1. Male Sexual Anatomy, Physiology, and Response

2. Male Sex Organs Sex organs serve a reproductive function
Also serve other functions:
Bringing pleasure to self
Giving pleasure to others
May serve to attract potential sexual partners
Sharing of genital sexuality can play a bonding role in relationships

3. External Structures
Penis, Scrotum

4. The Penis Penis: from Latin word for tail
organ through which sperm and urine pass
Contains urethra for urine and semen transport
Becomes erect to better penetrate the vagina and deposit sperm near the os
No bone, little muscle

5. The Penis Myths about the penis abound
Penis size not linked to body size or weight, muscular structure, race or ethnicity or sexual orientation. Determined by heredity.
No relationship between penis size and ability to have sexual intercourse or satisfy a partner.

6. The Penis Three main sections:
Root: attaches penis within the pelvic cavity
Shaft: body of the penis (hangs free)
Contains 3 parallel columns of erectile tissue
corpora cavernosa: 2 columns along the front surface
corpus spongiosum: runs beneath corpora cavernosa, also forms the glans

7. The Root of the Penis Extends into the body below the pubic bone
Attached to internal pelvic muscles and can be felt in the perineum

8. Figure 6.1 The internal structure of the penis.

9. The Penis: Cross-Section of the Shaft

10. The Penis Glans penis: head of penis; most sensitive
Corona: rim at base of the glans
Frenulum: on underside of penis; triangle of sensitive skin; attaches glans to foreskin.

11. The Penis Foreskin: sleeve-like covering of the glans
Often surgically removed in infancy: circumcision
Crura (pl.): formed by the corpora cavernosa; anchored by muscle to public bone
Urethra: a tube that transports urine & semen
Runs from bladder through penis. Opens at tip of glans.
When penis erect, urinary duct is blocked

12. Figure 6.2 The male reproductive organs.

13. The Scrotum Scrotum: a pouch of skin that holds the two testicles
Scrotum skin more heavily pigmented
Sparsely covered with hair
Divided in the middle by a ridge of skin
During sexual arousal or cold conditions, scrotum retracts to keep testicle temperature consistent (about 93°F) Cremaster muscle moves the scrotum closer to or farther from the body (protects)

14. Internal Structures Testes:
Two major functions: sperm and hormone production
Shaped like olives; 1.5” long and 1” diameter.
Size and weight decrease as men age
Not usually symmetrical in the way they hang
Suspended by spermatic cord
Within each testicle, there are about 1000 Seminiferous tubules: tiny compressed tubes 1-3 feet long
Production of sperm takes place in these tubes

15. Internal Structures: Cross-Section of a Testis

16. Internal Structures Epididymis & Vas Deferens
The ducts that carry sperm from testicles to urethra for ejaculation
Sperm mature in epididymis, which joins with vas deferens
Vas deferens joins the ejaculatory duct within prostate gland
Vas deferens can be felt within scrotal sac

17. Internal Structures Seminal vesicles Prostate gland
Secrete fluid that makes up 60% of semen
Prostate gland
Secretes fluid that makes up 30-35% of semen
Can be stimulated in anal play
Cowper’s (bulbourethral) glands
Secrete thick clear mucus prior to ejaculation

18. Male Sexual Physiology
Reproductive processes of the male body include:
production of hormones
production and delivery of sperm

19. Male Reproductive Hormones
Testosterone
Acts on seminiferous tubules to produce sperm
Regulates sex drive
Is responsible for development of secondary sex characteristics in puberty
Influences growth of bones and muscle mass
May affect personality

20. Testosterone Production
Testosterone is the most important male hormone
Interstitial, or Leydig, cells in the testicles produce testosterone out of cholesterol

21. Testosterone Fluctuations in a Day

22. Spermatogenesis Ongoing process from puberty onward
Sperm produced within seminiferous tubules of testicles (64-72 days)
Several 100 million sperm produced daily
20 days for sperm to travel through epididymis
During this time they become fertile & motile
Upon ejaculation, sperm expelled through urethra by muscular contractions

23. Spermatogenesis Seminiferous tubules produce and store sperm
Sertoli cells (in the tubules) provide nutrition for the development of sperm
This process begins with spermatogonium on the outer wall of the tubules; they move toward the center during development as primary spermatocytes, then divide to form secondary spermatocytes, and divide again into spermatids

24. Spermatogenesis (Cont.)
Spermatids form the compact head covered by an acrosome that contains enzymes to penetrate the egg
The midpiece is formed and serves as the energy source
The flagellum propels the mature sperm
Sperm production takes 72 days, but is constant and each male produces about 300 million sperm a day

25. Figure 6.5 Spermatogenesis is continually taking place with various levels of sperm development throughout the testis.

