Reproduction and the Early years

of life
Standard #8
Individual Growth and Development

Male reproductive System

The Basics
Glans the tip (head) of
the penis; made up of
nerve endings that make it
extremely sensitive
Shaft the rest of the
penis
Circumcision removal of
the foreskin; often done
for religious/cultural
reasons

What is the Sperm

(spermatazoa)?
Male reproductive cell; contains one half of
the instructions needed for the development
of a human being. Produced in the
seminiferous tubules of the testes
Takes 2 to 10 days to fully mature

What is Fertilization?
The union (joining) of a sperm and an egg

What are Testis (2) (testicle-1)?

Egg shaped structures (2) that hangs inside
of the scrotum which have seminiferous
tubules

What are the Functions of testis?

1. Make sperm (50,000 a minute)
2. Produce male sex hormone testosterone

What is the Epididymis?

Sperm are stored in the large coiled tubules on
the outer surface of the testis. Sperm mature
here (get their tails)

What is the Scrotum?

The sac in which the testis hang; protects
the testes

What are the Vas Deferens?

Pathway for sperm. Joins with the urethra.

What is the Seminal vesicle?

Produces thick fructose secretions that
nourish the sperm and help them move
easier; located at base of bladder

What is the Prostate gland?

Secretes a thin, milky alkaline fluid;
protects the sperm from acid in female
reproductive system; encircles the urethra
near the bladder

What is the bulbourethral (Cowpers)

gland?
Prior to ejaculation it Secretes clear fluid that
protects sperm from acid in male urethra (cleans
the urethra); found near the urethra below the
prostate gland

What is the Urethra?

(inside the penis) final exit for sperm
(semen) and urine

What is the Penis?

Male reproductive structure that deposits
sperm (semen) inside the female body

What is an Erection?
Occurs when the male becomes sexually
excited; the arteries leading to the penis
open wider, allowing more blood to flow to
the penis causing the penis to become
larger, longer and firmer

What is Ejaculation?
Process in which the sperm leaves the male body
semen (combination of seminal fluid, sperm,
prostate fluid, Cowper's fluid)
Pre-ejaculatory fluid pre-cum

One ejaculation contains 40 million 400 million

sperm ** only the strong survive**
Only one sperm can fertilize the egg, except in
rare twin cases

Problem of the Male Reproductive

System
Problem

What is it ?

Symptoms

Treatment

Jock itch

Fungal infection
of groin area

Itchy rash in
groin

Keeping area
cool and dry

Cystitis

Inflammation of
the urinary
bladder

Burning during
urination

Antibiotics
prescribed by a
doctor

Prostatitis

Bacterial
infection of the
prostate

Fever, pain in
the pelvis

Antibiotics
prescribed by a
doctor

Inguinal hernia

Bulging of
portion of the
intestines or
other

Abnormal bulge
in the abdomen

Immediate
medical care

Keeping the Male Reproductive System Healthy

Male should watch for any changes or symptoms

that might indicate a problem

If any symptoms or problems are present, see the
doctor right away
Wear appropriate protective gear when playing
contact sports
Avoid wearing tight clothing
Wash the penis and scrotum every day
If you are not circumcised, wash underneath the
foreskin
Perform a monthly testicular self-exam
Have an annual checkup with a doctor

Testicular Self-Exam
Perform the self-exam during or after a

warm bath or shower

Stand in front of the mirror, and hold the
penis out of the way
Examine each testicle separately
Look and feel for any lumps or any change
in the size, shape, or consistency of the
testicle
Contact your doctor if you detect any
troublesome signs

Vas
deferens
Seminal vesicle
Prostate gland
Cowpers
gland

epididymis
testes
scrotum

urethra

penis