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Male Reproductive System. Stages of Puberty in Males.
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Stages of Puberty in Males 11 to 14 years of age: Hair usually begins to grow on various parts of the body (although it may continue to spread to other parts of the body until a young man reaches age 20). There may be a sparse growth of slightly pigmented pubic hair at the base of penis when he is about age 12.4. Adult-type hair will spread to the inside of thighs but not up the abdomen.Hair is typically seen on a young man's face, underarm area, pubic area, abdomen, chest, arms, legs and buttocks during this period. The amount and distribution of hair can vary considerably from one man to the next. Thinning and reddening of the scrotum occurs around 12 years old. Also during this time, the body takes on a more muscular and angular shape because of testosterone. This generally begins around age 12.5 when testosterone causes muscle mass to increase. The greatest effect can usually be seen in the upper chest and shoulder muscles. Testosterone also causes bones to lengthen, giving young men a heavier bone structure and longer arms and legs.Oil glands in the skin become more active and this can cause acne. Many people will have problems with acne into adulthood.As a result of increased testosterone, vocal cords become longer and thicker and the voice becomes lower around this age. It is not unusual for the voice to change pitch abruptly or 'crack' at times. The voice usually starts to lower around 13.5 years of age and is usually finished 'changing' around age 14.5.13 to 16 years of age:Increased growth of the penis and scrotum often starts at about age 13 and continues until adult size is reached about two years later. There is a fair degree of age variation with genital development from one boy to the next. Males have spontaneous penis erections throughout their lives (even throughout infancy), but during puberty, boys tend to get erections more frequently. Erections can occur with or without any physical or sexual stimulation, and often lead to nocturnal emissions ("wet dreams").
Testicles • the two testicles, or testes, produce and store millions of tiny sperm cells. • The testicles are oval-shaped and grow to be about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length and 1 inch (3 centimeters) in diameter. • The testicles are also part of the endocrine system because they produce hormones, including testosterone . • Testosterone is a major part of puberty in guys, and as a guy makes his way through puberty, his testicles produce more and more of it. • Testosterone is the hormone that causes guys to develop deeper voices, bigger muscles, and body and facial hair, and it also stimulates the production of sperm.
Epididymus and Vas Deferens • epididymis and the vas deferens, which make up the duct system of the male reproductive organs. • The vas deferens is a muscular tube that passes upward alongside the testicles and transports the sperm-containing fluid called semen. • The epididymis is a set of coiled tubes (one for each testicle) that connects to the vas deferens
Scrotum • The epididymis and the testicles hang in a pouch-like structure outside the pelvis called the scrotum. • This bag of skin helps to regulate the temperature of testicles, which need to be kept cooler than body temperature to produce sperm. • The scrotum changes size to maintain the right temperature. • When the body is cold, the scrotum shrinks and becomes tighter to hold in body heat. • When it's warm, the scrotum becomes larger and more floppy to get rid of extra heat.
The Glands • The accessory glands, including the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, provide fluids that lubricate the duct system and nourish the sperm. • The cowper’s gland is located below the prostate and discharge a component of the seminal fluid into the urethra • The seminal vesicles are sac-like structures attached to the vas deferens to the side of the bladder. • The prostate gland, which produces some of the parts of semen, surrounds the ejaculatory ducts at the base of the urethra, just below the bladder. • The urethra is the channel that carries the semen to the outside of the body through the penis. The urethra is also part of the urinary system because it is also the channel through which urine passes as it leaves the bladder and exits the body.
The Penis • The penis is actually made up of two parts: • The shaft is the main part of the penis • the glans is the tip (sometimes called the head). • At the end of the glans is a small slit or opening, which is where semen and urine exit the body through the urethra. • The inside of the penis is made of a spongy tissue that can expand and contract. • All boys are born with a foreskin • a fold of skin at the end of the penis covering the glans. • Some boys have a circumcision, which means that a doctor or clergy member cuts away the foreskin
Testicular Self-Exam • Testicular cancer is rare in teenage guys, overall it is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. • It's important to try to do a TSE every month so you can become familiar with the normal size and shape of your testicles, making it easier to tell if something feels different or abnormal in the future • It's best to do a TSE during or right after a hot shower or bath. The scrotum (skin that covers the testicles) is most relaxed then, which makes it easier to examine the testicles. • Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll each testicle (with slight pressure) between your fingers. Place your thumbs over the top of your testicle, with the index and middle fingers of each hand behind the testicle, and then roll it between your fingers. • You should be able to feel the epididymis (the sperm-carrying tube), which feels soft, rope-like, and slightly tender to pressure, and is located at the top of the back part of each testicle. This is a normal lump. • Remember that one testicle (usually the right one) is slightly larger than the other for most guys — this is also normal. • When examining each testicle, feel for any lumps or bumps along the front or sides. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea. • If you notice any swelling, lumps, or changes in the size or color of a testicle, or if you have any pain or achy areas in your groin, let your doctor know right away