Male Reproductive System Science Test (Study this one)

How are the tissues of the penis adapted to achieve erection?

- During periods of sexual excitement, the blood vessels expand and more blood flows into the spongy chambers, producing high pressure within the tissues. - Tissues become enlarged and compress veins that carry blood away from the penis, making them unable to do so. - This building of blood pressure makes the penis firm and erect.

What is male circumcision and why is it performed?

- It is the removal of the foreskin from the penis. - Reasons for male circumcision: 1. To correct a physical abnormality. 2. For reasons of hygiene. 3. In keeping with religious or cultural beliefs.

What are nocturnal emissions and why do they occur?

- Nocturnal emissions are ejaculations and orgasms that occur while a person is sleeping. - They are also called wet dreams. - Ejaculations during sleep are most common during puberty (12 to 18 yrs) - Can happen to all men. - One of the first signs puberty has begun.

Prostrate Gland

1. Accessory Gland 2. Nourishes sperm and improves sperm motion. 3. Gives semen milky color.

Cowper's Gland

1. Accessory Gland 2. Produces a clear, alkaline fluid that neutralizes acid in the urethra and lubricates it.

Seminal Vesicles

1. Accessory Gland 2. Secretes a fluid rich in sugar that provides energy for the sperm to swim (nourishes sperm and improves sperm motion.)

Ejaculatory Duct

1. Excretory Duct 2. Connects the Vas Deferens to the Urethra. 3. Receives sperm from the Vas Deferens and seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles.

Epididymis Duct

1. Excretory Duct 2. Sperm matures and is stored within the epididymis.

Urethra

1. Excretory Duct 2. Transports semen from ejaculatory duct to outside of body. Receives semen from prostate and cowper's gland. 3. Transports urine from bladder to outside of body.

Vas Deferens

1. Excretory Duct 2. Transports sperm from epididymis through ejaculatory to urethra.

Hormones and Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Hormones - Hormones are chemical messengers that travel in the blood stream from the glands where they are produced to the organ where they do their work. - Hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands initiate puberty in boys in that they cause the testicles to start producing testosterone. Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is produced primarily in the testicles. The production of testosterone is controlled by the pituitary gland. The functions of testosterone include the following: a. It is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty, for example, the deepening of the voice, appearance of facial and pubic hair, male genital development and muscle mass. b. Testosterone is necessary for sperm to mature and contributes to the overall quality of the sperm.

Testicles

Produces testosterone and sperm: a) Testosterone is responsible for development of secondary sexual characteristics. b) Sperm is produced inside seminferous tubules.

Penis

Responsible for transferring sperm to the female.

Male Gamete (Structure and Functions)

The male gamete is the sperm cell. Sperm cell contains 3 parts: 1. Head: Contains nucleus and chromosomes. Also contains acrosome that holds an enzyme that allow sperm to penetrate egg. 2. Middle Piece: Acts like a motor and contains mitochondria that provides sperm cell with energy needed to move. 3. Tail: Is the "whip-like" flagellum that moves back and forth to propel the sperm forward.

Psychological Changes in Boys

1. Mood Swings Related to changes in hormone levels, physical changes, a changing self-concept and the usual stresses of the pre-teen years, mood swings may occur. 2. Sexual Desires There are new sexual feelings and interests which develop during puberty. Crushes and attraction to members of opposite sex or same sex occur. 3. Sense of Identity The question many ask during puberty is "who am I?". Friendships outside the home are developed. The interest of the peer group become important. Individuals are seeking more independence. 4. Confusion Dependent child versus independent adolescent can be a source of confusion. Although the body resembles that of a young adult a boy might not be emotionally prepared for the passage. 5. Pressure Peer group often sets standards for appropriate dress, language and behavior. Often peer group standards differ from the parents expectations and this can create conflict. 6. Self Consciousness Resulting from physical changes that occur during puberty. 7. Complicated Decisions A wide range of complicated decisions are made, including choosing courses at school to asking someone out.

Sperm Pathway

1. Testicles 2. Epididymis 3. Vas Deferens 4. Ejaculatory Duct 5. Urethra (length of penis) 6. External Environment

Physical Changes in Boys

1. Weight Gain. 2. Shoulders Broaden. 3. Muscle develop (bigger and stronger.) 4. Voice change (vocal cords get thicker and longer causing voice to deepen.) 5. Hair growth (underarm, pubic, facial, legs.) 6. Penis gets bigger and wider. 7. Testicles get larger. 8. Sweat and oil glands become more active, and body odor changes. 9. Some may develop acne. 10. Erections and nocturnal emissions ("wet dreams.")