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Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...

Testes: Gross Anatomy

Testes: Gross Anatomy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...

Infertility in Males

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy

Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy

Published on: June 16, 2022

Spermatoceles in adults: when does size matter?

Thomas J Walsh¹, Katharine T Seeger, Paul J Turek

¹Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero St, Box 1695, San Francisco, CA 94143-1695, USA. TWalsh@urology.ucsf.edu

Archives of Andrology

|March 25, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Men often delay spermatocele treatment until the cyst is large and causes pain or a noticeable mass. Spermatoceles are typically treated when they reach testicular size, impacting quality of life.

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Treatment of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction by Seminal Vesiculoscopy Assisted Flow Modification

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Published on: December 8, 2023

Area of Science:

Urology
Andrology
Surgical Pathology

Background:

Spermatoceles are common, benign epididymal cysts.
The precise reasons and timing for surgical intervention remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe clinical characteristics of men undergoing spermatocelectomy.
To hypothesize triggers for seeking surgical treatment for spermatoceles.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of 24 men undergoing spermatocelectomy.
Analysis of patient age, symptom duration, cyst size, and presentation.

Main Results:

Mean patient age was 46 years.
Most men (58%) presented with pain and/or sensation of mass.
Average spermatocele size was 4.2 cm; 71% were right-sided.
Pain-only symptoms associated with younger patients.

Conclusions:

Men tolerate spermatoceles for extended periods.
Surgical intervention is sought when spermatoceles reach significant size (approx. testicular size).
Combined pain and mass symptoms are primary drivers for treatment seeking.