Spermatic Ducts, Accessory Glands, and Penis

seminal vesicles

Two accessory glands on posterior bladder; produce fluid with glucose (nourishes sperm) + clotting properties; contribute 50-80% of semen

prostate gland

Walnut-sized gland below bladder; secretes fluid that nourishes/protects sperm; contributes 15-33% of semen

bulbourethral glands

Two glands on either side of membranous urethra; produce fluid that neutralizes urethral acidity; contribute 2-5% of semen

semen composition

5% sperm (testes/epididymis); 50-80% seminal vesicles; 15-33% prostate; 2-5% bulbourethral

penis functions

Convey urine to outside; deposit semen in female vagina

glans

Head of penis (sensitive)

prepuce (foreskin)

Skin covering glans; produces smegma; removed in circumcision

frenulum

Ventral fold attaching foreskin to glans

external urethral meatus

Opening at tip of glans

corpora cavernosa

Paired erectile bodies (dorsolateral); fill with blood during erection

corpus spongiosum

Single erectile body (inferior); contains urethra; forms glans

erection

Parasympathetic response; blood fills corpora cavernosa → rigidity

ejaculation

Sympathetic response; smooth muscle of ductus deferens, ejaculatory ducts, prostate contracts

smegma

Lubricant from glans and prepuce; contains lipids, cell debris, natural antibiotics

circumcision

Surgical removal of foreskin

spermicide

Agent that destroys sperm

motile

Capable of spontaneous movement (mature sperm)