1. Male Reproductive System

2. Formation of Sperm Cells
Spermatogenesis – sperm production. 4 sperm cells result from meiosis of a primary spermatocyte.
Spermiogenesis – process of sperm cell maturation.
Sperm cell parts:
Head
Contains the nucleus with 23 chromosomes
Midpiece
tail

3. Organs of the Male Reproductive System
Testes
Must descend (inguinal canal) in order to lower temperature for sperm production
Undescended testes cannot produce sperm cells
*testes produce sperm cells and male sex hormones.

4. Structure of Testes Lobules separated by connective tissue
Filled with seminiferous tubules
Seminiferous tubules contain undifferentiated cells that give rise to sperm cells
Interstitial cells produce male sex hormones and are located between the seminiferous tubules.

5. Male Internal Accessory Organs
Epididymus
Located on the outside of the testis and leads to the ductus deferentia
Ductus deferentia
Muscular tube
Forms part of the spermatic cord
Seminal vesicles
Saclike structure attached to the ductus deferens
Secretes alkaline fluid that contains nutrients such as fructose that is added to sperm cells entering the ejaculatory duct.
Prostate gland
Surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder
Secretes thin, milky fluid which enhances sperm mobility and neutralizes the fluid containing the sperm cells and acidic secretions of the vagina.
Bulbourethral glands
Two small structures inferior to the prostate gland that secrete a fluid that lubricates the penis in preparation for sexual intercourse
Semen
Sperm cells and secretions of seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.
Sperm cells in semen swim, but cannot fertilize the egg cell until they enter the female reproductive tract.

6. External Reproductive Organs
Scrotum
Pouch of skin and subcutaneous tissue that encloses the testes.
Penis
Conveys urine and semen
Becomes erect for insertion into the vagina during sexual intercourse
Body is composed of 3 columns of erectile tissue surrounded by connective tissue
Root of the penis is attached to the pelvic arch and membranes of the perineum.