The Male Reproductive System
Scrotum
Testes (Gonads) Testosterone The male gonads are called testes. They are a pair of organs with two primary functions: To produce sperm To produce male hormones (primarily testosterone) Testosterone This is the hormone released during puberty. It is produced in the seminiferous tubules and helps develop secondary male sex characteristics (strong muscles, deep voice, body hair)
Scrotum Testes
Scrotum The scrotum is an external sac suspended below the abdomen that contain the testes. The temperature in the scrotum is 34°C (93°F). The lower temperature is necessary for healthy sperm development. Testes Scrotum
Scrotum Scrotum
SEMEN Semen is the a mix of sperm and fluids secreted by glands in the reproductive tract.
Let’s Track the path of a sperm! We know that sperm are made in the testes and they want to travel outside of the body, but how do they get there?? Let’s Track the path of a sperm!
Sperm start in the testes…. Within the testes are clusters of hundreds of tiny coiled tubes. Within these tubes sperm are made. These tubes are called seminiferous tubules. So…. 1. Seminiferous tubules
2. Epididymis The epididymis is where sperm are stored while they develop motility and fertilizing ability
3. Vas deferens During ejaculation, the sperm leave the epididymis and are propelled upward through this duct. It loops around the bladder and joins a duct coming off of the seminal vesicle.
4. Seminal Vesicle The seminal vesicle secrets a thick, clear fluid that lubricates and nourishes the sperm. The joining of the two ducts forms the urethra.
5. Urethra The urethra is a tube that conveys both urine and sperm through the penis, though not at the same time. Muscles near the bladder contract when semen passes through the urethra. This contraction prevents urine and sperm from mixing.
6. Prostate gland This is the large gland below the bladder that secretes a milky fluid that balances the acidity of any traces of urine in the urethra and helps protect the sperm from the natural acidity of the vagina.
7. Cowper’s Gland This gland is a pair of pea-sized glands that lie beneath the prostate gland and are attached to the urethra. They produce a protective fluid that forms part of the semen that neutralizes the acidic environment of the urethra.
FUN FACTS!!! Approximately 400 million sperm are ejaculated each time. Only 3,000 get as far as the fallopian tubes. Only 50 reach the mature egg. Only one sperm can fertilize an egg.
Penis Scrotum