Male Reproductive System

Do Now: List all the male reproductive terms you can think of.

Male External Genitals  What are some positive and negative stereotypes of the Penis/ testicles?

Male Vocab  Penis: a tube like structure composed of spongy tissue that contains many blood vessels  Testicles: 2 small glands that produce sperm and hormones Testicles are outside the body because sperm production requires a temperature 3-4 degrees lower than normal body temperature. Testicles are outside the body because sperm production requires a temperature 3-4 degrees lower than normal body temperature.  Scrotum: Muscular sac that contains the testes  Urethra: a tube that carries urine and sperm to the outside of the body

Male vocab cont.  Vas Deferens: tubes that carry the matured sperm to the urethra  Seminal vesicle: produces fluid that contains nutrients to nourish the sperm and make them more mobile  Prostate and Cowper's gland: produces secretions that combine with sperm- containing fluid to form semen  Semen: thick mixture of fluids that carry the sperm from the male body. Semen helps to neutralize acid from the urine in the male urethra.  Sperm: gametes or reproductive cells

External Side view

Internal view

How do the testes produce sperm?  The hormone testosterone controls the production of sperm.  After puberty occurs a physically mature male is capable of producing sperm for the rest of his life.  The testes are located in the scrotum (an external skin sac) (an external skin sac)

What is semen? A thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system Semen helps to neutralize acid from the urine in the male urethra (*acid kills sperm) At the height of sexual arousal, a series of muscular contractions known as ejaculation may occur

Erection Involuntary process that occurs when the spongy layers inside the penis are engorged with blood and the penis elongates Special nerves in the penis, scrotum, and other areas send a signal to the spinal cord. This signal causes the smooth muscles to relax The arteries then dilate or widen. Blood is then able to fill the spongy tissue in the penis causing the penis to enlarge The non-erect penis (which is usually 2 ½ to 4 inches long) will increase in size upwards of five, six, or more inches.

Ejaculation  The sudden expulsion of seminal fluid from the erect penis  A retrograde ejaculation is an ejaculation in which semen is expelled into the bladder instead of out of the penis. This usually occurs in men who have had prostate surgery This usually occurs in men who have had prostate surgery

Path of Ejaculation  Fluid from the Cowper's gland is secreted (this fluid lubricates the tip of the penis and lowers the acidity of the urethra)  Fluid from the prostate gland is released.  Sperm moves through the vas deferens  Fluid is ejected from the seminal vesicles.  Seminal fluid leaves in spurts that corresponds with the muscular contractions

The Journey of a Sperm  testes -> epididymis -> vas deferens -> seminal vesicle -> prostate gland -> Cowper's Gland -> urethra  Once intercourse occurs, sperm will enter the vagina and travel to the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg

Ovum vs Sperm *An ovum lives for just hours * Sperm can live up to three days within the female reproductive tract.

Problems  Sterility: The inability to reproduce as a result of too few sperm or sperm of poor quality  Cancer: uncontrolled cell growth that destroys healthy tissue. (testicle or prostate)  STI: infections that are spread by sexual contact  Inguinal hernia part of the intestine pushes through a tear in the abdominal wall Can be caused by straining the abdominal muscles or lifting heavy objects Can be caused by straining the abdominal muscles or lifting heavy objects

Testicular Self Exam Standing in front of the mirror look for swelling, examine each testicle with both hands, roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and forefingers Cancerous lumps usually are found on the side of the testicle but can appear on the front. Most lumps are not cancerous, if you do find a lump or experience pain or swelling, consult a health care professional.

Take Care of Yourself  Self Exams: of scrotum and testicles once a month checking for unusual lumps or swelling  Bathe regularly  Avoid wearing tight underwear  Wear protective equipment  Practice Abstinence and safe sex.  Get regular checkups