The Male Reproductive System

[men]

testes

the male gonads that produce immature sperm

scrotum

a sac that contains the testes outside of the body

testicle

testes + scrotum

what is the role of the scrotum?

the sperm can only be formed in temperatures slightly cooler that the body temperature; the scrotum helps keep the cells that make sperm cool since it’s outside of the body.

if it’s cold, however, the muscles in the scrotum contract, bringing the testes closer to the body, to bring more heat to the testes in order for sperm to be produced properly

epididymis

coiled tube that takes in the immature sperm made from the testes and develop the immature sperm until they are matured.

matured sperm are stored here.

ejaculation

the process of expelling fluid with sperm from the penis through contractions that push the sperm from the epididymis through the vas deferens

vas deferens

a pathway which the sperm travels through that connects from the epididymis up and around the bladder

ejaculatory duct

a short pathway made through the convergence of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicle into the urethra

urethra

the path through which urine and the sperm come out through the penis

the three main glands in the male reproductive system

seminal vesicle, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands

seminal vesicles

a pair of short ducts that secrete mucus with fructose that provide the sperm energy to travel through the female reproductive tracts

prostate gland

a structure that secretes this thin, whitish fluid that ensures the sperm stays healthy

bulbourethral glands

structure that secretes clear, alkaline (basic/ bitter) mucus, a fluid that is travels through the penis before ejaculation that contains some sperm

semen

fluid made of sperms and fluids and mucus secreted by the 3 glands during orgasm (a point of climax in which there is involuntary movements of the reproductive tissues in organ)

why is it beneficial that the semen is more basic?

a more basic semen neutralizes the acid in leftover urine in the urethra as well as in the vagina, preventing the sperm from dying

penis

male reproductive organ with a shaft with erectile tissue with a head with sensitive glans

the prepuce for men, the foreskin that covers the head, is typically removed through circumcision

erection

the firmness of the penis due to the high amounts of blood flushing into the organ creating great pressure on the veins, blocking it from transporting blood back

impotence (erectile dysfunction)

inability to have an erection

causes of impotence

• age

• drugs

• alcohol

• psychological issues

• nervous system issues

• circulatory system issues

male reproductive system (overall)