MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM NOTES
REPRODUCTION Process by which new individuals of a species are produced
Produce specialized reproductive cells called gametes: ova (ovum) - eggs sperm (spermatozoa)
FERTILIZATION Fusion of egg and sperm produce a cell called a zygote
PRIMARY SEX ORGANS Gonads ovaries in the female testes in the male
ACCESSORY SEX ORGANS Internal and external ducts (transport and store gametes) Produce materials that support gametes
MALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT Male gonads: testes/testicles Scrotum – sac that contains the testes regulates temperature of testes
TESTES Seminiferous tubules –sperm cells are made (contains 1 to 4) Interstitial cells produce testosterone – male sex hormone
SPERM STRUCTURE Made up of: Head – contains DNA Acrosome – contains enzymes to penetrate egg
Midpiece – contains mitochondria for energy Tail – flagellum – propels sperm
SPERMATOGENESIS production of sperm takes about 65-70 days About 300 million sperm mature each day