Male Reproductive System

Path of SPERM:

1. Testicles

2. Epididymis

3. Vas deferens

4. Seminal Vesicle

5. Prostate Gland

6. Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Gland

7. Urethra

SPERM: male sex cell

SEMEN: thick fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands that protect and nourish sperm

ERECTION: erectile tissue fills with blood and the penis become rigid (erect)

EJACULATION: process by which sperm exits the body when muscle contractions push semen out through the urethra

NOCTURNAL EMISSION: or “wet dream” ejajulation occurs during sleep; normal during puberty; sign of reproductive maturity.

SCROTUM

• holds testes and epididymis
• climate-control system: testes must be slightly cooler than body temperature for normal sperm development

TESTES

• produce testosterone
• produce sperm

EPIDIDYMIS

• tube on the back of each testicle
• site of sperm maturation (gains the ability to move) and storage

VAS DEFERENS

• tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

SEMINAL VESICLES

• produces fluid that provides nourishment

PROSTATE GLAND

• produces fluid that provides nourishment and increases PH level of semen

BULBOURETHRAL/ COWPER’S GLANDS

• produces fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acid from residual urine

URETHRA

• tube that transports urine from bladder to exit the body
• tube that expels (ejaculates) semen from the body

PENIS

• external organ composed of erectile tissue

Erectile tissue is sponge-like tissue that fills will blood causing erection

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin covering the tip of the penis.

Health benefits of circumcision include a lower risk of certain STIs, UTIs, and penile conditions.