Lesson 1: Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System Produces new life Same types of organs for males and females Gonads, or sex glands Male organs located mainly outside of body Reproductive System: Male The function of the reproductive system is to produce new life. Both the male and female systems have the same types of organs. The primary organs are the gonads, or sex glands. Other organs that include glands and ducts to protect and carry the sex cells are known as accessory organs. While the types of reproductive organs are the same, the anatomical parts in males and females do differ in structure. The male organs are located mainly outside of the body. The male reproductive system consists of the: Testes Seminal vesicles Seminal ducts Prostate gland Cowper’s glands Penis
Testes The male gonads Located in scrotum Produce sperm Produce testosterone Testes The male gonads are the testes. The two testes produce sperm, which are the male sex cells. They are found in a sac called the scrotum, which is suspended between the thighs. Being located outside of the body, the temperature in the scrotum is lower than that inside the body. The lower temperature is needed for the sperm to develop safely. The testes also produce testosterone, which is the most important male hormone. It helps the sperm to mature. It also causes secondary male sex characteristics to appear, such as the growth of facial and body hair, an increase in the size of the muscles, and the deepening of the voice.
Seminal Ducts and Vesicles Epididymis Vas deferens Seminal vesicles Ejaculatory ducts Prostate gland Urethra Seminal Ducts and Vesicles After sperm develop in the testes, they enter the epididymis. Located at the top part of each testis, the epididymis stores sperm until they become mature and motile, or able to move. The epididymis connects with the vas deferens, or the ductus deferens. These narrow tubes act as a passageway and temporary storage area for sperm. The sperm then travel to small, pouch-like tubes called the seminal vesicles. Each seminal vesicle adds fluid rich in sugar that nourishes the sperm. This thick, yellow fluid and the sperm together are known as semen. The vas deferens and the seminal vesicles join to form two short tubes called ejaculatory ducts. They carry the semen containing the sperm through the prostate gland and into the urethra.
Prostate Gland and Cowper’s Glands fluid protects sperm and helps them move Cowper’s glands fluid helps sperm survive lubricates urethra to help semen move Prostate Gland and Cowper’s Glands The prostate gland is a chestnut-shaped gland located below the urinary bladder. It secretes a fluid that neutralizes acidity in the surroundings. This fluid serves to both protect the sperm and help them to move. Muscular tissue in the prostate contracts during ejaculation to help the sperm exit the body. This contraction also closes off the urethra to prevent urine from passing through it. Cowper’s glands, or bulbourethral glands, are two small glands located below the prostate. They are connected by small tubes to the urethra. Like the prostate gland, Cowper’s glands secrete a fluid that neutralizes acidity in the surroundings to help sperm survive. They also secrete fluid that lubricates the inside of the urethra to help the semen move more easily.
Penis External male reproductive organ Caries urine and semen Deposits semen into the female vagina Penis The penis is the external male reproductive organ, located in front of the scrotum. The penis encloses the urethra, which caries both urine and semen to the outside of the body—but not at the same time. The penis is made of spongy tissue that fills with blood during sexual arousal to become erect. As the male organ for intercourse, the penis deposits semen into the female vagina.