genes are expressed in human cells and almost 75% of these genes are expressed in the normal prostate. About 150 of these genes are more specifically expressed in the prostate, with about 20 genes being highly prostate specific. The corresponding specific proteins are expressed in the glandular and secretory cells of the prostatic gland and have functions that are important for the characteristics of , including prostate-specific proteins, such as the prostate specific antigen , and the Prostatic acid phosphatase.

In the developing embryo, at the hind end lies an inpouching called the cloaca. This, over the fourth to the seventh week, divides into a urogenital sinus and the beginnings of the , with a wall forming between these two inpouchings called the urorectal septum. The urogenital sinus divides into three parts, with the middle part forming the urethra the upper part is largest and becomes the urinary bladder, and the lower part then changes depending on the biological sex of the embryo.

Men Who Are At A Higher Risk Of Prostate Cancer Include:

• African-Americans.
• People of Scandinavian ancestry.
• Anyone with two or more members of their family who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test are two of the possible tests. You may be a candidate for the prostate health index test if your PSA test shows an above-normal result and youve had a normal digital rectal exam. The findings of this blood test are similar to those of the PSA test, although they are more specific.

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What Are Common Tests That Check The Health Of The Prostate

Common tests to check your prostate health include:

• Digital rectal exam. Your healthcare provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and feels your prostate gland. Bumps or hard areas may indicate cancer.
• Prostate-specific antigen blood test. Your prostate makes a protein called protein-specific antigen . Elevated PSA levels may indicate cancer. PSA levels may also rise if you have BPH or prostatitis.
• Biopsy. Your healthcare provider uses a needle to get a sample of your prostate tissue. A healthcare provider will examine the sample under a microscope in a lab.

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• The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that produces fluids to feed and protect sperm cells.
• Many men experience urinary changes as they age. In many cases, these changes do not need specific treatment.
• When urinary changes cause problems, they can be treated successfully by lifestyle changes, medication, surgery or a combination of the three.
• For problems such as blood in the urine, pain on urination, inability to urinate or uncontrollable urine flow, see your doctor promptly.

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