CHAPTER 23 The Reproductive System Lesson 2 The Male Reproductive System

Building Vocabulary sperm Male reproductive cells testes The pair of glands that produce sperm scrotum A pouch of skin that holds the testes LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home

Building Vocabulary semen A mixture of sperm and fluids that protect sperm and carry them through the tubes of the male reproductive system ejaculation The release of semen from the penis erection The penis becomes upright and firm LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home

Functions of the Male Reproductive System testes The pair of glands that produce sperm LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home New Vocabulary The male reproductive system produces sperm. Sperm are stored in the epididymis, a network of tubes located behind the testes. Each sperm can join with a female reproductive cell (egg) and make another human. Males begin to make sperm cells between the ages of 12 and 15. New Vocabulary sperm Male reproductive cells

Functions of the Male Reproductive System semen A mixture of sperm and fluids that protect sperm and carry them through the tubes of the male reproductive system LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home New Vocabulary The testes produce sperm. The testes are located in the scrotum. The scrotum keeps the testes at the right temperature to produce sperm. When sperm leave the epididymis, they pass through the vas deferens, where they mix with secretions from the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and the Cowper’s glands. This mixture of fluids and sperm is called semen. New Vocabulary scrotum A pouch of skin that holds the testes

Functions of the Male Reproductive System ejaculation The release of semen from the penis LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home New Vocabulary The semen is released from the urethra through the penis. The body’s release of semen is called an ejaculation. There are 3 to 4 million sperm cells in each ejaculation.

Functions of the Male Reproductive System LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home

Erection erection The penis becomes upright and firm LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home New Vocabulary Most of the time, the penis is soft. When blood flow to its blood vessels increases, however, an erection results. When the penis is erect, ejaculation can occur.

Wet Dreams LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home Teen males sometimes experience erections and ejaculate while they are asleep. These are called nocturnal (nighttime) emissions, or wet dreams. They result from a buildup of fluids in the reproductive glands. Wet dreams are one way the body has of releasing the built-up pressure of semen and other fluids. It frees the body to make more sperm.

Male Health Concerns LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home Inguinal hernia - Occurs when part of the intestine pushes into the groin area or the scrotum. Testicular cancer - This is the most common form of cancer in males aged 15 to 35. Testicular torsion - The twisting of the cord that holds the testes together. Prostate cancer. This cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy. Sterility. Sterility can be caused by untreated STDs or exposure to pesticides, lead, certain drugs, or dangerous amounts of radiation. Some types of sterility can be treated by medications or surgery.

Caring for the Male Reproductive System LESSON 2 The Male Reproductive System BIG IDEA The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to protect, store, and help move the sperm. Lesson Home Do a testicular self-examination every month. Choose a time when the scrotum is relaxed, usually after a shower or bath. Roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers of both hands. Check the testes monthly for lumps, swelling, or soreness. Report unusual lumps to your doctor.