Male Reproductive System

System Primary Function

Produces sperm cells and hormones; sperm is important to fertilize an egg cell; hormones are responsible for the development of adult male characteristics.

Testes (Testicles)

The 2 male gonads; located in the scrotum, outside the body; produce spermatozoa (male sex cells) in seminiferous tubules; produce male hormones (Testosterone).

Testosterone

Male hormone produced by the testes; aids in the maturation of sperm and stimulates changes during puberty (body hair, deeper voice, larger muscles).

Scrotum

A pair of pouch-like sacs that supports the testes; controls temperature to keep it cooler than the body for sperm production.

Epididymis

Tightly coiled tube (approx. 20 feet long) located above the testes; receives sperm from testes; stores sperm while they mature and become motile; produces a fluid that becomes part of the semen.

Vas Deferens

Receives sperm from the epididymis; acts as a passageway and temporary storage area for sperm; is cut during a vasectomy to produce sterility in males.

Seminal Vesicles

Two small pouch-like tubes located behind the bladder; produce a thick yellow fluid containing sugar & other substances for sperm nourishment; make up a large part of semen.

Ejaculatory Ducts

Two short tubes formed by the union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles; carry sperm and fluids (semen) through the prostate and into the urethra.

Prostate Gland

A doughnut-shaped gland below the urinary bladder; produces an alkaline secretion to increase sperm motility and neutralize acidity in the vagina; contracts during ejaculation to expel semen and prevent urine passage.

Cowper's Gland (Bulbourethral)

Two small glands located below the prostate; produce mucus for lubrication during intercourse; also secrete an alkaline fluid.

Urethra

Tube from the bladder to the tip of the penis; carries urine and semen to the outside of the body.

Penis

The external male reproductive organ; used during intercourse to deposit semen in the vagina; provides an exit tube for urine through the urethra; made of spongy erectile tissue that fills with blood during an erection.

Glans Penis

The enlarged structure at the distal end of the penis; covered with foreskin (removed during circumcision).

Sperm Function

To move and carry genetic information to the egg.

Pathway of Sperm

(The Great Sperm Race) - Testes -> Epididymis -> Vas deferens -> Ejaculatory Duct -> Urethra.

Orchitis

Inflammation of the testes; caused by mumps, pathogens, or injury; can lead to atrophy and sterility; symptoms are swelling of the scrotum, pain, and fever.

Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

Enlarged prostate gland; common in men over 50; causes include hormonal changes or tumors/cancer; symptoms are difficulty urinating, dribbling, and UTls.

Prostate Carcinoma (Cancer)

Symptoms may be similar to hypertrophy or non-existent;

diagnosed via PSA blood test and Digital Rectal Exam; treated with prostatectomy, hormone therapy, or radiation.

Orchidectomy (in cancer)

- Surgical removal of the testes to stop the production of

testosterone, which often fuels prostate cancer growth

STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Affect both male and female; if not treated, can cause chronic conditions, sterility, or death.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); attacks the immune system, leading to loss of ability to fight disease and infections; transmitted via sexual secretions and blood (including from mother to infant); detected by a blood screen.