The Male Reproductive System

• Importance:

  • Secretion of the male sex hormones
  • Production of sperm cells
  • Release of sperm
• Primary reproductive organs are the testes.
• Oval-shaped organs found inside a protective sac of skin are called scrotum.
• Why do testes descend into the scrotum?

  • Because sperm can't grow at body temperature
  • During childhood, sperm in the testicles go through a process that results in mature sperm at puberty.
  • Normal testicles form early in a baby boy's growth. They form in the lower abdomen, but descend into the scrotum toward the end of pregnancy.
• Ejaculation is the discharge of semen from the male reproductive tract.
• Penis is the male copulatory organ, functions to transfer sperm to the vagina
• Sperm cells exit the body through the urethra.
• Mature sperm cells pass through the vas deferens.
• Testes

  • Inside the testes are clusters of coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules, where sperm cells are produced (spermatogenesis).
  • About 250 meters
  • Maturity and storage of sperm cells occur in a long tube called epididymis.
• The age at which puberty begins varies between individuals; usually, puberty begins between 10 and 14 years of age.
• Signs of Puberty for Males

  • Male hormone production increases.
  • Facial hair
  • The larynx enlarges & the voice gets deeper.
  • Shoulders broaden.
  • Muscles develop.
  • Temporary & tender breast growth