Male Reproductive System External Parts and Function

Male Reproductive System

Penis n The male organ for sexual intercourse n Erection-The process by which the penis fills with blood in preparation for intercourse n Circumcision-the removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the penis –Usually done in the first 4 days of life –Aids hygiene –Does not affect sexual functioning

Scrotum n The pouch located behind the penis which contains the testicles n Provides protection to the testicles n Controls temperature necessary for sperm production and survival

Testes n Two round glands which descend into the scrotum following birth n Produce and store sperm n Produce male sex hormone, testosterone

Male Reproductive System Internal Parts and Functions

Vas Deferens (sperm tube) n Passageway for sperm, leading from the testicles and joining with the urethra

Seminal Vesicle n A sac-like structure, lying behind the bladder, which secretes a thick fluid that forms part of the semen

Urethra n The tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body n Joins with the sperm tube to provide a common outlet for urine and sperm n Closed to urine at the time of ejaculation

Prostate Gland n A gland located in the male pelvis which secretes a thin, milky fluid that forms the part of the semen which stimulates the movement of sperm

Cowper’s Glands (bulbourethral glands) n Two structures that lie below the prostate and empty their secretions into the urethra n Secrete a drop or so of clear, slippery fluid during sexual arousal n Precedes ejaculation n Contains viable sperm

Ejaculatory Ducts n Short, straight tube that passes into the prostate gland and opens into the urethra

Epididymis n A comma-shaped structure along the upper rear surface of the testes where sperm mature n Some sperm are stored here, but most move to the vas deferens after they mature

Seminiferous Tubules n A network of coiled tubules in the testes n Where sperm is produced

Sperm n The male sex cell n Too small to be seen without a microscope n Shape similar to tadpoles n Movement aided by lashing their tails n Production begins usually between age 12 to 14 n Total number per ejaculation averages 500 million n Survival in the fallopian tubes may reach 7 days

Ejaculation n The release of semen from the penis

Semen n The fluid which passes out of the penis at the time of ejaculation n Produced and stored in the seminal vesicles and prostate gland n Clear color in young males due to low sperm count n Whitish color develops as sperm count increases

Nocturnal Emissions (Wet Dreams) n Related to the individual’s level of sexual awareness and interest n Due to erection of the penis and subsequent ejaculation during sleep n Triggered by sexual dreams and fantasies n Occurs most frequently in males who are not engaging in masturbation or sexual intercourse n Mature sperm may or may not be present in the seminal fluid n Occurs as nocturnal vaginal lubrication in girls