Introduction to the Male Reproductive System

Descent of Testes
• both male and female gonads initially develop high in
the abdominal cavity near the kidneys
• migrate into the pelvic cavity (ovaries) or scrotum
(testes)
• gubernaculum – a connective tissue cord extends from
the gonad to the floor of the pelvic cavity
– in the male, passes between the internal and external
abdominal oblique muscles into the scrotal swelling
– vaginal process – fold of the peritoneum that extends into
the scrotum
– inguinal canal – pathway of low resistance through the
groin created by gubernaculum and vaginal process
• most common site of herniation in boys and men – inguinal
hernia