Male Reproductive System

• Reproductive system is responsible for the process of reproduction or creation of offspring of the same species.
• Morphologically and physiologically, male and female reproductive systems differ in its organs but their functions are the same ---- to produce reproductive cells or gametes
• What are the 3 main divisions of the male reproductive system? -- Major Reproductive Parts, Transport Tubes and Accessory Glands
• Epididymis - located at the back of each testis; it stores mature sperms until they are ready to be released into the vas deferens during ejaculation.
• Semen - mixture of fluid secreted by accessory glands and spermatozoa produced by the testes
• Scrotum - sac-like structure that contains the two testicles; it protects them from injury and maintains an optimal temperature for sperm production (slightly lower than body temp)
• Seminal Vesicles - two small sac-like structures that secrete alkaline semen which neutralizes acidic vagina and helps sperm survive longer
• Urethra - tube through which urine passes out of the bladder and semen passes out of the penis
• Penis - organ used for sexual intercourse; consists of erectile tissue which is responsible for producing an erection when sexually stimulated
• Testes - oval shaped glandular organ where spermatozoa develops through spermatogenesis; also produces hormones such as testosterone which stimulates growth and development of secondary sex characteristics
• The Penis is an external genital organ with a long shaft and enlarged tip
• Erectile Tissue - It fills with blood and causes an erection. When this happens, the penis gets bigger and stiffer
• Testes - are located below the penis. They hang between the thighs in a sac of skin
• Scrotum - a bag or pouch-like part that holds the testes.
• Seminiferous tubules - These tubules produce sperm and secrete testosterone.
• Epididymis - is a coiled tube about 6 meters long lying atop the testis inside the scrotum that matures and store mature sperm until they leave the body.
• The Vas Deferens is also known as ductus deferens, a long transport tube that carries the sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
• Ejaculatory Ducts - are tubes that are lined with muscles. These muscles contract to force the semen out of the body during ejaculation
• Ejaculatory Ducts - Formed by the vas deferens and the seminal vesicle, it carries the sperm to the urethra.
• There is a valve within the -- Urethra to prevent the mixing of urine and sperm. During urination, this carries the urine from the bladder.
• Semen - The mixture of sperm cells and secretions produced by accessory sex organs.
• Prostate Gland - A gland located below the bladder that secretes fluid into the urethra which helps nourish and protect the sperm.
• The accessory glands secrete substances that become part of what liquid? -- Semen
• This gland secretes a thick fluid that nourishes and gives energy to the sperm. -- Seminal Vesicle
• The seminal vesicle secretes what kind of fluid that contains sugar? -- Alkaline
• This gland secretes a milky fluid that liquefies the semen making the sperm move faster. -- Prostate Gland
• The fluid secreted by the prostate gland makes up 25% of the semen.
• What is another name for Bulbourethral Gland? - Cowper's gland
• This gland secretes an alkaline substance in the urethra which neutralizes the acid from the urine. - Bulbourethral gland
• What does the bulbourethral gland do to the sperm? - It protects the sperm as it passes through the urethra
• Spermatogenesis - the production of mature sperm
• Testis - the main organ as it is responsible for the production of sperm
• How long does the process of spermatogenesis take?

  9-10 weeks
• Where does spermatogenesis happen?

  - In the seminiferous tubules of the testes and become mature in the epididymis.
• Sperm are released from the body during -- Ejaculation
• Ejaculation - occurs when the semen is released from the penis and when muscle contractions propel sperm from the epididymis.
• As sperm travels through the ducts, they mix with fluids from the glands to form - Semen
• Head -- it encloses the nucleus, which carries the male's genetic material
• Connecting Piece - it contains the mitochondria that provides energy for the sperm to move
• Tail - used by the sperm cell for movement