The male reproductive system consists of the
following organs
following organs
·
2 testes
2 testes
·
2
epididymis
2
epididymis
·
2 ductus
deferens and spermatic cords
2 ductus
deferens and spermatic cords
·
2
ejaculatory ducts
2
ejaculatory ducts
·
2
seminal vesicles
2
seminal vesicles
·
1
prostate gland
1
prostate gland
·
1 penis
1 penis
Scrotum
This is a pouch of deeply pigmented skin lying
below the symphysis pubis in front of the upper parts of the thigh behind the
penis. Divided into 2 compartments each containing the testis, one epididymis
and the testicular end of a spermatic cord.
below the symphysis pubis in front of the upper parts of the thigh behind the
penis. Divided into 2 compartments each containing the testis, one epididymis
and the testicular end of a spermatic cord.
Testes
– Reproductive
glands equivalent of ovaries in the female
glands equivalent of ovaries in the female
– Suspended in the scrotum by spermatic
cords.
cords.
– Measures about 4.5cm long 2.5cm long
2.5cm wide and 3 cm thick
2.5cm wide and 3 cm thick
– Surrounded by 3 layers of tissue i.e.
Tunica vaginalis, Tunica albuginea and Tunica vasculosa.
Tunica vaginalis, Tunica albuginea and Tunica vasculosa.
Each
consists of 200-300 lobules composed of germinal epithelial cells.
consists of 200-300 lobules composed of germinal epithelial cells.
Urethra
–
Common
pathway for excretion of urine and secretion of the male reproductive organs
called semen. Much longer in males than in females. Measures about 19-20cm
(7.5-8inches).
Common
pathway for excretion of urine and secretion of the male reproductive organs
called semen. Much longer in males than in females. Measures about 19-20cm
(7.5-8inches).
·
1st
part surrounded by prostate gland called prostatic urethra.
1st
part surrounded by prostate gland called prostatic urethra.
·
2nd
part membranous urethra situated in the perineum
2nd
part membranous urethra situated in the perineum
·
3rd
part spongy urethra situated in the penis.
3rd
part spongy urethra situated in the penis.
It has two (2) sphincters i.e. internal sphincter
at the neck of the bladder and the external at the membranous part of the
urethra.
at the neck of the bladder and the external at the membranous part of the
urethra.
Prostate gland:
The prostate
gland is a chest nut shaped structure about 4cm across and 3 cm thick in front
of the rectum and behind the symphysis pubis in the pelvic cavity that
surrounds the beginning of the urethra, just below the urinary bladder. The
size remains unchanged between ages 20-50 years. Later however, it may enlarge.
gland is a chest nut shaped structure about 4cm across and 3 cm thick in front
of the rectum and behind the symphysis pubis in the pelvic cavity that
surrounds the beginning of the urethra, just below the urinary bladder. The
size remains unchanged between ages 20-50 years. Later however, it may enlarge.
It secretes a thin, milky fluid with an alkaline
PH. It function to neutralize the seminal fluid which is acidic. It also
enhances the motility of the sperm cells. In addition it helps neutralize the
acidic secretions of the vagina, thus helping to sustain sperm cells that enter
the female reproductive tract
PH. It function to neutralize the seminal fluid which is acidic. It also
enhances the motility of the sperm cells. In addition it helps neutralize the
acidic secretions of the vagina, thus helping to sustain sperm cells that enter
the female reproductive tract
Penis
The Penis consists of a body. Formed by 3 elongated
masses of erectile tissues and involuntary muscles rich in blood vessels.
Supported by fibrous tissues and covered by the skin. The two (2) lateral
columns are called corpora cavermosa / Corpus Spongiosum at the tip expanded
into a triangular structure called the glands penis above which is the fore
skin /prepuce.
masses of erectile tissues and involuntary muscles rich in blood vessels.
Supported by fibrous tissues and covered by the skin. The two (2) lateral
columns are called corpora cavermosa / Corpus Spongiosum at the tip expanded
into a triangular structure called the glands penis above which is the fore
skin /prepuce.
Functions:
·
Production
of sperm cells/spermatozoa.
Production
of sperm cells/spermatozoa.
·
Copulation.
Copulation.
Semen
The semen
is a complex mixture of sperm, water, fructose citric acid, ascorbic acid,
dissolved nutrients, enzymes and proteins. Included among the enzymes is
hyaluronidase which digests mucus in the cervix of the female reproductive
tract. It also helps remove protective cells that surround the ovum making it
accessible for fertilization by the sperm.
is a complex mixture of sperm, water, fructose citric acid, ascorbic acid,
dissolved nutrients, enzymes and proteins. Included among the enzymes is
hyaluronidase which digests mucus in the cervix of the female reproductive
tract. It also helps remove protective cells that surround the ovum making it
accessible for fertilization by the sperm.
The average ejaculate contains about 3mls. Of fluid
with sperm contributing less than 5% of the volume. Concentration varies from
50-150million per ml.
with sperm contributing less than 5% of the volume. Concentration varies from
50-150million per ml.
Functions of seminal vesicles
·
Secretion
of slightly alkaline fluid which helps to regulate the PH of the tubular
contents as sperm cells are conveyed to the outside
Secretion
of slightly alkaline fluid which helps to regulate the PH of the tubular
contents as sperm cells are conveyed to the outside
·
Nourishment.
Secretion contains nutrients rich in fructose and prostaglandins which helps in
the contraction of muscles.
Nourishment.
Secretion contains nutrients rich in fructose and prostaglandins which helps in
the contraction of muscles.
·
At the
time of ejaculation the contents are emptied into the ejaculatory ducts thereby
increasing the volume of the fluid that is discharged from the vas deferens.
At the
time of ejaculation the contents are emptied into the ejaculatory ducts thereby
increasing the volume of the fluid that is discharged from the vas deferens.