Male reproductive system

Chapter 31

Create a list of questions pertaining to the male reproductive system.

Keep it anonymous and legitimate!

Homeostasis ensures procreation

Regulation of correct hormonal level must be maintained.

AndrogensProduced where?

What is the primary purpose of this system? Where is sperm produced? What is the main hormone? When can a male begin production of sperm

and father a child? What is the prostate? How is it checked?

Why? What two things passes through the urethra? How can a male become sterile or unable ot

father a child? What is semen? Alkaline or acidic

Questions to ponder:

Organs

Terminology Gametes – sex cells Accessory organs Gonads - testes Genital ducts – epidydimis Accessory glands – cowper’s/bulbourethral Supporting structures – scrotum Perineum – between thighs – pg 897

(anterior pubis to posterior coccyx)

United Streaming Video

Male Reproductive System

Located in scrotum – one testicle in each of two scrotal pouches

Functions – 1. Spermatogenesis by seminiferous tubules

2. Secretion of testosterone by interstitial cells

Testes

Head – chromosomal data Neck Midpiece Tail

Structure of the sperm:

Epididymis – coiled 16 ft. tube on top of testicle – duct for seminal fluid and production – maturation of sperm (motility)

Vas deferens – tube extending from epididymis through abdomen and through posterior surface of bladder – excretory duct for seminal fluid – connects epididymis with ejaculatory duct

Ejaculatory duct – passes through prostate and terminates at the urethra

Urethra – passageway for semen and urine

Reproductive ducts

Seminal vesicles – 5-7 cm long on posterior surface of bladder – secretes nutrient rich part of seminal fluid (60%)

Prostate – doughnut-like encircling the urethra below bladder – adds slightly acidic, watery/opaque secretion to seminal fluid(30%)

Bulbourethral – pea-shaped gland attached to urethra below prostate – secretes alkaline secretion (5%)

Accessory glands

Scrotum contains testes, epididymis, lower portion of spermatic cord

Muscles that support/elevate the scrotum – dartos and cremaster

Penis – three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue (one contains the urethra) – function is for urinary and reproduction – erection occurs due to erectile tissue filling with blood due to stimulation

Spermatic cords (internal) – located in inguinal crease – contains seminal duct, vessels, lymphatics and nerves

Supporting structures

Consists of secretions from: testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, cowper’s gland

Each mm contains millions of sperm

Passes from testes – epididymis- vas deferens-efaculatory duct- urethra

Seminal fluid

Fertility vs infertility

Reproduction begins at puberty Organ development in-utero Reproduction ability through old age Late adulthood will decline testosterone

production which will effect appetite, muscle structure, fertility, etc.

Cycle of life