Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia
Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia
Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia
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Before birth, the developing testes move d<strong>own</strong>from the abdomen into the scrotum. Successfuldescent <strong>of</strong> the testes is important for fertility as acooler temperature in the scrotum is needed forsperm production and normal testicular function.The location <strong>of</strong> the testes in the scrotum keeps thetestes about 2°C below normal body temperature.Sperm are made in the testes in a number <strong>of</strong> small,tightly packed, fine tubes called seminiferoustubules. These tubules have a total length <strong>of</strong> 150metres. Between the seminiferous tubules liesanother cell type, Leydig cells. These cells, whichproduce the male sex hormone testosterone, lieclose to blood vessels so that testosterone can betransported throughout the body in the blood.Cross-section <strong>of</strong> the testes showing sperm-producing tubes(seminiferous tubules) and Leydig cells.MALE INFERTILITY 5
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