Male Reproductive System
What the Male Reproductive System Does Main function is to produce sperm and deliver it to the female reproductive system
How the Male Reproductive System Works
Male Puberty Starts at around age 12-13 Hormonal changes stimulate an increase in growth rate, alterations in behavior, enlargement of the genitals, and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair. Because boys begin their final growth spurt later than girls, they have a longer period of steady growth and usually attain a greater adult height.
Male Puberty Changes that occur: Growth spurt occurs Acne may appear Larynx enlarges, voice deepens Facial hair appears Shoulders broaden Underarm hair appears Perspiration increases Some breast enlargement may occur Muscles develop Pubic hair appears External genitals enlarge Sperm production begins First ejaculation occurs Long bone growth stops
Sperm Sex cells that are produced in the testes and are used to fertilize the egg Sperm swim at the rate of 1-4mm per minute or 60-240mm per hour 50,000 sperm are produced each MINUTE in mature men
Testicles (testes) Male reproductive organ that makes sperm and testerone Male begin producing 100+ million sperm a day once they reach puberty
Seminiferous Tubules Tightly coiled tubes inside the testes where sperm are made
Testosterone The male sex hormone that influences sperm production During puberty, testosterone causes facial and body hair to grow, shoulders to broaden and voice to deepen
Scrotum The skin covered sac that the testes rest in Muscles of the scrotum help with temperature control Sperm develop best several degrees below 98.6
Penis The external male reproductive organ that is made up of spongy tissue that has blood flow going through it The penis removes urine from the bladder and also delivers sperm to the female reproductive system The glans is the sensitive nerve ending near the tip of the penis
Foreskin A piece of skin that partially covers the tip of the penis at birth Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the tip of the penis
Erection When the penis becomes hard and firm The blood vessels in the penis fill with blood The penis must be erect in order for ejaculation to occur
Ejaculation When sperm are released from the penis One ejaculation contains 40-300 million sperm It is normal for a male to ejaculate during sleep, this is called nocturnal emissions or “wet dreams”
Urethra Urine passes through the urethra, a tube that starts at the bladder and ends at the opening of the penis Sperm also pass through the urethra during ejaculation but not at the same time as urine is carried
Epididymis A tightly coiled tube where sperm mature as they pass through The epididymis can be up to 700 feet long
Vas Deferens The next portion of a hollow tube that sperm pass through The vas deferens can be up to 12 inches long
Vasectomy The severing and tying off of the vas deferens Once the vas deferens is severed, sperm will not be able to be ejaculated out of the penis
Seminal Vesicles Found near the base of the urinary bladder Produce thick secretions that nourish the sperm and help sperm move easier
Prostate Gland Encircles the urethra near the bladder About the size of a walnut Secretes a thin, milky fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the female reproductive system
Cowper’s Gland Found near urethra below the prostate Prior to ejaculation this gland secretes a clear fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the male urethra
Bladder A triangular sac that stores urine before it is excreted out of the body
Sphincter Valve A small piece of skin, a muscle that holds back urine or semen so that both do not come out of the body at the same time
Prostate Exam An examination that is performed to identify any irregularities in the prostate Exams help in early detection of prostate cancer Prostate cancer occurs primarily in older males and is the 2nd most common cancer in males in the U.S For every 3 men diagnosed with cancer this year 1 will have prostate cancer.
Testicular Exam A self exam that men should perform once per month once they have reached puberty to detect any lumps, swelling, pain, or discomfort in the scrotum or abdomen
Path of Sperm Testes Epydidimis Vas deferens Prostate Gland Seminal Vesicle Sphincter Valve Urethra Ejaculated out of Body
Path of Sperm 5 4 7 3 2 1 8