Human Reproduction
Male Reproductive System
Reproductive organs:
Primary sex organ & external genitalia - penis
Ducts - epididymis, sperm duct (vas deferens) & urethra
Accessory glands - eg prostate gland
Scrotum
Contains testis
Functions
- Temperature regulator keeping testes 2-3 degrees lower than body temp for formation of fertile sperm
- Protects and houses testis
Testis
Oval structures suspended outside body in scrotum
In abdominal cavity under kidney until birth when they descend
- Many compartments or lobules with convoluted seminiferous tubules
- Germinal epithelium lines each one
- Between each tubule: endocrine cells, interstitial cells or cells of leydig
Functions
- Produce sperm by germinal layer
- Produce testosterone by interstitial cells
, Ducts
Epididymis
All the seminiferous tubules that form a highly convoluted tubule
Functions
- Immature sperm mature and become motile and fertile
- Stores sperm for several months
Sperm duct (vas deferens)
Continuation of epididymis, leaves scrotum, passes through prostate gland and enters urethra
Function
- Ejaculation: Pushes mature sperm forward by peristaltic waves from epididymis to urethra
Urethra
Duct at end of the uro-genital system leading outside
Function
- Transportation of semen and urine
Prostate gland
Surrounds urethra at base of bladder
Function
- Secretes semen: a fluid that aids transport of sperm and contains enzymes to make it more active
Cowper’s gland
2 glands at base of penis
Function
Produce alkaline mucous-like fluid when sexually aroused that:
- Neutralizes urine that may be in urethra
- Lubricates urethra to protect sperm from damage during ejaculation
Penis
Consists of spongy erectile tissue with 3 sections. 2 on dorsal side: corpus cavernosa 1 on ventral side: corpus
spongiosum
Male Reproductive System
Reproductive organs:
Primary sex organ & external genitalia - penis
Ducts - epididymis, sperm duct (vas deferens) & urethra
Accessory glands - eg prostate gland
Scrotum
Contains testis
Functions
- Temperature regulator keeping testes 2-3 degrees lower than body temp for formation of fertile sperm
- Protects and houses testis
Testis
Oval structures suspended outside body in scrotum
In abdominal cavity under kidney until birth when they descend
- Many compartments or lobules with convoluted seminiferous tubules
- Germinal epithelium lines each one
- Between each tubule: endocrine cells, interstitial cells or cells of leydig
Functions
- Produce sperm by germinal layer
- Produce testosterone by interstitial cells
, Ducts
Epididymis
All the seminiferous tubules that form a highly convoluted tubule
Functions
- Immature sperm mature and become motile and fertile
- Stores sperm for several months
Sperm duct (vas deferens)
Continuation of epididymis, leaves scrotum, passes through prostate gland and enters urethra
Function
- Ejaculation: Pushes mature sperm forward by peristaltic waves from epididymis to urethra
Urethra
Duct at end of the uro-genital system leading outside
Function
- Transportation of semen and urine
Prostate gland
Surrounds urethra at base of bladder
Function
- Secretes semen: a fluid that aids transport of sperm and contains enzymes to make it more active
Cowper’s gland
2 glands at base of penis
Function
Produce alkaline mucous-like fluid when sexually aroused that:
- Neutralizes urine that may be in urethra
- Lubricates urethra to protect sperm from damage during ejaculation
Penis
Consists of spongy erectile tissue with 3 sections. 2 on dorsal side: corpus cavernosa 1 on ventral side: corpus
spongiosum
