H.Bio Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

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Sperm Structure

Head - contains a nucleus with 23 chromosomes

Acrosome - forms a cap over the head which contains enzymes that break down the follicle surrounding the egg

Middle Piece (collar) - contain mitochondria to power the tail

Tail - Acts like a propeller to help sperm move

Sperm Release Pathway

1. 1. Produced in seminiferous tubules of the tests

2. 2. Travel to epididymis where sperm matures

3. 3. Travels through vas deferens, receiving secretions from glands to become semen

4. 4. Travels through urethra and out of body

Testis

Contains tightly coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules, which is where sperm is produced.

Also produces testosterone.

Scrotum

Holds the testis.

Epididymis

Stores sperm while they finish maturing.

Vas Deferens

Carries sperm to urethra.

Seminal Vesicle

Secretes a fluid rich in sugars which makes up the main component of the semen.

Sperm does NOT travel through seminal vesicle.

Prostate Gland

Secrete an alkaline fluid that protects the sperm in the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.

Sperm travels through the prostate gland.

Bladder

Stores urine

Urethra

Carries semen and urine out of the body

Bulbourethral Gland (cowper’s gland)

Secretes a lubricating mucus that becomes part of the semen

Rectum

Storage of faeces

Anus

Expulsion of faeces

Sperm

Male sex cells that carry male’s genetic material.

Semen

Milky-clear fluid that contains sperm and other fluids.

Semen Content

Seminal Fluid: 60-75%

Prostate Fluid: 25-3%

Sperm: 2-5%

Bulbourethral Fluid: 1-5%