Male reproductive system (human)

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This article is about the human male reproductive system. For the male reproductive systems of other organisms, see Sexual

reproduction.

Male reproductive system (human)

Drawing of the Male Internal Sexual Anatomy

Latin systema genitale masculinum

The human male reproductive system (or male genital system) consists of a number of sex organs that are a part of the human

reproductiveprocess. In the case of men, these sex organs are located outside a man's body, around the pelvic region.

The main male sex organs are the penis and the testes which produce semen and sperm, which as part of sexual

intercourse fertilize an ovum in a woman's body and the fertilized ovum (zygote) gradually develops into a fetus, which is later born

as a child[citation needed].

Contents

 [hide]
 1 External genital

organs

o 1.1 Penis

o 1.2 Scrotu

2 Internal genital

organs

o 2.1 Epididy

mis

o 2.2 Vas

deferens

o 2.3 Testes

o 2.4 Accesso

ry glands

o 2.5 Seminal

vesicles

o 2.6 Prostate

gland

o 2.7 Bulbour

ethral glands

3 See also

4 References

[edit]External genital organs

[edit]Penis

Main article: Human penis

The penis is the male copulatory organ. It has a long shaft and enlarged bulbous-shaped tip called the glans penis, which supports

the foreskin. When the male becomes sexually aroused, the penis becomes erect and ready for sexual activity. Erection occurs

because sinuses within the erectile tissue of the penis become filled with blood. The arteries of the penis are dilated while the veins

are passively compressed so that blood flows into the erectile cartilage under pressure. The penis expands during sexual

reproduction or through sexual excitement and may eventually begin ejaculating, where semen passes through the urinary tract and

out of the meatus.

[edit]Scrotum
The scrotum is a pouch like structure that hangs behind the penis. It holds and protects the testes. It also contains numerous nerves

and blood vessels. During times of lower temperatures, the muscle contracts and pulls the scrotum closer to the body, giving it a

wrinkled appearance.

[edit]Internal genital organs

[edit]Epididymis

Main article: Epididymus

The epididymis is a whitish mass of tightly coiled tubes cupped against the testicles. It acts as a maturation and storage place for

sperm before they pass into the vas deferens, tubes that carry sperm to the ampullary gland and prostatic ducts.

[edit]Vas deferens

The vas deferens also known as the sperm duct is a thin tube approximately 17 inches long that starts from the epididymis to the

pelvic cavity.

[edit]Testes

The testes, also known as the testicles, are the male gonads, the organs that produce sperm cells. The testes are egg-shaped

structures that grow to be about one inch long and rest inside the scrotum. The testes also produces hormones, including

testosterone, which stimulates the production of sperm cells and facilitates male maturation. The testes of an adult male produce

several millions of sperm per day[citation needed]. Sperm cells develop in the testes in a system of tubes called seminiferous tubules.

[edit]Accessory glands

Three accessory glands provide fluids that lubricate the duct system and nourish the sperm cells. They are the seminal vesicles, the

prostate gland, and the bulbourethral glands.

[edit]Seminal vesicles

Seminal vesicles are sac-like structures attached to the vas deferens at one side of the bladder. They produce a sticky, yellowish

fluid that contains fructose. This fluid provides sperm cells energy and aids in their motility.

[edit]Prostate gland

The prostate gland surrounds the ejaculatory ducts at the base of the urethra, just below the bladder. The prostate gland is

responsible for the production of semen, a liquid mixture of sperm cells, prostate fluid and seminal fluid.

[edit]Bulbourethral glands

The bulbourethral glands are two small glands located on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate gland. These glands

produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. This fluid lubricates and neutralizes the urethra from any acidic

conditions that might be present due to the residual drops of urine.