The Male Reproductive System

1. The Male Reproductive System Learning Targets • I can describe the function of the male reproductive system. • I can identify the organs and structures of the male reproductive system. • I can discuss how to keep male reproductive system healthy

2. The Male Reproductive System The Vocabularyterms in this lesson are: • Reproduction. • Reproductive system. • Sperm. • Testes. • Semen.

3. The Human Reproductive System Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce others of their own kind. Human life results from the union of two cells: one from the male and one from the female. These cells are produced by structures in the male and female reproductive systems. The human reproductive system consists of body organs and structures that make it possible to produce young.

4. The Male Reproductive System The function of the male reproductive system is to produce sperm and transmit them to the female reproductive system. Sperm are the male reproductive cells. They are first produced during puberty—usually between the ages of 12 and 15. Sperm are made in the testes (inside the seminiferous tubules) and mature in the epididymis. • Sperm join with the female sex cells (eggs) to produce new life. • The union of the male and female sex cells is called fertilization.

5. Testis Vas deferens Seminiferous tubules Epididymis

6. The urethra is a small tube that runs from the bladder along the length of the penis. Both urine and semen, at different times, flow out of the body through the urethra. The prostate gland produces fluids that help sperm move and survive longer. The testes, or testicles, are the glands that produce sperm and testosterone. The epididymis is a network of tubes located behind the testes. Sperm are stored in the epididymis. The scrotum is a pouch that contains the testes. The penis excretes urine and ejaculates semen. The Male Reproductive System (cont’d.)

7. Semen • The mixture of sperm and fluids from 3 different glands (seminal vesicle, prostate gland, cowper’s gland) is called semen

8. Male Reproductive System

9. Abdominal wall Intestine Inguinal hernia Male Health Concerns Here are some common disorders that can affect the male reproductive system. Inguinal hernia If a boy or man strains his abdominal muscles, he can weaken the muscles that hold his intestine in place.This can allow the intestine to push through creating an inguinal hernia.

10. Male Health Concerns (cont’d.) Testicular cancer - Symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the scrotum, pain or tenderness in one of the testicles, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin. If detected in the early stages, it can usually be cured. Prostate cancer - This type of cancer usually affects men over the age of 55. Current treatments include surgery to remove all or part of the prostate gland, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Sterility - The inability to produce enough healthy sperm to fertilize a female reproductive cell is a condition called sterility.

11. Caring for the Male Reproductive System Males can keep their reproductive systems healthy by: • Performing a testicular self-exam each month. • Taking a shower or bath daily to keep the external reproductive organs clean. • Always wearing protective gear when participating in contact sports. • Having regular health screenings.

12. Reviewing Terms and Facts • Describe the function of the human reproductive system. The human reproductive system consists of body organs and structures that make it possible to produce young.

13. Reviewing Terms and Facts • Identify three disorders of the male reproductive system. • Inguinal hernia • Testicular cancer • Prostate cancer • Sterility

14. Thinking Critically • Why are regular self-examinations of the testes important? Performing regular self-examinations can help catch testicular cancer in its early stages by detecting lumps or swelling in the testes.

15. Vocabulary Review Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce others of their own kind.

16. Vocabulary Review The reproductive system consists of body organs and structures that make it possible to produce young.

17. Vocabulary Review Sperm are the male reproductive cells.

18. Vocabulary Review The testes are the pair of glands that produce sperm.

19. Vocabulary Review The mixture of sperm and fluids is called semen.