Male Reproductive System
External Organs 1. Penis Most prominent organ Contains 3 canals of spongy, erectile tissue that fill with blood during sexual arousal (Erection) Glans - Sensitive tip of the penis
External Organs: Scrotum 2. Scrotum (“man purse”) Loose sac of skin that contains 2 testicles and a layer of smooth muscle. When the scrotal muscle contracts, the scrotum wrinkles and the testicles are held close to the body for warmth. When it relaxes, the scrotum hangs free to cool the testicles. The scrotum keeps the testicles 5 degrees below body temp., which is necessary for sperm production.
What’s in a Name??? The word Testes, like its lexical cousin testimony, comes from the Latin word meaning to “witness.” In ancient Rome, it was customary for a man to hold his testicles when swearing an oath or giving evidence at a trial. If he was found to be lying, the authorities customarily cut off his testicles. Women having no testicles, were not allowed to testify.
It’s Baseball Season!!!
Internal Organs: Testicles 3. Testicles or Testes (sperm = rookie baseball players) They produce sperm and testosterone- responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair, body hair, broad shoulders and deepening of the voice. Contain seminiferous tubules (very tiny tubes in which sperm are produced every 6 weeks)
Epididymis 4. Epididymis (Spring Training) foot coiled tube that folds to make a “comma” shaped organ over each testicle Stores sperm Sperm spend several weeks in this tube maturing
Vas Deferens 5. Vas Deferens (I 95) two 17 inch tubes that carries sperm from the epididymis up into the body before ejaculation (discharge of semen)
Seminal Vesicle 6. Seminal Vesicles (“Gatorade”) 2 pouches located just above & to each side of the prostate Connected to the vas deferens produces a mucuslike fluid that mixes with the sperm. This liquid is called seminal fluid provides nutrients for the sperm. (better swimmers) Sperm and all other fluids are collectively called semen.
Seminal Vesicle (cont) Seminal fluid comprises 70% of semen. Sperm: 200 million sperm per ejaculation. If sperm count is between 60 million and 200 million, he is considered infertile If less than 60 million, he is considered sterile
Prostate Gland 7. Prostate Gland (“cup” or batting helmet:“P” = protects Size and shape of a golf ball, located just below the bladder Makes fluid to neutralize the acid in the vagina, this fluid comprises about 30% of semen discharged Vagina pH=2-4, sperm pH needs to be=6 “VAGINA BAD!!!” Acidic Men should have prostate examined periodically to rule out cancer Men can have all or part of the prostate removed.
Cowper’s Glands 8. Cowper’s Glands (“grounds crew” “C” = clean) 2 pea sized glands located just below the prostate Secretes pre-ejaculatory fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes any acid that may remain after urination. Small # of sperm may be present in this fluid (25% of the time) THIS IS WHY THE WITHDRAWL DOES NOT WORK!!!!!!!
Urethra 9. Urethra Carries urine from the bladder out of the penis; carries semen out of the penis. Urine and semen do not travel through the urethra at the same time. Males have sphincter muscles which close off the tube to the bladder prior to ejaculation.
Other Terms Circumcision - Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, done mostly for cosmetic reasons. Some parents choose to have their baby boys circumcised for hygienic reasons even though it is not medically necessary. In U.S. 60 % of boys are circumcised Nocturnal emissions “Wet Dreams”; uncontrolled ejaculations during sleep. Review: Male Diagram Review: Male Diagram