Physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the male reproductive system

• Published in: Periodontology 2000 Vol. 61; no. 1; pp. 232 - 251
• Main Authors: Mawhinney, Michael, Mariotti, Angelo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2013
• Subjects: Anabolic Agents - adverse effects; Androgens - physiology; Dentistry; Endocrine Glands - physiology; Genital Diseases, Male - drug therapy; Genitalia, Male - physiology; Humans; Male; Male Urogenital Diseases - drug therapy; Puberty - physiology; Sex Differentiation - physiology; Spermatogenesis - physiology
• ISSN: 0906-6713; 1600-0757
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0757.2011.00408.x

The male reproductive system consists of the testes, a ductal system and sex accessory organs. Production of sperm by the testes combined with fluids formed by the sex accessory organs (e.g. seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands) produce a secretion that supports the survival of spermatozoa and provides a medium through which they can move through the reproductive ducts (e.g. epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra) for ejaculation of viable sperm into the female reproductive tract. Summarized herein are the essentials of normal male reproductive physiology, disorders of male sexual differentiation, pharmacological therapy of common diseases of the male genitourinary tract and the impact of drugs of abuse on the male reproductive system.