Reproductive System Male

lobules

the testes are further divided into compartments called lobules

The urethral opening, or external meatus

used to excrete both urine and seminal fluid

epididymis

part of the reproductive ducts within the male reproductive system. It consists of a very coiled tube that fits snugly over the upper end of each testis. Sperm from the efferent ductules are stored in the epididymis before ejaculation. The total length of each epididymis is 20 feet. The sperm spend about 3 weeks maturing in the epididymis

cremaster and dartos muscles

flex to pull the scrotum close to the body or relax to regulate the temperature of the testes. Normally there are two testes, each in its own compartment and separated by the longitudinal median septum

seminal vesicles

glands found immediately beneath the bladder. They secrete a sticky, alkaline, yellow substance that assists in sperm movement and longevity. It is the union of the seminal vesicles and the vas deferens that make up the ejaculatory ducts.

dartos

A muscle in the scrotal wall that responds to temperature changes and moves the position of the testes within the scrotum

prepuce

A retractable fold of skin at the tip of the penis, also called foreskin

urethra

A 20-cm long S-shaped tube that connects the urinary bladder and ejaculatory ducts to the outside of the body.

tunica albuginea

Each testis is surrounded by connective tissue called the tunica albuginea

The testes(singular: testis)

the male gonads (gamete-producing glands).

The supporting structures of the male reproductive system

the scrotum, penis, and spermatic cords

meatus

The end of the urethra

circumcision

The removal of the prepuce

gonads

Gamete-producing glands

prostate gland

surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder. It is a singular gland made up of many small glands and muscle fibers enclosed in a dense connective tissue. The prostate secretes a thin, milky, alkaline substance that assists in sperm motility. The alkaline nature of the seminal fluid protects the sperm from the acidic environment of the female vagina

spermatic cord

A group of structures that go through the inguinal canal to the testis. The structures include the vas deferens, arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, and nerves

tunica albuginea

Connective tissue that surrounds each testis

cremaster

One of the muscles, attached to the spermatic cord, that responds to temperature changes and moves the position of the testes within the scrotum

The accessory glands—namely the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands—secrete additives to the sperm that strengthen and protect them. These secretions, together with the sperm, are called semen.

The accessory glands—namely the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands—secrete additives to the sperm that strengthen and protect them. These secretions, together with the sperm, are called semen.

efferent ductules

The area that the rete testis empties into

seminiferous tubules

The area where the spermatozoa are produced.

semen

The combination of secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands with sperm

rete testis

The network of canals that the sperm run through

median septum

The separation between the two testes

scrotum

The testes(singular: testis) are the male gonads (gamete-producing glands). These are contained in a sac-like structure called the scrotum.

bulbourethral glands (also called Cowper glands)

There are two / each approximately the size of a pea, located inferior to the prostate. Their ducts open into the urethra where they secrete a mucoid substance before ejaculation, coating the lining of the urethra in order to further protect the sperm

Cowper glands

Two bulbourethral glands, each approximately the size of a pea, which are located inferior to the prostate

vas deferens (also called the ductus deferens)

a continuation of the epididymis that ascends to the urethra. It passes out of the scrotum and into the abdominal cavity through an inguinal canal. It is part of the spermatic cord that also includes blood vessels, nerves, and a lining that all function closely with the testis. Once it reaches the abdominal cavity, the vas deferens separates from the rest of the spermatic cord and crosses the ureter to reach the posterior side of the urinary bladder. Here it becomes part of the ejaculatory duct, where it passes through the prostate gland and terminates in the urethra

scrotum

a pouch of skin containing two sacs that are separated by a septum. Each sac contains a testis, epididymis, and the lower part of a spermatic cord. The spermatic cords enclose the vas deferens, blood vessels, lymphatic's, and nerves. They are located in the inguinal canal, between the scrotum and abdominal cavity

male reproductive system

main structures of the male reproductive system are: testes, reproductive ducts, accessory reproductive glands, and supporting structures

penis

penis is made up of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue. Two lateral cylinders are called the corpora cavernosa and, a third, medial one called the corpus spongiosum, the distal part of which forms the glans penis. The glans penis is covered by a loose-fitting casing known as the prepuce or foreskin. The urethral opening, or external meatus, is used to excrete both urine and seminal fluid.

seminiferous tubules

seminiferous tubules where the spermatozoa are produced. The sperm pass from these tubules into the rete testis and then into the efferent ductules to complete the maturation process before leaving the testes via the epididymis.