4.06 Understand the functions and disorders of the male reproductive system
Essential questions What is the function of the male reproductive system? What are some common disorders of the male reproductive system? How do you relate the body’s hormone control to the male and female reproductive systems
Functions of the male reproductive system Hormone production What is the male sex hormone? > Testosterone What does it do? > stimulates the growth and development of male organs > underlies the sex drive > responsible for secondary sex characteristics ( deep voice, body hair, muscle mass, bone thickening)
Reproduction - the union of male and female reproductive cells (gametes)
Testes Seminiferous tubules Epididymis Production of sperm resulting from FSH stimulation Requires about 74 days Begins about 12 y/o; first released about 14 y/o Epididymis Here LH stimulates testosterone Connects the testes with the ductus deferens aka vas deferens Aid in the final sperm cell growth
Sperm What is the function of the sperm? carry the 18,000 male genes to the female's egg How many sperm does the average male have? In fact, the average male will produce roughly 525 billion sperm cells over a lifetime and shed at least one billion of them per month. A healthy adult male can release between 40 million and 1.2 billion sperm cells in a single ejaculation. How is this different from the female reproductive system? About 400 ova created within the first five months after conception Only one egg released every month during the reproductive years
Discuss the functions of these structures: Vas Deferens Storage for sperm cells Excretory duct for the testis Ejaculatory duct Short and narrow A path for semen and sperm to exit the body
What is the function of the seminal vesicles? Produce secretions to assist in nourishing and protect the sperm on its journey through the female reproductive system Seminal fluid is added to sperm cells as they leave the ejaculatory ducts What would happen if this was not working? No medium for sperm travel or protection; may not be able to father a child
How does the urethra serve the reproductive system? Carries sperm out of the penis during copulation. What structure of the urinary system does the urethra connect? The urinary bladder and it is a pathway for urine to leave the body.
Functions of the male reproductive system: Prostate gland What is the function of the thin, milky alkaline secretion produced by the prostate gland during copulation? Enhances sperm motility and gives semen a strong musky odor What would happen if the prostate hypertrophied? Decrease sperm motility and viability
Bulbourethral glands Also called Cowper’s gland What is the function of the secretion produced by the bulbourethral glands? It is alkaline, which aids in neutralizing the acidity of the female vagina and male urethra so the sperm will be more likely to survive the journey to the egg How is it important to reproduction? Enhances viability and motility of sperm
What is the function of the penis? Urination Sexuality and pleasure Reproduction and procreation
Disorders of the male reproductive system
Cryptorchidism Who will have this condition? What are the risks if left untreated? What is the treatment?
Epididymitis What are the most common causes epididymitis? What are some risk factors that predispose someone to this condition?
Erectile Dysfunction Also known as impotence Failure of the penis to become rigid enough for intercourse to occur. Common causes: Acute Chronic How is it treated?
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) What are the usual symptoms? Who is most likely to develop BPH? How is it treated? Is it cancer?
Prostate cancer What age group is most susceptible to prostate cancer? How is it treated? What are the reproductive side effects to treatment?
Testicular cancer What the risk factors for developing testicular cancer? What are the most likely symptoms?
Testicular self-examination Testicular self-examination is an examination of the testicles. The testicles (also called the testes) are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. They are located in the scrotum under the penis. Perform this test during or after a shower. This way, the scrotal skin is warm and relaxed. It's best to do the test while standing.
Testicular self-examination 1.Gently feel your scrotal sac to locate a testicle. 2.Hold the testicle with one hand while firmly but gently rolling the fingers of the other hand over the testicle to examine the entire surface. 3.Repeat the procedure with the other testicle. You should perform a testicular self-exam every month if you have any of the following risk factors: •Family history of testicular cancer •Past testicular tumor •Undescended testicle •You are a teenager or young adult