The male reproductive system, which is made up of the testes, scrotum, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, ejaculatory duct, urethra, and penis, functions mainly in the production, nourishment, and temporary storage of spermatozoa. Epigenetic modifications are essential to regulate normal gonadal development and spermatogenesis. The sperm epigenome is highly susceptible influence by a wide spectrum of environmental stimuli. This book focuses on the male reproductive system, discussing topics ranging from aspects of anatomy and risk factors for male infertility to clinical techniques and management of male reproductive health.

To present a coherent and meaningful survey of scientific research endeavour in an area that has expanded as fast as physiology and biochemistry of reproduction in the male is no mean task these days. No less prodigious than the growth of knowledge of male reproductive function has been the rate at which the outpouring of publications on this subject has continued since the appearance of 'The Biochemistry of Semen and of the Male Reproductive Tract' in 1964. Since cyclopaedic treatment of this vast literature did not appeal to us, we have made no attempt either to rehash the material contained in that book or to enlarge the bibliography beyond the nearly 3500 references included in the present treatise. At the same time, whilst writing, we felt strongly that to advance, it is necessary to understand the past, and for this reason we have not hesitated to refer (especially in the introductory chapter) to a number of those fundamental early discoveries in which today's knowledge is deeply and firmly rooted.

This book has been designed to help medical students succeed with their histology classes, while using less time on studying the curriculum. The book can both be used on its own or as a supplement to the classical full-curriculum textbooks normally used by the students for their histology classes. Covering the same curriculum as the classical textbooks, from basic tissue histology to the histology of specific organs, this book is formatted and organized in a much simpler and intuitive way. Almost all text is formatted in bullets or put into structured tables. This makes it quick and easy to digest, helping the student get a good overview of the curriculum. It is easy to locate specific information in the text, such as the size of cellular structures etc. Additionally, each chapter includes simplified illustrations of various histological features. The aim of the book is to be used to quickly brush up on the curriculum, e.g. before a class or an exam. Additionally, the book includes guides to distinguish between the different histological tissues and organs that can be presented to students microscopically, e.g. during a histology spot test. This guide lists the specific characteristics of the different histological specimens and also describes how to distinguish a specimen from other similar specimens. For each histological specimen, a simplified drawing and a photomicrograph of the specimen, is presented to help the student recognize the important characteristics in the microscope. Lastly, the book contains multiple “memo boxes” in which parts of the curriculum are presented as easy-to-remember mnemonics.

An Introduction to Male Reproductive Medicine is written specifically for readers seeking entry into this fast-moving, complex specialty with a solid understanding of the subject. The first chapters cover the anatomy and physiology, clinical evaluation, surgery, medicine, genetics and laboratory testing involved in the current evaluation and treatment of the infertile male, and the final chapter describes the interaction of the field with female reproductive medicine. Throughout the book, references are directly made to the fourth edition of the major text in the specialty, Infertility in the Male, edited by Larry Lipshultz, Stuart Howards and Craig Niederberger, allowing readers to expand their understanding of specific areas where desired. Each chapter is written by a well-renowned expert in an easy to follow, informal style, making the text ideal for students, residents and general physicians who are seeking to increase their general knowledge of the field.

The success of Assisted Reproductive Technology is critically dependent upon the use of well optimized protocols, based upon sound scientific reasoning, empirical observations and evidence of clinical efficacy. Recently, the treatment of infertility has experienced a revolution, with the routine adoption of increasingly specialized molecular biological techniques and advanced methods for the manipulation of gametes and embryos. This textbook – inspired by the postgraduate degree program at the University of Oxford – guides students through the multidisciplinary syllabus essential to ART laboratory practice, from basic culture techniques and micromanipulation to laboratory management and quality assurance, and from endocrinology to molecular biology and research methods. Written for all levels of IVF practitioners, reproductive biologists and technologists involved in human reproductive science, it can be used as a reference manual for all IVF labs and as a textbook by undergraduates, advanced students, scientists and professionals involved in gamete, embryo or stem cell biology.

The male reproductive system consists of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit, the testes, the reproductive tract, and the external genitalia. The functions of the male reproductive system are to produce and deliver spermatozoa, for sexual reproduction, and produce hormones that regulate reproductive function and secondary sex characteristics. Abnormalities in anatomic or physiologic function affect the development and delivery of spermatozoa, and potential fertility. Male factors are often the cause of a couple's failure to conceive, therefore, it is important to evaluate and treat the male partner. A male factor may be due to abnormalities of hormonal control, testicular function, or sperm transport or delivery. This book provides a comprehensive review of the clinical anatomy and physiology specific to male reproductive system, emphasizing causes and management of male infertility. By developing a clear understanding of what is normal, you will better understand abnormalities affecting male fertility and the mechanisms behind treatment.