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.

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.

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.

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.

Written by experts in their respective fields, this book reviews the expanding knowledge concerning the mechanisms regulating male reproduction at the molecular and cellular levels. It covers the development of the testes and regulatory controls for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and it considers aspects of Sertoli cell function. Areas of emphasis include communication between the various cell types involved in reproduction by hormone and growth factors and the mechanisms by which these factors regulate gene expression. A number of mammalian systems, including humans, are covered. The carefully selected authors provide a clear synopsis of the concepts in each area as well as the latest references, enabling the reader to investigate the topic further. This book is of interest to those seeking an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in male reproduction and is written for the graduate and postgraduate levels. Provides up-to-date reviews of the molecular and cellular biology of male reproduction Includes chapters on the developmental biology of the testes Links conventional hormonal control of testicular function with the evolving role of growth factors and proto-oncogenes