Male Reproductive System
External Parts and Function
Male Reproductive System
Penis
nThe male organ for sexual intercourse
nErection-The process by which thepenis fills with blood in preparation forintercourse
nCircumcision-the removal of the foreskinwhich covers the head of the penis
–Usually done in the first 4 days of life
–Aids hygiene
–Does not affect sexual functioning
Scrotum
nThe pouch located behind the peniswhich contains the testicles
nProvides protection to the testicles
nControls temperature necessary forsperm production and survival
Testes
nTwo round glands which descend intothe scrotum following birth
nProduce and store sperm
nProduce male sex hormone,testosterone
Male Reproductive System
Internal Parts and Functions
Vas Deferens (sperm tube)
nPassageway for sperm, leading fromthe testicles and joining with the urethra
Seminal Vesicle
nA sac-like structure, lying behind thebladder, which secretes a thick fluid thatforms part of the semen
Urethra
nThe tube through which urine passesfrom the bladder to the outside of thebody
nJoins with the sperm tube to provide acommon outlet for urine and sperm
nClosed to urine at the time of ejaculation
Prostate Gland
nA gland located in the male pelvis whichsecretes a thin, milky fluid that forms thepart of the semen which stimulates themovement of sperm
Cowper’s Glands (bulbourethral glands)
nTwo structures that lie below the prostate and emptytheir secretions into the urethra
nSecrete a drop or so of clear, slippery fluid duringsexual arousal
nPrecedes ejaculation
nContains viable sperm
Ejaculatory Ducts
nShort, straight tube that passes into theprostate gland and opens into theurethra
Epididymis
nA comma-shaped structure along theupper rear surface of the testes wheresperm mature
nSome sperm are stored here, but mostmove to the vas deferens after theymature
Seminiferous Tubules
nA network of coiled tubules in the testes
nWhere sperm is produced
Sperm
nThe male sex cell
nToo small to be seen without a microscope
nShape similar to tadpoles
nMovement aided by lashing their tails
nProduction begins usually between age 12 to 14
nTotal number per ejaculation averages 500 million
nSurvival in the fallopian tubes may reach 7 days
Ejaculation
nThe release of semen from the penis
Semen
nThe fluid which passes out of the penisat the time of ejaculation
nProduced and stored in the seminalvesicles and prostate gland
nClear color in young males due to lowsperm count
nWhitish color develops as sperm countincreases
Nocturnal Emissions (Wet Dreams)
nRelated to the individual’s level of sexual awarenessand interest
nDue to erection of the penis and subsequentejaculation during sleep
nTriggered by sexual dreams and fantasies
nOccurs most frequently in males who are notengaging in masturbation or sexual intercourse
nMature sperm may or may not be present in theseminal fluid
nOccurs as nocturnal vaginal lubrication in girls