The Male Reproductive System

1. The Male Reproductive System Anatomy and Function

2. How many parts can you identify? urinary bladder* prostate seminal vesicle penis anus* bulbourethral gland urethra vas deferens scrotum testis epididymis

3. What are the functions of these parts? produces a milky fluid which makes up most of the volume of the ejaculate produces a sticky, yellowish fluid that provides sperm cells energy and aids in their motility delivers semen to the female reproductive tract produce a clear, slippery fluid that lubricates and neutralizes the urethra conveys both sperm and urine down the length of the penis holds and protects the testes transports the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra acts as a maturation and storage place for sperm organ that produces sperm and the male hormones

6. 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

7. epididymis • a mass of tightly coiled tubes cupped against the testicles • acts as a maturation & storage place for sperm

8. 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)

9. 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.

10. Review of Spermatogenesis

11. 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!

12. 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!

13. 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

14. 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

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