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CHAPTER 13 – Reproductive Systems

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The two testes rest within the scrotum, a sac of skin and fibrous material suspended near the front of the body between the thighs (Fig. 13.2). Each oval-shaped testis is divided into 250 to 300 sections by fibrous sheets, and each section contains up to four long, highly coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules. Each tubule may be up to 100 feet long, and the total length of all tubules in one testis is approximately up to 1/8 mile. Spaces among these tubules contain blood vessels and special cells called interstitial cells (Leydig's cells).

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In summary, as age increases, the activities and alterations in the male reproductive system that occur during sexual activity generally take longer to develop, reach lower peak levels, and return to resting conditions more rapidly. More time must pass before the next cycle of sexual activity can occur. However, the male reproductive system largely retains the ability to provide satisfactory sexual experiences.
 

For Internet images of normal reproductive system structures or diseases, search the Images section of http://www.google.com/ for the name of a particular structure or disease. For diseases, I highly recommend searching WebPath: The Internet Pathology Laboratory , the excellent complete version of which can be purchased on a CD.