Scrotal/testicular thermoregulation and the effects of increased testicular temperature in the bull.
Scrotal/testicular thermoregulation is a complex process controlled by numerous local mechanisms that attempt to maintain the testes at conditions ideal for spermatogenesis. This article provides a background of the anatomy and physiology of the bovine scrotum and its contents with emphasis on thermoregulation. Experiments are cited that demonstrate scrotal/testicular thermoregulation mechanisms and the effect that changes in ambient temperature have on internal testicular temperature and subsequent seminal quality.
Kastelic
J P
JP
Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta, Canada.
Cook
R B
RB
Coulter
G H
GH
D000818:Animals; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012611:Scrotum / Q000502:physiology*; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology*