Human Reproduction
Testes
Primary sex organ in men
- 2°C to 3°C lower than body temperature for optimal sperm production
- Oval shaped, enclosed in scrotum
Divided into compartments called lobules
- Contain seminiferous tubules
o Lined with germinal epithelium
o Epithelium divides into sperm cells
Inside the seminiferous tubules
- The germinal epithelium turns into sperm
o This is done by meiosis
- Some turn into long columnar cells (Sertoli Cells)
o These provide food for the developing sperm
The tubules are surrounded by connective tissue
- This tissue contains the cells of Leydig
o They produce testosterone
Function of testes
They produce and release sperm
They produce testosterone
- It is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics
Puberty
- Sex organs develop (penis and testes grow)
- Luteinizing hormone stimulates the cells of Leydig to produce testosterone
- Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the production of sperm
, Human Reproduction
Parts of the male reproductive system
Epididymis
- Seminiferous tubules join to form the epididymis
o Long convoluted tubule lined with mucous
o Found at the back of the testes
- Stores sperm until it is mature enough to fertilise an egg
- Mucous in the epididymis and peristalsis facilitate movement
Vas Deferens (sperm duct)
- Continuation of the epididymis through the abdomen to the urethra
- Forms a swelling before joining the urethra (ampulla)
- Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Ejaculatory duct
- Muscular tubule which contracts to force semen out
of the body (ejaculation)
Urethra
- The 2 ejaculatory ducts join the urethra
- The urethra transports sperm and urine out the body (never simultaneously)
Seminal Vesicle
- Sac-like structures lined with mucous connected to the ampulla
- Mucous membrane provides fructose as food for the sperm
Prostate Gland
- Conical gland surrounding the urethra close to the ejaculatory duct and bladder
- Secretes alkaline liquid which ensures sperm mobility and neutralises vagina pH
Cowpers Gland
- Two small glands on either side of the urethra, just below the prostate gland
- Ensures sperm mobility by clearing the urethra of urine and lubricating the sperm head
Testes
Primary sex organ in men
- 2°C to 3°C lower than body temperature for optimal sperm production
- Oval shaped, enclosed in scrotum
Divided into compartments called lobules
- Contain seminiferous tubules
o Lined with germinal epithelium
o Epithelium divides into sperm cells
Inside the seminiferous tubules
- The germinal epithelium turns into sperm
o This is done by meiosis
- Some turn into long columnar cells (Sertoli Cells)
o These provide food for the developing sperm
The tubules are surrounded by connective tissue
- This tissue contains the cells of Leydig
o They produce testosterone
Function of testes
They produce and release sperm
They produce testosterone
- It is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics
Puberty
- Sex organs develop (penis and testes grow)
- Luteinizing hormone stimulates the cells of Leydig to produce testosterone
- Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the production of sperm
, Human Reproduction
Parts of the male reproductive system
Epididymis
- Seminiferous tubules join to form the epididymis
o Long convoluted tubule lined with mucous
o Found at the back of the testes
- Stores sperm until it is mature enough to fertilise an egg
- Mucous in the epididymis and peristalsis facilitate movement
Vas Deferens (sperm duct)
- Continuation of the epididymis through the abdomen to the urethra
- Forms a swelling before joining the urethra (ampulla)
- Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Ejaculatory duct
- Muscular tubule which contracts to force semen out
of the body (ejaculation)
Urethra
- The 2 ejaculatory ducts join the urethra
- The urethra transports sperm and urine out the body (never simultaneously)
Seminal Vesicle
- Sac-like structures lined with mucous connected to the ampulla
- Mucous membrane provides fructose as food for the sperm
Prostate Gland
- Conical gland surrounding the urethra close to the ejaculatory duct and bladder
- Secretes alkaline liquid which ensures sperm mobility and neutralises vagina pH
Cowpers Gland
- Two small glands on either side of the urethra, just below the prostate gland
- Ensures sperm mobility by clearing the urethra of urine and lubricating the sperm head
