• The reproductive systems of men and women become active at puberty; the gonads, or primary sex organs, produce gametes and secrete hormones; all other reproductive structures are considered accessory reproductive organs

• The purpose of the reproductive system is to produce offspring; men produce sperm; women produce ova, or eggs

16.1 Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System (pp. 563-567)

• 16.1a. Testes

  • The paired testes are the primary reproductive organs of males; they attach to the trunk via the spermatic cord, a bundle enclosing nerves, blood vessels, and the ductus deferens

  • Each testis is divided into lobules that contain several seminiferous tubules, where sperm are produced; between them are interstitial cells that produce testosterone

    • After production, sperm travel through the rete testis to the epididymis

• 16.1b. Duct system

  • The duct system transports sperm from the body and includes the epididymis, ductus deferens, and urethra

  • After sperm are produced, they enter the epididymis, where they mature further and develop the ability to swim over about 20 days; a man ejaculates sperm from the epididymis

  • The ductus deferens (formerly called the vas deferens) carries sperm from the epididymis to the ampulla (enlarged end of the ductus deferens); the ampulla empties into the ejaculatory duct, which passes through the prostate to join the urethra

    • Sperm move through the peristaltic action of smooth muscle

    • Sperm are still produced in men who have a vasectomy; the ductus defe