Male Reproductive System - Anatomy

HW 7.3 – 7.4: Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System

Part A: Vocabulary


  1. Penis: Part of the external genitalia of human males, Used for urination and sexual intercourse


  2. Urethra: The tube that allows urine and semen (in males) to exit the body


  3. Scrotum: Part of the external genitalia of human males, Holds and protects the testes and epididymis


  4. Testes: The site of sperm and male hormone production, In the scrotum


  5. Epididymis: The coiled tube on top of each testicle, Where sperm cells mature


  6. Vas (ductus) deferens: A muscular tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra


  7. Seminal vesicles: A pair of glands that produce fluids released before sexual intercourse


  8. Prostate: A large, singular gland that surrounds the urethra and produces fluids that are part of semen


  9. Bulbourethral glands: A pair of glands that produce fluids that contribute to semen


  10. Semen: A fluid material released from the male reproductive tract that contains sperm and other liquids


  11. Sperm: The male reproductive cells produced by the testes

Part B: Multiple Choice


  1. What is the primary function of the testes? To produce sperm and testosterone


  2. Which structure is responsible for storing sperm and allowing them to mature? Epididymis


  3. The prostate gland produces a fluid that is important for: Protecting the sperm in semen


  4. Which of the following structures carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra?Vas deferens


  5. Which of the following is NOT a component of semen? Red blood cells


  6. Which of the following best describes the function of the scrotum? It regulates the temperature of the testes.


  7. What is the name of the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body? Urethra


  8. When does sperm production occur during a person’s lifetime? From puberty until death

Part C: Short Answer

  1. Identify the location of the following structures as either external or internal:

  • External: Penis, Scrotum, Bulbourethral glands

  • Internal: Epididymis, Prostate, Seminal vesicles, Seminiferous tubules, Testes, Urethra, Vas deferens



  1. Spermatogenesis Process:

  2. a. Produces: Sperm cells

  3. Takes place in: Seminiferous tubules in the testes

  4. Cell division type: Meiosis

  5. Difference from spermiogenesis: Spermiogenesis is the final maturation stage of sperm, where spermatids develop into mature spermatozoa, while spermatogenesis is the overall process of sperm production from spermatogonia to mature sperm.


  6. Path of Sperm through the Male Reproductive System

  • Testes ➔ Epididymis ➔ Vas deferens ➔ Seminal vesicles ➔ Prostate gland ➔ Bulbourethral glands ➔ Urethra ➔ Exit body (Penis)