Male Reproductive System

Reproductive System

Reproductive System

The function of the reproductive system is to produce new offspring. The continuity of the human race is guaranteed through reproduction.

Male Reproductive System

• Main function is to produce sperm and deliver it to the female reproductive system.

Male Puberty

• Starts at around age 12-13

• Hormonal changes stimulate an increase in growth rate, alterations in behavior, enlargement of the genitals, and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair.

• Sex cells that are produced in the testes and are used to fertilize the egg

• Sperm swim at the rate of 1-4 mm per minute or 60-240mm per hour

• 50,000 sperm are produced each MINUTE in mature men

Semen

• A thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system. These fluids give nutrition and protection to the sperm to help them reach the egg for fertilization.

Testicles (testes)

• Male reproductive organ that makes sperm and testosterone

• Males begin producing 100+ million sperm a day once they reach puberty

Testosterone

• The male sex hormone that influences sperm production

• During puberty, testosterone causes facial and body hair to grow, shoulders to broaden and voice to deepen

Penis

• The external male reproductive organ that is made up of spongy tissue that has blood flow going through it

Foreskin

• A piece of skin that partially covers the tip of the penis at birth

• Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the tip of the penis

• Circumcised: removes some or all of foreskin

• Uncircumcised: foreskin not removed

Scrotum

• The skin covered sac that the testes rest in

• Muscles of the scrotum help with temperature control

Epididymis

• A tightly coiled tube where sperm mature as they pass through

• The epididymis can be up to 20-23 feet long

Vasectomy

• The severing and tying off of the vas Deferens 

• Once the vas deferens is severed, sperm will not be able to be ejaculated out of the penis

Seminal Vesicles

• Found near the base of the urinary bladder

• Produce thick secretions that nourish the sperm and help sperm move easier

Prostate Gland

• Encircles the urethra near the bladder

• About the size of a walnut

• Secretes a thin, milky fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the female reproductive system

• Located below the bladder

• Produces an alkaline secretion that increases sperm motility and neutralizes the acidity of the vagina

• During ejaculation, the prostate gland Contracts causing the expulsion of semen

• Closes off the urethra, preventing urine passage through the urethra

Sphincter Valve

• A small piece of skin, a muscle that holds back urine or semen so that both do not come out of the body at the same time

Cowper’s Gland

Cowper’s Gland

• Found near urethra below the prostate

Prior to ejaculation this gland secretes a clear fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the male urethra

Urethra

• Urine passes through the urethra, a tube that starts at the bladder and ends at the opening of the penis

Sperm also pass through the urethra during ejaculation but not at the same time as urine is carried

Path of Sperm

Testes - Epididymis - Vas deferens - Seminal Vesicle - Prostate Gland - Cowper’s Gland - Urethra - Ejaculated out of Body

Prostate Exam

• An examination that is performed to identify any irregularities in the prostate

Exams help in early detection of prostate cancer

• Prostate cancer occurs primarily in older males and is the 2nd most common cancer in males in the U.S

• For every 3 men diagnosed with cancer this year 1 will have prostate cancer.

Testicular Exam

• A self exam that men should perform once per month once they have reached puberty to detect any lumps, swelling, pain, or discomfort in the scrotum or abdomen

Problems of the Male Reproductive System:

Inguinal Hernia
Sterility
Testicular Cancer
Prostate Problems

Inguinal Hernia

A separation of tissue that allows part of the intestine to push into the abdominal wall near the top of the scrotum. Straining the abdominal muscles or lifting heavy objects can cause a tear in this tissue.

Sterility

The inability to reproduce. In males it can result from too few sperm- fewer than 20 million per milliliter of seminal fluid- or sperm of poor quality. Sterility can result from environmental hazards, including exposure to X Rays or radiation, toxic chemicals, and lead. Hormonal imbalance, certain medications, or drug use including anabolic steroids can damage sperm. Some diseases, including STIs, and contracting mumps as an adult also can result in sterility.

Testicular Cancer

Cancer that develops in the cells of the testes. Risk factors for getting testicular cancer includes: undescended testicles, abnormal testicular development, anabolic steroid use, and a family history of cancer. Regular self-exams for abnormal lumps of the  testicles can detect an early case of cancer.

Prostate Problems

The prostate gland can become enlarged as a result of an infection, a tumor, or age-related problems. The enlarged gland can press against the urethra resulting in frequent and difficulty urinating. Men start to have yearly prostate exams from their physician between the age of 40-50 years of age.