The Male Reproductive System
What is the function??? Produce a sperm cell- male reproductive cell Male begin to produce sperm between the ages of 12-15 Hormone that causes production of sperm - testosterone
External Male Reproductive Organs
Scrotum Loose pouch of skin that becomes darker as males grow and develop Functions to keep the testes at the right temperature so they can produce sperm If body temp rises, muscles in scrotum relax to lower the testes away from body and vice versa
Testes Sperm are produced in a section in the testes called the seminiferous tubules The combined length of the tubules can extend almost a ½ mile. Tubules are capable of producing billions and billions of sperm Testes produce 500 million or more sperm each day
Epididymis Highly coiled structured located on the back side of each of the testes Stores newly produced sperm Maturation of the sperm continues in this structure Takes about 64 days for sperm to be fully mature
Penis Tube-like organ that functions in sexual reproduction, sexual pleasure, and elimination of body wastes The penis is neither a muscle or a bone Erections result from blood flow
Internal Male Reproductive Organs
Vas Deferens Long tube that connects the epididymis with the urethra This is where the mature sperm go next In this state sperm are not yet able to move on their own, the VD is lined with cilia that help move the sperm through the tube
Seminal Vesicle Fluid filled pouch that secretes fluid that mixes with the sperm This fluid provides nourishment to sperm and also allows it be mobile
Prostate Gland Is about the size of a chestnut Secretes a milky, alkaline fluid that mixes with sperm and makes up the major portion of semen It is this solution that helps protect the sperm by neutralizing the acidity of the urethra and vagina in the female
The Cowper’s Glands Two pea sized glands that open into the urethra Secrete a clear, sticky fluid that is thought to cleanse the urethra of acid from urine allowing the safe passage of sperm The mixture of sperm and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper’s gland is called semen.
Urethra Tube-like organ that travels through the penis Passageway for sperm and urine Note: it is impossible for sperm and urine to leave the body at the same time
Sterility Sperm is malformed, sparse or nonexistent, or unable to join with an ovum Why ?? -> temp changes, exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, untreated STD’s or faulty operation of VD, E, or U