1. The Male Reproductive System

2. 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

3. External Male Reproductive Organs

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Internal Male Reproductive Organs

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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