Reproductive System: MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Scrotum

External pouch of skin that houses the testes and helps regulate their temperature for sperm production.

testes

Male gonads that produce sperm through spermatogenesis and secrete testosterone.

seminiferous tubules

Highly coiled tubes inside the testes where sperm are produced through spermatogenesis.

rete testis

Network of channels within the testes that collects sperm from the seminiferous tubules and transports them toward the epididymis.

Leydig cells

Cells located between seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone.

Sertoli cells

Supporting cells inside seminiferous tubules that nourish and protect developing sperm and help regulate spermatogenesis.

Sperm

Male reproductive cells (gametes) that carry paternal genetic material to fertilize an ovum.

head

Contains the nucleus with haploid DNA and the acrosome, which contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the ovum's protective layers.

body

Region containing numerous mitochondria that produce ATP to power sperm movement.

Flagellum

Long, whip-like structure that propels the sperm forward.

Epididymis

Highly coiled tubes on the posterior surfaces of the testes where sperm mature and are temporarily stored.

van deferentia

Muscular tubes that transport sperm from the epididymides toward the ejaculatory ducts during ejaculation.

ejaculatory duct

Short duct formed by the union of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle; carries semen into the prostatic urethra.

seminal vesicles (glands)

Paired glands located behind the bladder that secrete fructose-rich fluid to nourish sperm and contribute most of the semen volume.

bulbourethral gland

Paired glands that secrete lubricating mucus into the urethra before ejaculation to help protect the urethral lining.

prostate gland

Gland located below the bladder and surrounding the proximal urethra that secretes fluid containing enzymes and other substances that support sperm function.

penis

Male copulatory organ that delivers semen into the female reproductive tract and also allows urine to leave the body.

corpus cavernosum

One of two columns of erectile tissue that fill with blood during sexual arousal, producing an erection.

corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue surrounding the penile urethra that helps prevent the urethra from being compressed during an erection.

shaft

Elongated main portion of the penis containing erectile tissues and the penile urethra.

glans penis

Enlarged, sensitive tip of the penis formed by the expansion of the corpus spongiosum.

prepuce (foreskin)

Retractable fold of skin that covers and protects the glans penis when present.

Urethra

Tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder and semen during ejaculation to the outside of the body.

dartos muscle

Smooth muscle in the scrotal wall that wrinkles the scrotal skin to help conserve heat.

cremaster muscle

Skeletal muscle that raises or lowers the testes to help regulate their temperature and provide protection.