Male reproductive system

Glosary Testes The paired oval testes, also known as the male gonads, hang in the scrotal sac. Usually the right testis hangs higher than the left one by about 1 cm. Epididymis At the back of theolive-shaped body of each testis is a cap formed by the many coils of a 20-foot long tube called the epididymis. The function of the epididymis is to collect the immature sperm from the testis. As thesperm make their long journey through the epididymis they become mature sperm.

The urethra The urethra serves as the tube down which urine passes from the bladder through the penis to the outside andalso the tube down which semen is ejaculated. The prostate The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra. Along with the seminal vesicles it produces the fluid secretions thatsupport and nourish the sperm. Without this fluid to dilute them the sperm cannot move easily. After the age of 40 the prostate enlarges and can press on the urethra. An enlarged prostate is often thecause of urinary problems in older men.

María Inés Arias Ramos

tHE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Vas deferens Joined to the epididymis is the vas deferens — a thick walled tube which transports spermfrom the epididymis up to the prostate gland. The section of the vas deferens that is above the testis can be felt through the loose part of the scrotum. When a vasectomy is performed, it is thispart of the vas deferens that is snipped.

The male reproductive system The organs of the male reproductive system are specialized for the following functions: · To produce, maintain and transportsperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen) · To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract · To produce and secrete male sex hormones The male reproductive anatomyincludes internal and external structures.

External reproductive structures Most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the man's body. The external structures of the male reproductive...