Human Anatomy - Male Reproductive System

def. of testes

male gonads (sex organ)

function of testes

produce sperm

def. of scrotum

superficial sac containing testes

• 2 muscles regulate position of scrotum

function of scrotum

regulates temp. of testes

• must be cooler than body for spermatogenesis

def. of epididymis

tightly coiled duct

function of epididymis

maturation and storage of sperm

function of vas deferens (ductus deferens)

transports sperm

function of penis & urethra

delivers sperm into female for fertilization

accessory glands include…

1. seminal vesicles

2. prostate

3. bulbourethral gland

location of seminal vesicles

on posterior bladder surface → joins with vas deferens

function of seminal vesicles

alkaline fluid w/ sugars → increases sperm motility & fertility

location of prostate

surrounds urethra

function of prostate

milky and slightly acidic secretions → activates sperm

location of bulbourethral gland

inferior to prostate

function of bulbourethral gland

thick, clear mucus → creates lubricating fluid for sperm & neutralizes acidity of vagina

def. of spermatogenesis

sperm formation (meiosis)

spermatogenesis occurs…

in seminiferous tubules of testes

parts of sperm

1. acrosome

2. head

3. midpiece

4. tail

def. of acrosome

contains enzymes that helps penetrate egg

• “helmet” of sperm

def. of head

contains nucleus of sperm

def. of midpiece

contain mitochondria (ATP) of sperm

def. of tail

sperm has flagella for whiplike movement