male reproductive system

Gonads

Testes, which produce gametes and secrete hormones.

Gametes

Spermatozoa, the male reproductive cells.

Accessory Ducts

Structures including epididymides, vas deferens, and urethra for storage, maturation, and transport of sperm.

Accessory Glands

Prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands that secrete the fluid portion of semen.

External Genitalia

Comprises the penis and scrotum.

Spermatic Cord

Contains vas deferens, arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic vessels; pathway between the scrotum and pelvic cavity.

Ductus Deferens

Two ducts that receive sperm from the epididymis and transport it to the ampulla.

Urethra

The duct that transports semen to the penis.

Penis

Organ made of erectile tissue, transports sperm to the vagina and produces sexual sensations.

Epididymis

Tubular organ along the posterior side of testes where sperm matures.

Testes

The male gonads that produce sperm and secrete testosterone.

Seminiferous Tubule

Highly coiled tubules in which sperm are produced.

Rete Testes

Network of tubules that collects sperm from seminiferous tubules.

Tunica Albuginea

Whitish capsule surrounding the testes.

Tunica Vaginalis

Two-layered serous membrane encasing the testes and epididymides.

Scrotum

The pouch that encases the testes, epididymides, and spermatic cord.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production that begins with diploid stem cells (spermatogonia).

Type A Spermatogonia

Cells that replenish the diploid stem cells. (cell division)

Type B Spermatogonia

Cells that undergo mitosis to become primary spermatocytes.

Spermiogenesis

The process that leads to the formation of spermatozoa from spermatids.

Interstitial Cells (Leydig Cells)

Cells that secrete testosterone, located between seminiferous tubules.

Sertoli Cells

Cells that create a channel for developing spermatocytes.

Spermatozoa

Mature male gametes that have a head, neck, midpiece, and flagellum.

Ampulla

The widened end of the vas deferens.

Ejaculatory Duct

Transports sperm from the ampulla and fluid from seminal vesicles to the prostatic urethra.

Prostatic Urethra

The part of the urethra that passes through the prostate.

Membranous Urethra

The section of urethra between the prostatic and penile urethra.

Penile Urethra (Spongy Urethra)

Extends the length of the penis.

Corpus Cavernosum

Columns of erectile tissue that engorge with blood during arousal.

Corpus Spongiosum

Single column of erectile tissue that runs along the shaft and urethra.

Glans Penis

The tip of the penis, formed by the corpus spongiosum.

Prepuce

The covering of the glans penis.