Introduction to the Male Reproductive System

Descent of Testes
• descent of the testes begins as early as 6 weeks
– in 7 th month testes abruptly pass through the inguinal
canal into the scrotum guided by the gubernaculum
– testes accompanied by elongating testicular arteries and
veins, lymphatic vessels, nerves, spermatic ducts, and
extensions of internal abdominal oblique muscle
• cryptorchidism – boys born with undescended testes
– occurs in about 3% of male births
– most cases the testes descend during the first year of
infancy
– if not, testosterone injection or simple surgery to draw
testes into the scrotum
– uncorrected cases lead to sterility or testicular cancer
• ovaries descend to lesser extent
– lodge on inferior brim of the lesser pelvis
– gubernaculum becomes a pair of ligaments that supports
the ovary and the uterus