26. Spermatogenesis
Immature sperm travel from the tubules to the epididymis; organ that rests atop the testicle
Old and faulty sperm are reabsorbed here
They mature in days in the epididymis
Upon maturity they are transferred to the vas deferens for storage

27. Male Sexual Response Erection
Blood vessels expand and increase blood in penis
Veins that normally carry blood out are compressed, leading to engorgement of penis
Secretions from Cowper’s glands appear at tip

28. The Ejaculatory Pathway
Ejaculation – physiological process where seminal fluid is powerfully expelled from the penis
Pathway organs:
Vas deferens
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Cowper’s glands

29. Ejaculation
Begins in the spinal cord once a threshold is reached, and proceeds until the conclusion

30. Ejaculation (Cont.) Once the threshold is reached:
Epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate empty their fluids into the urethral bulb
A sphincter closes off the bladder
5-15 contractions at the base of the penis squeeze the urethral bulb
Ejaculate is expelled
Orgasm
Return to flaccid state

31. Ejaculation & Orgasm Emission stage Expulsion stage Orgasm
Sperm sent into vas deferens
Rhythmic contractions begin
Feeling of ejaculatory inevitability
Expulsion stage
Rapid contractions
Semen spurts from urethral opening
Orgasm
Intensely pleasurable physical sensations that usually accompany ejaculation
Followed by refractory period

32. Ejaculate/Semen 2-5 milliliters of fluid
million sperm per milliliter
Few sperm reach the ovum
Sperm work together in order to fertilize the egg
Semen coagulates upon ejaculation; this helps it remain in the vagina and travel into the uterus
5-20 minutes later it thins out

33. The Breasts and Anus
Male anatomical structures that do not serve a reproductive function but may be involved in sexual activities include:
Breasts
Urethra
Buttocks
Rectum
Anus

34. The Male Maturation Cycle
Male puberty
Andropause

35. Male Puberty
Around 10 years of age, the hypothalamus starts to release gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which signals the pituitary to release FSH and LH
At the testes, LH stimulates testosterone production; the two combine and FSH stimulate sperm production (around 12 years)
Negative feedback loop

36. Figure 6.6 The cycle of male hormones.

37. Male Puberty (Cont.)
Many organs and glands increase in size: testicles, penis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, Cowper’s glands
Growth spurt initiated by testosterone levels
Testosterone and DHT develop the secondary sex characteristics: larger muscles and bones, pubic hair, thick and tough skin, deep voice, facial and chest hair, increased sex drive

38. Andropause
Testosterone levels decrease about 1% per year after 40 years of age
In the 70s and 80s, andropause occurs
Andropause symptoms: decreased spermatogenesis, thinner ejaculate, less ejaculatory force, libido decreases, fatigue, mood disturbances, decreased strength
Controversy over hormone treatments

39. Male Reproductive and Sexual Health
Diseases of the male reproductive organs
Other conditions that affect the male reproductive organs
Cancer of the male reproductive organs

40. Diseases of the Male Reproductive Organs
Cryptorchidism – testes do not descend into the scrotum; surgery necessary to correct

41. Male Reproductive and Sexual Health
Diseases of the male reproductive organs
Other conditions that affect the male reproductive organs
Cancer of the male reproductive organs

42. Diseases of the Male Reproductive Organs
Cryptorchidism – testes do not descend into the scrotum; surgery necessary to correct

43. Figure 6.7 Although the testicles of a fetus begin high in the abdomen, they must descend into the scrotum during fetal development. If they do not, the male may become infertile.

44. Diseases of the Male Reproductive Organs
Testicular torsion – testis is twisted on its spermatic cord; many causes (sex, exercise, sleep); symptoms are pain and swelling; immediate surgery is required to maintain the testicle

45. Figure 6.8 Testicular torsion can occur after exercise, sexual intercourse, and even while sleeping.

46. Diseases of the Male Reproductive Organs
Priapism – persistent, painful erection not related to sexual excitement; blood is trapped in erectile tissue; common causes are drug use and unknown; treatment is cessation of drug use and, possibly, surgery
Peyronie’s disease – painful curvature of the penis making penetration impossible; cause is unknown; may disappear within 2 years, or require drugs or surgery

47. Other Conditions that Affect the Male Reproductive Organs
Anabolic-androgenic steroid use – synthetic testosterone can increase muscle mass and endurance; there are also numerous physical, psychological, and emotional side effects, including erectile problems

48. Other Conditions that Affect the Male Reproductive Organs (Cont.)
Inguinal hernia – intestine goes through an abdominal opening into the scrotum, creating a bulge; can be due to heavy lifting and straining; surgery may be required
Hydrocele – fluid accrues & forms a scrotal mass

49. Cancer of the Male Reproductive Organs
Testicular
Penile
Prostate

50. Testicular Cancer Most common cancer in men 15-44 years
Few early symptoms, early detection important; testicular self-exam
Symptoms: painless mass or hardness in the testes; pain or increase in size of the testes, lower back pain, gynecomastia, shortness of breath, urethral obstruction
High cure rate: radiation, chemotherapy, removal of testicle

51. Penile Cancer
Lesions on the penis may be benign or malignant and are usually treatable; may also be a STI
Penile cancer is not common

52. Prostate Cancer
Prostate glands enlarge with age and this is typically unproblematic, other than interfering with urination
Prostate cancer is one of the most common in American men, typically in men over 50 years
Risk factors: age, high fat diet, race, genetics
Symptoms: pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thigh, and urinary abnormalities
Detected through rectal exam and blood test

53. Prostate Cancer (Cont.)
Treatments: “watchful waiting”, radical prostatectomy, radiation, cryosurgery, drugs that attack cancerous cells