Human reproduction
THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Scrotum
Contains the testes
Function
1. It is a temperature, keeping the testis at temperature which 3 - 4 degrees lower than body temperature.
- This is necessary for the formation of fertile sperm
- In colder conditions, the testes are pulled closer to the abdomen for warmth.
- Warmer conditions, hangs away from the body
2. Protects the testis
Testis
Two oval structures, that are suspended outside of the body in the scrotum
- Consist of many compartments that contain highly convoluted tubules called seminiferous tubules.
1
, - Germinal epithelium lines the tubules
- Interstitial cells live between the seminiferous tubules
Function
1. The production of sperm by the germinal layer
2. The production of testosterone by the interstitial cells
Ducts
Three types:
a. Epididymis
b. Sperm duct
c. Urethra
1. Epididymis
The seminiferous tubules join to form epididymis
Function:
Immature sperm enter the epididymis where they:
1. Mature to become more motile and fertile
2. Stored for several months (if they stay there for any longer they will be broken down by epithelial cells and
be reabsorbed into the body.)
2. Sperm duct (vas deference)
A continuation of the epididymis. It leaves the scrotum, passes through the prostate gland and enters the urethra.
Function:
Pushes the mature sperm forward by strong peristaltic waves from the epididymus into the urethra.(Ejaculation)
3. Urethra
The duct at the end of the uro-genital system, leading to the exterior
Function
A common duct for the transportation of semen and urine, although these two processes cannot occur together.
Prostate Gland
A plum-sized which surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder
Function:
Secretes a fluid that aid the transport of the sperm and contains enzymes that makes the sperm more active.
2
THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Scrotum
Contains the testes
Function
1. It is a temperature, keeping the testis at temperature which 3 - 4 degrees lower than body temperature.
- This is necessary for the formation of fertile sperm
- In colder conditions, the testes are pulled closer to the abdomen for warmth.
- Warmer conditions, hangs away from the body
2. Protects the testis
Testis
Two oval structures, that are suspended outside of the body in the scrotum
- Consist of many compartments that contain highly convoluted tubules called seminiferous tubules.
1
, - Germinal epithelium lines the tubules
- Interstitial cells live between the seminiferous tubules
Function
1. The production of sperm by the germinal layer
2. The production of testosterone by the interstitial cells
Ducts
Three types:
a. Epididymis
b. Sperm duct
c. Urethra
1. Epididymis
The seminiferous tubules join to form epididymis
Function:
Immature sperm enter the epididymis where they:
1. Mature to become more motile and fertile
2. Stored for several months (if they stay there for any longer they will be broken down by epithelial cells and
be reabsorbed into the body.)
2. Sperm duct (vas deference)
A continuation of the epididymis. It leaves the scrotum, passes through the prostate gland and enters the urethra.
Function:
Pushes the mature sperm forward by strong peristaltic waves from the epididymus into the urethra.(Ejaculation)
3. Urethra
The duct at the end of the uro-genital system, leading to the exterior
Function
A common duct for the transportation of semen and urine, although these two processes cannot occur together.
Prostate Gland
A plum-sized which surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder
Function:
Secretes a fluid that aid the transport of the sperm and contains enzymes that makes the sperm more active.
2
