Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System and Potential Targets of Toxicants
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2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved. This introductory chapter offers a basic overview of male reproduction, specifically the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system. A good understanding of normal anatomy and physiology is necessary to (1) fully understand the severity of toxicant-induced damage to the structure and/or function of the male reproductive system, (2) design more powerful experiments that analyze potential male reproductive toxicants, and (3) identify numerous potential targets of toxicants in the male reproductive system. This chapter begins with hypothalamic control and its interaction with the male reproductive system. This is then followed by a discussion of testicular composition and the interrelationships of the testicular cells, spermatogenesis, the excurrent ducts that carry spermatozoa out of the testis, the accessory sex glands that supply the seminal plasma of semen, the cellular communication within the testis, the reproductive tract's development, and normal male sexual behavior.
