Male reproductive system

function

• produces gametes (sperm)

• produce sex hormones

• Libido/Arousal/Pleasure

• Conception possiblity

sex hormones (men) (7)

DHEA, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, Follicle-Stimulating hormones, Lutenizing hormones (LH), Oxytocyin

male hormonal cycle

FUNC: to regulate testosterone levels + support constant sperm production

• continuous 24 hr loops, peaks in the morning

testosterone influences:

sperm production, Libido, muscle mass, bone density, mood, energy, voice

Pre-Ejaculate Fluid

• clear fluid released every time there is an erection

• can contain up to 20 million sperm

• powered by bulbourethral (cowper’s) glands

• FUNC: lubrication, neutralizes acidity in the urethra

Semen

• releases during ejaculation

• Condains: sperm (40-300 million) + fluids (from seminal vesicles, prostate, and cowper’s glands)

• FUNC: to transport + nourish sperm

Testes

FUNC: produce sperm + testosterone

• paired organs in the scrotum

• Inside: seminiferous tubules (produce sperm, can be over 250 meters) + sertoli cells (support sperm, stimulated by FSH) + Leydig cells (release restosterone, stimulated by LH)

Testicular Torsion

• twisting of the spermatic cord —> cuts of blood supply to the tests —> sudden + severe testicular pain, swelling, nausea/vomiting

• needs emergy surgery within hours (bec testicular tissue dies w/o blood)

Epididymis

FUNC: sperm maturation + storage, transports sperm from testis to the vas deferens

• allows the sperm to gain motility, develop the ability to fertilize an egg, under membrane + protien changes

• long, tightly coild tube (6-7 meters) attatched to the back of each testes

Vas Deferens

FUNC: carries sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory ducts

• long, thick smooth-muscle muscular tube that transport sperm (peristalic contractions push sperm forward)

• one vas deferens per testis (~30-45 cm long)

• empties to urethra

• forms the ejaculatory duct (where sperm first mixes with seminal fluid)

Vasectomy

• a procedure that cuts/blocks the vas deferens, prevents sperm from entering semen, reversible

Seminal Vesticle

FUNC: produces fluid (makes up the majority of semen volume)

• Fructose provide an energy source for sperm + Alkaline fluid helps neutralize acidic enviorments (vagina)

Prostate Gland

FUNC: produces fluid that becomes part of semen, assists ejaculation, pleasure

• enzymes + PSA help liquidfey semen after ejaculation

• Alkaline components protect sperm and propels semen during ejaculation

• smooths muscle contractions

• pushes semen into the urethra

• prevents urine from mixing with semen

Cowper’s/Bulbourethral Glands

FUNC: produce pre-ejaculate fluid

• two small, pea-sized glands located below the prostate

Urethra

FUNC: carries urine + semen, recieves semen from the ejaculatory ducts, transports semen out of the body

• tube that runs from the bladder through the penis

Penis

• FUNC: delivers semen into the reproductive tract, houses the urethra, erects with sexual pleasure, plays a role in reproduction + urination

• external reproductive organ

• External: Shaft, Glans Penis, Urethral opening, Foreskin

Shaft

• main external body of the penis

• contains erectile tissue that becomes rigid during arousal

Glans Penis

• rounded, sensitive tip of the penis

• contains a high density of nerve endings

• primary site of sexual sensation

Urethral opening

• opening at the tip of glans

• exit point for urine + semen

Foreskin

• fold of skin that covers the glans

• protects the glands

• contains nerve endings

• can retract during erection or sexual activity

Scrotum

FUNC: (primary) temperature regulation by adjusting testes position

• Cremaster muscle: raises/lowers the testes toward or away from the body

• Dartos muscle: wrinkles or smooths scrotal skin to reduce/increae heat loss

• pouch of skin + muscle that holds the testes outside the body