Male Reproductive System Reproductive Systems The function of

Male Reproductive System

Reproductive Systems § The function of the reproductive system is to produce new offspring. The continuity of the human race is guaranteed through reproduction.

What the Male Reproductive System Does § Main function is to produce sperm and deliver it to the female reproductive system

How the Male Reproductive System Works

Male Puberty § Starts at around age 12 -13 § Hormonal changes stimulate an increase in growth rate, alterations in behavior, enlargement of the genitals, and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair. § Because boys begin their final growth spurt later than girls, they have a longer period of steady growth and usually attain a greater adult height.

Male Puberty § Changes that occur: § Growth spurt occurs § Acne may appear § Larynx enlarges, voice deepens § Facial hair appears § Shoulders broaden § Underarm hair appears § Perspiration increases

Male Puberty § Muscles develop § Pubic hair appears § External genitals enlarge § Sperm production begins § First ejaculation occurs § Long bone growth stops

Sperm § Sex cells that are produced in the testes and are used to fertilize the egg § Sperm swim at the rate of 1 -4 mm per minute or 60 -240 mm per hour § 50, 000 sperm are produced each MINUTE in mature men

Semen § A thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system. These fluids give nutrition and protection to the sperm to help them reach the egg for fertilization.

Testicles (testes) § Male reproductive organ that makes sperm and testosterone § Males begin producing 100+ million sperm a day once they reach puberty

Seminiferous Tubules § Tightly coiled tubes inside the testes where sperm are made

Testosterone § The male sex hormone that influences sperm production § During puberty, testosterone causes facial and body hair to grow, shoulders to broaden and voice to deepen

Scrotum § The skin covered sac that the testes rest in § Muscles of the scrotum help with temperature control § Sperm develop best several degrees below 98. 6

Penis § The external male reproductive organ that is made up of spongy tissue that has blood flow going through it § The penis removes urine from the bladder and also delivers sperm to the female reproductive system § The glans is the sensitive nerve ending near the tip of the penis

Foreskin § A piece of skin that partially covers the tip of the penis at birth § Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the tip of the penis

Erection § When the penis becomes hard and firm § The blood vessels in the penis fill with blood § The penis must be erect in order for ejaculation to occur

Ejaculation § When sperm are released from the penis § One ejaculation contains 40 -300 million sperm § It is normal for a male to ejaculate during sleep, this is called nocturnal emissions or “wet dreams”

Urethra § Urine passes through the urethra, a tube that starts at the bladder and ends at the opening of the penis § Sperm also pass through the urethra during ejaculation but not at the same time as urine is carried

Epididymis § A tightly coiled tube where sperm mature as they pass through § The epididymis can be up to 20 -23 feet long

Vas Deferens § The next portion of a hollow tube that sperm pass through § The vas deferens can be up to 12 inches long

Vasectomy § The severing and tying off of the vas deferens § Once the vas deferens is severed, sperm will not be able to be ejaculated out of the penis

Seminal Vesicles § Found near the base of the urinary bladder § Produce thick secretions that nourish the sperm and help sperm move easier

Prostate Gland § § § Encircles the urethra near the bladder About the size of a walnut Secretes a thin, milky fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the female reproductive system

Cowper’s Gland § Found near urethra below the prostate § Prior to ejaculation this gland secretes a clear fluid that protects the sperm from acid in the male urethra

Bladder § A triangular sac that stores urine before it is excreted out of the body

Sphincter Valve § A small piece of skin, a muscle that holds back urine or semen so that both do not come out of the body at the same time

Prostate Exam § An examination that is performed to identify any irregularities in the prostate § Exams help in early detection of prostate cancer § Prostate cancer occurs primarily in older males and is the 2 nd most common cancer in males in the U. S § For every 3 men diagnosed with cancer this year 1 will have prostate cancer.

Testicular Exam § A self exam that men should perform once per month once they have reached puberty to detect any lumps, swelling, pain, or discomfort in the scrotum or abdomen

Path of Sperm § Testes § Epididymis § Vas deferens § Prostate Gland § Seminal Vesicle § Sphincter Valve § Urethra § Ejaculated out of Body

Path of Sperm 5 4 7 3 2 1 8

Problems of the Male Reproductive System § Inguinal Hernia: A separation of tissue that allows part of the intestine to push into the abdominal wall near the top of the scrotum. Straining the abdominal muscles or lifting heavy objects can cause a tear in this tissue.

Problems of the Male Reproductive System § Sterility: The inability to reproduce. In males it can result from too few sperm- fewer than 20 million per milliliter of seminal fluid- or sperm of poor quality. Sterility can result from environmental hazards, including exposure to Xrays or radiation, toxic chemicals, and lead. Hormonal imbalance, certain medications, or drug use including anabolic steroids can damage sperm. Some diseases, including STIs, and contracting mumps as an adult also can result in sterility.

Problems of the Male Reproductive System § Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the cells of the testes. Risks factors for getting testicular cancer includes: undescended testicles, abnormal testicular development, anabolic steroid use, and a family history of cancer. Regular self-exams for abnormal lumps of the testicles can detect an early case of cancer.

Problems of the Male Reproductive System § Prostate Problems: The prostate gland can become enlarged as a result of an infection, a tumor, or age-related problems. The enlarged gland can press against the urethra resulting in frequent and difficulty urinating. Men start to have yearly prostate exams from their physician between the age of 40 -50 years of age.