The Male Reproductive System Chapter 19, Lesson 1 Prepared by V. Morrissey

EQ: Discuss the function of the MRS and ways to care for it. Objectives Describe the structure and function of the MRS Describe ways to care for the MRS Identify some disorders of the MRS

Functions of the Male Reproductive System 1. Production of sperm 2. The transfer of sperm to the female

External Organs of the M.R.S. Testes or testicles – two small glands which have two functions: 1. Produce testosterone Physical changes caused by testosterone Broadening of shoulders Development of muscles Facial and other body hair Deepening voice Sex drive

External Organs of the M.R.S. (Testes functions cont.) 2. Produce sperm

External Organs of the M.R.S. Scrotum – a sac that protects sperm Penis – a tube-shaped organ attached to the trunk of the body

Other Terms Ejaculation – a series of muscular contractions that occur at the height of sexual arousal which cause semen to be propelled from the penis. Semen – a thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the M.R. organs

Other Terms Circumcision – the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis Religious reasons Cleanliness

Internal Organs of the M.R.S. Epididymis – a tube on the outer surface of the testes where sperm mature and are temporarily stored Vas deferens – a pair of connecting tubes which lead up into the male’s body

Internal Organs of the M.R.S. *Seminal Vesicles – glands that contain fluid that contains nutrients. Provides sperm with nourishment Makes sperm more mobile Provides slightly more than half the volume of semen Helps neutralized acidity of urine left in the urethra

Internal Organs of the M.R.S. *Prostate Gland – surrounds the urethra and secretes fluid into semen Helps maintain proper pH for sperm 20-30% of volume of semen

Internal Organs of the M.R.S. *Cowper’s Gland – secretions neutralize the acid content of semen before it is ejaculated Urethra – passageway through which both semen and urine leave the body *Secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland and Cowper’s gland mix with sperm to form semen

Care of the M.R.S. Cleanlines Shower daily Protection Avoid clothing that is too tight Wear a protector or supporter during strenuous activity

Care of the M.R.S. Self-examinations Monthly self exams for testicular cancer Lumps, thickenings or changes in texture or size of testes should be reported to a doctor

Problems of the M.R.S Inguinal Hernia – pushing part of the intestines through the abdominal wall near the top of the scrotum Treatment : usually surgery

Problems of the M.R.S Sterility – unable to reproduce Too few sperm Sperm of poor quality: environmental hazards x-rays lead from motor exhaust Exposure to certain chemicals Temperature changes Smoking Complications from an STD

Problems of the M.R.S Enlarged prostate – squeezes the urethra resulting in difficult or frequent urination Causes: Infection, Tumor, Old Age Treatment Exercises to improve bladder control Medication Surgery

Problems of the M.R.S Cancer of the Prostate Uncontrolled growth of cells Second highest incidence of cancer in males (primarily older males) Treatment Radiation therapy Hormone therapy

Problems of the M.R.S Cancer of the Testes Most frequently in males 15 to 35 Can be cured in 90% of cases if it is caught early Signs: First sign: usually a slight enlargement of one of the testes May have no pain, or may have a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin Hard lumps