Male Reproductive

SystemChapter 16

Funct

ion o

f th

e M

ale

Repro

duct

ive S

yste

m

To produce sperm cells (male

reproductive cells) Begin producing sperm

around 12-15 yrs old Puberty - development and

maturation of the reproductive system Hair develops (pubic region,

underarm, arms, legs, chest,

face) widening of the shoulders

and chest, deepening of the

voice, skin oiler, acne develops,

increased perspiration, body

odor, growth spurt, Adam’s

Apple protrudes, testicles drop

External

1. Testes or Testicles – male

sex glandsa. Functions (1) to manufacture the male sex

hormone testosterone (2)

Produce reproductive cells

sperm which is produced in the seminiferous tubules Can produce (roughly) up

to 100 million sperm in

one dayThis number slightly

deceases with age

Testicle or Teste

2.Scrotum – the sac that

hangs outside of the body

that holds the testesa. Function –(1) regulates

body temperature and (2)

protection of the testes

As body temperature

increases – the scrotum will

hang lowerAs body temperature

decreases – the scrotum will

contract towards the body

Will draw up close to the body

during arousal

Scrotum

3.Epididymis a. Function - where sperm

cells are stored for 64

days until mature So what does this mean?

The sperm cells that are in

your semen “tonight” were

produced 2 months ago

b. Location – top to the

back of each testicle

Coiled structure – when

uncoiled it will stretch to 20

feet in length

Epididymis

4.Penis – the male sexual reproductive organa. Functions (1) reproduction (2) pleasure (3) elimination of wastes; urine and semenb. 2 States

1. Erect – hard state Also known as an errection Caused by an increases blood flow to the penis The spongy tissues in the penis fill with blood making it

longer, larger, and harder Often followed by an ejaculation – release of semen from

the penis 1 ejaculation = about 1 teaspoon of fluid 200-500 million sperm cells in 1 ejaculation Semen can be released during the soft state pre

ejaculation

2. Flaccid – soft state Also known as the resting state

Glans – tip or head of the penis Most sensitive **

Shaft – the base or length of the penis

Foreskin – excess skin at the glans of the penis

Shaft

Internal

1.Vas Deferens – long tube that connects the epididymis with the urethra Function – passageway

and connecter a. Lined with cilia to

move sperm along 18 inches long if

extended

2.Seminal Vesicles – fluid

filled pouches Location – found on both

sides of the prostate Function – (1) fluid helps

make the sperm mobile

and (2) provides nourishment to sperm

cells Sugary fructose substance;

source of energy to make

the cells * is a component of semen

3.Prostate Gland Location – lies below

the bladder and surrounds the urethra

About the size of a chestnut Function – secretes a

milky, alkaline fluid that mixes with sperm

* is a component of semen

4.Cowper’s Gland Location – directly

below the prostate About pea sized

Function – secretes a

clear, sticky fluid to allow a safe passageway for sperm

* is a component of semen

5.Urethra – tube that travels through the center of the penis that is a passageway

for semen and urine

(not at the same time)

6.Urinary Bladder – holding area for urine

So w

hat

make

s up s

em

en?

Fluids from:1. Seminal Vesicles2. Prostate Gland

3. Cowper’s GlandAnd the most important

component: 4. Sperm Cells Contains 23 chromosomes

Com

plic

ati

ons

&

Occ

urr

ence

s

1. Sterility – the inability to

reproduceSperm is weak, malformed,

sparse, non-existent, unable to

join with an ovum

Caused by: a birth defect,

exposure to extreme

temperatures, exposure to

chemicals, exposure to high

amounts of radiation, smoking,

STIs, vasectomy, and injury

Vasectomy – permanent procedure

of sterilization, sealing the vas

deferens so sperm cells cannot join

with the fluids to make semen.

Incisions made into testicles

In office procedure

Cost effective

2.Testicular Cancer Signs – swelling, small hard

lumps, possible pain in the

testicle region Affects males usually

around the ages of 15-34

yrs Unknown causes – linked to

exposure to chemicals, HIV

+, genetics Responsible for 12% of

Cancer deathsWhite males 5x more likely

to get then any other race

4.Prostate Cancer Signs – pain in the lower

abdomen and frequent

urination Detection – Rectal exam

Affects males 50+ yrs

No known cause – linked to

hereditary, male genetic

flaws, diet high in animal

fat Targets African American

Men 2nd leading cause of death

of men

5.Nocturnal Emission – aka “wet dream” An ejaculation that occurs during sleep

Uncontrollable, unpreventable, subconscious