The Male Reproductive SystemAnatomy and Function

How many parts can you identify?

What are the functions of these parts?

delivers semen to the female reproductive tract

acts as a maturation and storage place for sperm

conveys both sperm and urine down the length of the penis

organ that produces sperm and the male hormones

holds and protects the testes

produces a sticky, yellowish fluid that provides sperm cells energy and aids in their motility

produces a milky fluid which makes up most of the volume of the ejaculate

transports the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

produce a clear, slippery fluid that lubricates and neutralizes the urethra

penis• external organ that

delivers the semen to the female reproductive tract

• also part of the excretory system – transports urine out of body

• composed of erectile tissue, which becomes engorged with blood during an erection

epididymis

•a mass of tightly coiled tubes cupped against the testicles

•acts as a maturation & storage place for sperm

urethra

• tube that conveys both sperm & urine down the length of the penis

• in the human male, the urethra is about 8 inches (20 cm) long (twice as large as a females)

testis (pl. testes)• organ that produces

sperm and the male hormones (primarily testosterone)

• aka: testicle • males have 2, which are

contained in the scrotum• The testes work best at

temperatures slightly less than core body temperature. ▫Spermatogenesis is less

efficient at lower and higher temperatures.

▫This is presumably why the testes are located outside the body.

Review of Spermatogenesis

scrotum•a pouch-like

structure that holds and protects the testes

•allows the testes to have a slightly lower temperature than that of the body

•Why is this necessary?▫Spermatogenesis!

seminal vesicle•sac-like structures attached to the vas

deferens at one side of the bladder •produces a sticky, yellowish fluid that provides

sperm cells energy and aids in their motility•results in the majority of the fluid of the

ejaculate•fluid is alkaline

▫WHY? To neutralize the acidic environment of the female

vagina!

prostate•a structure that

surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder which produces a slightly alkaline, milky fluid

•fluid is part of the man’s ejaculate, or semen

•about the size of the kiwi fruit and can be felt/checked during a rectal exam

•also prone to cancer in middle-aged men

vas deferens•tubes that transport

the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

•aka: ductus deferens•often “cut” during a

vasectomy▫prevents sperm from

becoming part of the ejaculate

bulbourethral gland•pea-sized structure located on the side of the

urethra just below the prostate gland•aka: Cowper’s gland•produces a clear, viscous secretion known as

the pre-ejaculate• this fluid helps to lubricate the urethra for

sperm to pass through, neutralizing traces of acidic urine in the urethra

•fluid also helps flush out any residual urine or foreign matter in the urethra