Ch 18 Lesson 2

 Reproductive System- the system of organs involved in producing offspring  *Includes both external and internal organs*  Two Main Functions:  Production and Storage of Sperm  Sperm- the male reproductive cells  Transfer of sperm to the female’s body during sexual intercourse

 Males reach reproductive maturity around ages 12 to 15 years old.  Testosterone- male sex hormone  Controls production of sperm  Initiates physical changes  Broadening of shoulders  Develop muscles  Facial/body hair  Deepening of voice

 Testes- two small glands that produce sperm  Secrete testosterone  Scrotum- external skin sac  Protects the testes  Penis- tube-shaped organ that extends from the trunk of the body just above the testes  When blood flow to the penis increases it becomes enlarged and erect= “erection”

 Semen- thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system  Ejaculation- at the height of sexual arousal a series of contractions occur, pushing the semen out of the penis  Fertilization- joining of the male sperm cell and a female egg

 Epididymis- large coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored  Vas Deferens- tubes that extend from each epididymis to the urethra  Seminal Vesicle- organ that secretes nourishing fluid into the Vas Deferens that combines with sperm  Prostate/Cowpers Glands- glands that secrete fluid that combine with sperm to produce semen  Urethra- the passageway through which both semen and urine leave the male body

 Produced in the Testes  Stored in the Epididymis  From epididymis, travels through Vas Deferens  Secretions from Seminal Vesicles, Prostate gland, Cowpers gland  From Vas Deferens to urethra, then out the body

 Get regular check-ups  Bathe regularly  Wear protective equipment  Self-examinations  Practice abstinence

 Inguinal Hernia  Separation of tissue that allows part of the intestine to push into the abdominal wall near top of scrotum  Sterility  The inability to reproduce  Too few sperm, poor quality  Environmental hazards, exposure to X-rays, radiation, toxic chemicals, or lead  Testicular Cancer/ Problems of the Prostate  Males age 14-40