Abstract
Reproductive function in the male differs from that of the female because fertility and reproductive activity are continuously maintained from puberty onwards. There are no cyclic variations in the plasma levels of pituitary gonadotropins or of testosterone secreted from the interstitial cells of the testis. The formation of male gametes, spermatogenesis, within the seminiferous tubules is also continuous and their maturation proceeds as they move through the different regions of the testis and epididymis.
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Further reading
Glenister, T. W., Hytten, F. E. and Kerr, M. G. (1976). ‘Human reproduction’, in Companion to Medical Studies, vol. 1, Blackwell, Oxford
Greep, R. O. and Koblinsky, M. A. (eds.) (1977). Frontiers in Reproduction and Fertility Control MIT Press, chaps. 26 ‘The control of testicular function’, 29 ‘Leydig cells’, 32 ‘The metabolism of mammalian spermatozoa’, 34 ‘The epididymis’, 35 ‘Semen’, and 37 ‘Sperm motility’
Hamilton, D. W. and Greep, R. O. (eds.) (1975). ‘Male reproductive system’, in American Handbook of Physiology, sect. 7, Endocrinology, vol. V, American Physiological Society, Washington
Setchell, B. P. (1978). The Mammalian Testis, Elek, London
Shearman, R. P. (1972). Human Reproductive Physiology, Blackwell, Oxford
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© 1980 D. J. Begley, J. A. Firth and J. R. S. Hoult
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Begley, D.J., Firth, J.A., Hoult, J.R.S. (1980). The Male Reproductive System. In: Human Reproduction and Developmental Biology. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16260-4_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16260-4_3
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-23424-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-16260-4
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