the sperm-producing male gonads = testes that lie w in the scrotum
System of Ducts
from the testes, the sperm r delivered out of the body thru a system of ducts:
epididymyis
ductus deferens
ejaculatory ducts
urethra, which opens to the outside at the tip of the penis
Accessory Sex Glands
the accessory sex glands, which empkty their secretions into the ducts during ejaculation:
seminal glands
prostate
bulbo-urethral glands
Scrotum
scrotum = sac of skin + superficial fascia the hangs outside the abdominopelvic cavity at the root of the penis
covered w sparse hairs + contains paired oval testes
Adaptations of the Scrotum - Midline Septum
a midline septum divides the scrotum, providing a compartment for each testis
cos viable sperm can't be produced in abundance at core body temp (37), the superficial location of the scrotum, which provides a temp about 3 lower = essential adaptation
Adaptations of the Scrotum - Temperature-Sensitive
when it is cold, the testes r pulled closer to the warm body wall
the scrotal skin wrinkles, decreasing SA + increasing its thickness to reduce heat loss
Muscles Maintaing Constant Intrascrotal Temperature
dartos muscle - a layer of smooth muscle in the superficial fascia, wrinkles the scrotal skin
cremaster muscles - bands of skeletal muscle that arise from the inernal oblique muscles of the trunk, elevate the testes
