Histology for PathologyMale Genital Tract

Theresa Kristopaitis, MDAssociate Professor

Director of Mechanisms of Human Disease

Kelli A. Hutchens, MD, FCAPAssistant Professor

Assistant Director of Mechanisms of Human Disease

Loyola Stritch School of Medicine

• Describe the pathway for sperm conduction through the genital ducts.• Testis

– On a cross section of testis identify seminiferous tubules and interstitial connective tissue.

– Name the two types of cells in the seminiferous tubules - spermatogenic (germ) and supporting (Sertoli cells).

– Explain the function of Sertoli cells.– On an H&E stained section, identify interstitial cells of Leydig and explain

their function.

• Prostate Gland– On a section of the prostate, identify prostate glands and stroma.– Identify corpora amylacea (prostatic secretions) and explain their

significance.– On a high power view of the prostate describe the epithelium that lines the

glands.• Penis

– On a cross section of the penis identify the corpora cavernosa, corpora spongiosum, urethra and epidermis.

Male Reproductive System Histology Objectives

I. Spermatozoa leave the seminiferous tubules via the tubuli recti

II. From the tubuli recti to the rete testis and efferent ductules which lead to the extratesticular ducts

III. Ductus epididymisIV. Ductus / Vas deferensV. Ejaculatory ducts of the

prostateVI. Urethra

Seminiferous Tubules

• Consist of germinal epithelium and basement membrane– Epithelium contains various stages of spermatogenic

cells and supporting cells = Sertoli Cells• Sertoli cells provide blood-testis barrier, secrete fructose,

androgen binding protein, anti-Mullerian hormone, inhibin, and activin

• Connective tissue in between tubules contains tubuli recti, vessels, and Leydig cells– Leydig / interstitial cells secrete testosterone

Seminiferous tubule

Germinal Epithelium

Sertoli Cell

Leydig cell

Prostate

Composed of branched tubuloalveolar glands

Lumens often contain prostatic secretions = corpora amylacea

High power view of gland with its simple columnar epithelium that is highly folded creating an irregular lumen.

Corpora amylacea

Full cross section image: University of Michigan Medical School Histology website

Penis

urethra

Corpora spongiosumCorpora Cavernosa

Corpora Cavernosa of the Penis