The Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system can be divided into two groups of organs: primary and internal (accessory) organs. The primary organs are the gonads, or sex glands and its structures consist of the penis, scrotum, epididymis and testes.Whereas, the internal (accessory) organs includes a series of ducts which transport the germ cells and its structures consist of the Vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral glands. The main functions of the male reproductive system is to produce, maintain and transport sperms, as well as to secrete seminal fluid (semen). It also produces and secretes sex hormones, that parcticipates in the fertilization within the female reproductive tract.
Pictures of The Male Reproductive System
The Primary Organs
Penis
The penis is located between the upper thighs immediately in front of the scrotum and is a cylindrical organ. The function of the penis is for sexual intercourse. It is covered by a fold of loose skin which forms the foreskin or prepuce. The prepuce provides protection for the penis and assists to keep the glans moist.
Scrotum
The two testes are covered in a sac-like structure called the scrotum, which is suspended behind the base of the penis. The scrotum supports and protects the testes. The external appearance of the scrotum varies, depending on environmental conditions and the contraction of its muscles. The scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes. The temperature of the testes (35°C or 95°F) is lower than internal body temperature (which is usually 37°C or 98.6°F). This temperature is maintained to assist in sperm production.
Epididymis
The epididymis is a long, comma-shaped organ attached to the posterior surface of the testis. This firmly coiled tube is roughly 20 feet (6 m) long. This is so small that it can barely be seen with the naked eye. It stores sperm cells. Within the epididymis, there are millions of sperm cells in their final stages of maturation. They mature a tail and gain motility. Sperm cells are not capable to fertilize an egg unless they develop in the epididymis. Smooth muscles thrust sperm into the ductus deferens.
Testes
The male gonads, the paired testis are located outside of the body proper, suspended between the thighs in a sac called the scrotum. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm.
Penis
The penis is located between the upper thighs immediately in front of the scrotum and is a cylindrical organ. The function of the penis is for sexual intercourse. It is covered by a fold of loose skin which forms the foreskin or prepuce. The prepuce provides protection for the penis and assists to keep the glans moist.
Scrotum
The two testes are covered in a sac-like structure called the scrotum, which is suspended behind the base of the penis. The scrotum supports and protects the testes. The external appearance of the scrotum varies, depending on environmental conditions and the contraction of its muscles. The scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes. The temperature of the testes (35°C or 95°F) is lower than internal body temperature (which is usually 37°C or 98.6°F). This temperature is maintained to assist in sperm production.
Epididymis
The epididymis is a long, comma-shaped organ attached to the posterior surface of the testis. This firmly coiled tube is roughly 20 feet (6 m) long. This is so small that it can barely be seen with the naked eye. It stores sperm cells. Within the epididymis, there are millions of sperm cells in their final stages of maturation. They mature a tail and gain motility. Sperm cells are not capable to fertilize an egg unless they develop in the epididymis. Smooth muscles thrust sperm into the ductus deferens.
Testes
The male gonads, the paired testis are located outside of the body proper, suspended between the thighs in a sac called the scrotum. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm.
Internal (accessory) Organs
Vas deferens
The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
Ejaculatory ducts
These are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles, and these ducts are emptied into the urethra. The ejaculatory ducts also receive secretions from the prostate gland, to make up semen.
Urethra
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body.
Seminal vesicles
The two seminal vesicles are twisted muscular tubes with tiny out pouchings. They are about 2 inches (5 cm) long, which are located posterior to the urinary bladder. They secrete a alkaline, sticky, yellowish substance, called semen. The seminal fluid makes up a large part of the semen’s volume.
Prostate gland
The prostate is a doughnut-shaped muscular structure just larger than a walnut, lying just immediately inferior to the urinary bladder. It surrounds the first part of the urethra. Glandular prostate tissue adds an alkaline secretion to semen. It increases sperm motility. The prostate gland contracts to aid in the expulsion of the semen from the body.
Bulbourethral glands
The bulbourethral is also called the Cowper’s glands are located between two layers of fascia just below the prostate glands. It is the size of a pea they consist of many lobules held together by fibers. They secrete an alkaline mucus into small ducts, which is emptied into the urethra. This mucus coats the urethra to neutralize the pH of urine residue. In addition, it lubricates the penis. Sperm survive better in an alkaline medium than in acid; as alkalinity assists to maintain sperm motility.
Vas deferens
The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
Ejaculatory ducts
These are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles, and these ducts are emptied into the urethra. The ejaculatory ducts also receive secretions from the prostate gland, to make up semen.
Urethra
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body.
Seminal vesicles
The two seminal vesicles are twisted muscular tubes with tiny out pouchings. They are about 2 inches (5 cm) long, which are located posterior to the urinary bladder. They secrete a alkaline, sticky, yellowish substance, called semen. The seminal fluid makes up a large part of the semen’s volume.
Prostate gland
The prostate is a doughnut-shaped muscular structure just larger than a walnut, lying just immediately inferior to the urinary bladder. It surrounds the first part of the urethra. Glandular prostate tissue adds an alkaline secretion to semen. It increases sperm motility. The prostate gland contracts to aid in the expulsion of the semen from the body.
Bulbourethral glands
The bulbourethral is also called the Cowper’s glands are located between two layers of fascia just below the prostate glands. It is the size of a pea they consist of many lobules held together by fibers. They secrete an alkaline mucus into small ducts, which is emptied into the urethra. This mucus coats the urethra to neutralize the pH of urine residue. In addition, it lubricates the penis. Sperm survive better in an alkaline medium than in acid; as alkalinity assists to maintain sperm motility.
A Lateral View of The Male Reproductive In Humans
References:
http://what-when-how.com/nursing/the-male-reproductive-system-structure-and-function-nursing-part-1/
http://what-when-how.com/nursing/the-male-reproductive-system-structure-and-function-nursing-part-2/
http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/anatomy/male-reproductive-system-male-urogenital-system/10
http://what-when-how.com/nursing/the-male-reproductive-system-structure-and-function-nursing-part-1/
http://what-when-how.com/nursing/the-male-reproductive-system-structure-and-function-nursing-part-2/
http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/anatomy/male-reproductive-system-male-urogenital-system/10