Male Reproductive System Chapter 16

Function of the Male Reproductive System  To produce sperm cells (male reproductive cells)  Begin producing sperm around yrs old  Puberty - development and maturation of the reproductive system  Hair develops (pubic region, underarm, arms, legs, chest, face) widening of the shoulders and chest, deepening of the voice, skin oiler, acne develops, increased perspiration, body odor, growth spurt, Adam’s Apple protrudes, testicles drop

External 1. Testes or Testicles – male sex glands a. Functions (1) to manufacture the male sex hormone testosterone (2) Produce reproductive cells  sperm  which is produced in the seminiferous tubules  Can produce (roughly) up to 100 million sperm in one day  This number slightly deceases with age

Testicle or Teste

2. Scrotum – the sac that hangs outside of the body that holds the testes a. Function –(1) regulates body temperature and (2) protection of the testes  As body temperature increases – the scrotum will hang lower  As body temperature decreases – the scrotum will contract towards the body  Will draw up close to the body during arousal

Scrotum

3. Epididymis a. Function - where sperm cells are stored for 64 days until mature a. Function - where sperm cells are stored for 64 days until mature  So what does this mean? The sperm cells that are in your semen “tonight” were produced 2 months ago b. Location – top to the back of each testicle b. Location – top to the back of each testicle  Coiled structure – when uncoiled it will stretch to 20 feet in length

Epididymis

4. Penis – the male sexual reproductive organ a. Functions (1) reproduction (2) pleasure (3) elimination of wastes; urine and semen b. 2 States 1. Erect – hard state Also known as an errection Also known as an errection Caused by an increases blood flow to the penis Caused by an increases blood flow to the penis The spongy tissues in the penis fill with blood making it longer, larger, and harder The spongy tissues in the penis fill with blood making it longer, larger, and harder Often followed by an ejaculation – release of semen from the penis Often followed by an ejaculation – release of semen from the penis 1 ejaculation = about 1 teaspoon of fluid 1 ejaculation = about 1 teaspoon of fluid million sperm cells in 1 ejaculation million sperm cells in 1 ejaculation Semen can be released during the soft state  pre ejaculation Semen can be released during the soft state  pre ejaculation 2. Flaccid – soft state 2. Flaccid – soft state Also known as the resting state Also known as the resting state

Glans – tip or head of the penis  Most sensitive ** Shaft – the base or length of the penis Foreskin – excess skin at the glans of the penis Shaft

Internal 1. Vas Deferens – long tube that connects the epididymis with the urethra  Function – passageway and connecter a. Lined with cilia to move sperm along  18 inches long if extended

2. Seminal Vesicles – fluid filled pouches  Location – found on both sides of the prostate  Function – (1) fluid helps make the sperm mobile and (2) provides nourishment to sperm cells  Sugary fructose substance; source of energy to make the cells * is a component of semen * is a component of semen

3. Prostate Gland  Location – lies below the bladder and surrounds the urethra  About the size of a chestnut  Function – secretes a milky, alkaline fluid that mixes with sperm * is a component of semen * is a component of semen

4. Cowper’s Gland  Location – directly below the prostate  About pea sized  Function – secretes a clear, sticky fluid to allow a safe passageway for sperm * is a component of semen * is a component of semen

5. Urethra – tube that travels through the center of the penis that is a passageway for semen and urine (not at the same time) 6. Urinary Bladder – holding area for urine

So what makes up semen? Fluids from: 1. Seminal Vesicles 2. Prostate Gland 3. Cowper’s Gland 3. Cowper’s Gland And the most important component: 4. Sperm Cells 4. Sperm Cells  Contains 23 chromosomes

Complications & Occurrences 1. Sterility – the inability to reproduce  Sperm is weak, malformed, sparse, non-existent, unable to join with an ovum  Caused by: a birth defect, exposure to extreme temperatures, exposure to chemicals, exposure to high amounts of radiation, smoking, STIs, vasectomy, and injury  Vasectomy – permanent procedure of sterilization, sealing the vas deferens so sperm cells cannot join with the fluids to make semen. Incisions made into testicles  In office procedure  Cost effective

2. Testicular Cancer Signs – swelling, small hard lumps, possible pain in the testicle region Signs – swelling, small hard lumps, possible pain in the testicle region Affects males usually around the ages of yrs Affects males usually around the ages of yrs Unknown causes – linked to exposure to chemicals, HIV +, genetics Unknown causes – linked to exposure to chemicals, HIV +, genetics Responsible for 12% of Cancer deaths Responsible for 12% of Cancer deaths White males 5x more likely to get then any other race White males 5x more likely to get then any other race

4. Prostate Cancer  Signs – pain in the lower abdomen and frequent urination  Detection – Rectal exam  Affects males 50+ yrs  No known cause – linked to hereditary, male genetic flaws, diet high in animal fat  Targets African American Men  2 nd leading cause of death of men

5. Nocturnal Emission – aka “wet dream”  An ejaculation that occurs during sleep  Uncontrollable, unpreventable, subconscious