Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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...

Testes: Histology

Testes: Histology

A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...

Sperm Transport

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A Study of the Relationship Between Objective Tests to Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction and Markers of Cardiovascular Disease.

Journal of clinical medicine·2024

Same author

[SARS-CoV-2 infection: implications for sexual and reproductive health. A position statement of the Asociación Española de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva (ASESA)].

Revista internacional de andrologia·2020

Same journal

Endocrinology, diabetes and nutrition: The future is here.

Endocrinologia y nutricion : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endocrinologia y Nutricion·2016

Same journal

Healthcare costs of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Basque Country (Spain).

Endocrinologia y nutricion : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endocrinologia y Nutricion·2016

Same journal

Statement on the current treatment of severe obesity in Spain.

Endocrinologia y nutricion : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endocrinologia y Nutricion·2016

Same journal

Impact of diabetes education on type 1 diabetes mellitus control in children.

Endocrinologia y nutricion : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endocrinologia y Nutricion·2016

Same journal

Bariatric surgery results in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy.

Endocrinologia y nutricion : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endocrinologia y Nutricion·2016

Same journal

Venlafaxine drug interaction in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

Endocrinologia y nutricion : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endocrinologia y Nutricion·2016

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Published on: February 8, 2016

[Exploration of testicular function].

Lluís Bassas Arnau¹

¹Laboratorio de Andrología, Fundación Puigvert, Cartagena 340, 08025 Barcelona, España. 12037lba@comb.es

Endocrinologia Y Nutricion : Organo De La Sociedad Espanola De Endocrinologia Y Nutricion

|July 25, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Diagnosing male hypogonadism requires careful interpretation of testosterone levels, considering circadian rhythms and assay variability. Free or bioavailable testosterone measurements and semen analysis aid in assessing reproductive function and infertility causes.

More Related Videos

Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice

Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice

Published on: February 6, 2012

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Published on: September 11, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes

Published on: February 8, 2016

Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice

Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice

Published on: February 6, 2012

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Published on: September 11, 2014

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Reproductive Medicine
Andrology

Background:

Testosterone is the primary testicular endocrine function post-puberty.
Hypogonadism diagnosis in adult men typically involves total testosterone levels.
Circadian rhythm necessitates morning blood sampling for accurate testosterone measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

To review diagnostic approaches for male hypogonadism and reproductive dysfunction.
To highlight challenges in interpreting testosterone levels and semen analysis.
To discuss the role of various biomarkers and genetic testing in male infertility.

Main Methods:

Analysis of total, free, and bioavailable testosterone concentrations.
Assessment of gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and Inhibin B.
Semen analysis, including biochemical markers and cytogenetic techniques (karyotyping, FISH).

Main Results:

Commercial testosterone assays exhibit significant variability.
Moderately low testosterone levels require cautious interpretation due to individual symptom thresholds.
Free or bioavailable testosterone measurements can aid diagnosis when total levels are borderline.
Semen analysis, while crucial, has limitations due to analytical imprecision and biological variability.
Genetic abnormalities like sex chromosomal aneuploidies are frequent causes of congenital hypogonadism.

Conclusions:

Accurate diagnosis of hypogonadism necessitates consideration of multiple factors beyond total testosterone.
Standardized methods for semen analysis are crucial for improving diagnostic reliability.
Comprehensive evaluation, including hormonal assays and genetic testing, is vital for male reproductive health assessment.