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