Name the parts of the male reproductive system. Describe sperm production, storage and function. Understand the function of hormones in the male reproductive system.
KEY WORDS Scrotum Epididymis Vas deferens Prostate gland Semen Testosterone Puberty Urethra Hypothalamus Seminiferous tubules Seminal vesicle Pituitary gland Cowper’s Gland LH and FSH
Male reproductive system must both: Produce sperm. Pass sperm on to female – sexual intercourse. Male symbol represents the shield and spear of Mars - Roman god of war.
Male sex organs: Bladder Seminal Vesicle Vas Deferens Prostate Cowper’s Gland Penis Epididymus Urethra Testes Scrotum
Testes Scrotum Epididymis Vas deferens Urethra Holds the testes externally (outside). Providing a cooler environment for healthy sperm. Testes Contains tiny tubes - seminiferous tubules that produce 300 to 500 million sperm per day. Storage place where sperm are kept until they leave the body. Epididymis Carries sperm from epididymis to the urethra. Vas deferens Carries both sperm and urine through the penis. Bladder has a small valve that stops urine during ejaculation. Urethra Prostate gland / Seminal vesicle / Cowper’s gland 3 glands together make fluid called semen. Semen contains nutrients that give sperm energy to swim from the male and unite with an egg in the female.
Sperm Made in seminiferous tubules. Stored in the epididymis. Travel through Vas deferens to the urethra. Ejaculated into female to find egg. Head: - contains chromosomes - contains chemicals for entering egg. Tail: - provides mobility, propelling sperm forward.
Male gametes:
Male sex hormones: Hormones are chemicals that help body parts talk to each other and are essential for proper functioning of the system. Male and female embryos identical until the seventh week of growth. At seventh week a hormone is released by the brain instructing embryo to produce male (or female) sexual structures.
Sex organs remain nonfunctioning until the offspring reach puberty. Brain instructs body to begin rapid growth and reach sexual maturity. Brain begins production of male sex hormones called androgens.
In the brain: Hypothalamus releases a hormone to the pituitary gland. Causes Pituitary gland to release two hormones abbreviated LH and FSH. LH travels to the testes, stimulates cells to produce hormone testosterone – outside changes. FSH combines with testosterone to stimulate the production of sperm – inside changes.
The Male reproductive system: Provides for the production and storage of sperm. Structure of male reproductive system is established at the seventh week development. Nonfunctioning until puberty. Hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH to the testes. Testosterone is responsible for all changes.
Male sex organs: Bladder Seminal Vesicle Vas Deferens Prostate Cowper’s Gland Penis Epididymus Urethra Testes Scrotum