Male Reproductive System

1. Male Reproductive System External Parts and Function

2. Male Reproductive System

3. Penis • The male organ for sexual intercourse • Erection-The process by which the penis fills with blood in preparation for intercourse • Circumcision-the removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the penis • Usually done in the first 4 days of life • Aids hygiene • Does not affect sexual functioning

4. Scrotum • The pouch located behind the penis which contains the testicles • Provides protection to the testicles • Controls temperature necessary for sperm production and survival

5. Testes • Two round glands which descend into the scrotum following birth • Produce and store sperm • Produce male sex hormone, testosterone

6. Male Reproductive System Internal Parts and Functions

7. Vas Deferens (sperm tube) • Passageway for sperm, leading from the testicles and joining with the urethra

8. Seminal Vesicle • A sac-like structure, lying behind the bladder, which secretes a thick fluid that forms part of the semen

9. Urethra • The tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body • Joins with the sperm tube to provide a common outlet for urine and sperm • Closed to urine at the time of ejaculation

10. Prostate Gland • A gland located in the male pelvis which secretes a thin, milky fluid that forms the part of the semen which stimulates the movement of sperm

11. Cowper’s Glands (bulbourethral glands) • Two structures that lie below the prostate and empty their secretions into the urethra • Secrete a drop or so of clear, slippery fluid during sexual arousal • Precedes ejaculation • Contains viable sperm

12. Ejaculatory Ducts • Short, straight tube that passes into the prostate gland and opens into the urethra

13. Epididymis • A comma-shaped structure along the upper rear surface of the testes where sperm mature • Some sperm are stored here, but most move to the vas deferens after they mature

14. Seminiferous Tubules • A network of coiled tubules in the testes • Where sperm is produced

15. Sperm • The male sex cell • Too small to be seen without a microscope • Shape similar to tadpoles • Movement aided by lashing their tails • Production begins usually between age 12 to 14 • Total number per ejaculation averages 500 million • Survival in the fallopian tubes may reach 7 days

16. Ejaculation • The release of semen from the penis

17. Semen • The fluid which passes out of the penis at the time of ejaculation • Produced and stored in the seminal vesicles and prostate gland • Clear color in young males due to low sperm count • Whitish color develops as sperm count increases

18. Nocturnal Emissions (Wet Dreams) • Related to the individual’s level of sexual awareness and interest • Due to erection of the penis and subsequent ejaculation during sleep • Triggered by sexual dreams and fantasies • Occurs most frequently in males who are not engaging in masturbation or sexual intercourse • Mature sperm may or may not be present in the seminal fluid • Occurs as nocturnal vaginal lubrication in girls