Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

08:49
Murine Prostate Micro-dissection and Surgical Castration
Published on: May 11, 2016
[Anatomo-functional changes in the prostate and seminal vesicles with aging]
F Mantovani1, G Mastromarino, F Colombo
1Istituto di Urologia Università di Milano.
Summary
Aging male reproductive system undergoes changes in the prostate and seminal pathways due to hormonal shifts and anatomical degeneration. These modifications include benign prostatic hyperplasia and testicular hypotrophy, impacting male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and urology.
- Gerontology and male reproductive aging.
Context:
- Aging male reproductive system exhibits significant anatomical and functional changes.
- Key structures affected include the prostate, seminal pathways, and testes.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the causes of anatomo-functional modifications in the aging male reproductive system.
- To correlate hormonal and anatomical changes with prostatic hyperplasia and seminal pathway hypotrophy.
Summary:
- Hormonal alterations, including fluctuating gonadotropins (LH-FSH) and decreased testosterone utilization, contribute to aging.
- Anatomical involutions, characterized by degeneration of glandular, stromal, and vascular components, also play a role.
- These factors collectively lead to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypotrophy of seminal pathways and testes.
Impact:
- Provides a foundational understanding of male reproductive aging mechanisms.
- Informs potential therapeutic strategies for age-related urogenital conditions.
- Highlights the complex interplay between hormonal balance and tissue degeneration in aging men.
Related Concept Videos
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...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
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.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
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...
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...
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
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...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...

