Male Reproductive System
Students will be able to describe the function of the male
reproductive system, identify and label the parts, list
ways to care for the reproductive system and identify
some problems that can affect the male reproductive
system.
Male Reproductive System
Reproduction: the process by which living
organisms produce new individuals of their
kind.
Reproductive System: consists of body
organs and structures that make possible the
production of offspring.
Male Reproductive Terms
Testosterone - The dominant male hormone that is
responsible for male secondary sex characteristics.
Sperm - Male sex cell that unites with a female egg
cell to form a fertilized egg cell.
Semen - Cloudy white nutrient rich fluid that passes
out of the body during ejaculation. Composed of
secretions from the prostate gland, cowper’s gland
and seminal vesicles.
Testicle (Testes) - 2 glands that produce sperm (200
million/day) and testosterone
Epididymis - collects and holds sperm until they
are mature (2-6 weeks)
Vas Deferens – long thin tube that extends from
the epididymis to the seminal vesicle. The pathway
for sperm.
Seminal Vesicle – small gland that secretes fluid
rich in sugar to provide energy for the sperm that
will aid in its mobility.
Prostate Gland – gland that secretes fluid to aid in
the sperms longevity, it also neutralizes the acidity
in the vagina and urethra.
Cowper’s Gland – gland just below the prostate
that secretes fluid to coat and protect the sperm
and urethra from the high acidic levels.
Urethra – tube that begins at the bladder and ends at the
opening of the penis. In males, the urethra carries both urine
and semen.
Penis – Male sex organ used for urination and reproduction.
Erection – Penis is filled with blood until the tissue becomes
erect. Involuntary – can be caused by thoughts, touch etc.
Ejaculation – the sudden ejection of semen from penis.
Scrotum – sac-like pouch that contains the testes. Regulates
the temperature of the testicles.
Nocturnal Emission – (wet dream) Spontaneous ejaculation that
occurs during sleep. This is caused by the changing hormone
levels and build up of fluids in the reproductive system.
Care for the Male Reproductive System
Wear protective gear in contact sports
Shower or bath daily to keep external
reproductive organs clean.
Examine the testicles monthly for lumps,
swelling, soreness, or other problems.
Discuss any concerns with a doctor.
Have regular physical checkups.
Problems of the Male Reproductive
System
Testicular Cancer – Most common in males between the ages of
20 and 39. Symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the
scrotum, an enlargement of a testicle, pain or tenderness in one
of the testicles, or a heavy feeling in a testicle.
Prostate Cancer - cancer of the prostate is the most common
cancer in American men. An important risk factor is age; more
than 70 percent of men diagnosed with this disease are over the
age of 65. Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer is urinary
problems.
Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get
older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause
urination and bladder problems. A small amount of prostate
enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than
90% of men over age 80.
Problems of the Male Reproductive
System
Testicular or Prostate Cancer – Uncontrolled cell
growth that destroys glands and surrounding tissue
Hernia – Part of the intestine pushes into the
scrotum; caused sometimes by lifting unusually
heavy objects improperly
Sterility – inability to produce healthy sperm in
sufficient numbers to reproduce; could be caused by
exposure to certain drugs or illness
Enlarged Prostate gland – Common problem
associated with aging