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Male Reproductive System. Ch 18 Lesson 2. Structure and Function of the Male Reproductive System. Reproductive System- the system of organs involved in producing offspring * Includes both external and internal organs * Two Main Functions : Production and Storage of Sperm
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Male Reproductive System Ch 18 Lesson 2
Structure and Function of the Male Reproductive System • 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
Maturity • 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
External Male Reproductive Organs • 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”
Fertilization • 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
Internal Male Reproductive Organs • 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
Path of Sperm • 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
Care of the Male Reproductive System • Get regular check-ups • Bathe regularly • Wear protective equipment • Self-examinations • Practice abstinence
Problems of Male Reproductive System • 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