Ch. 18
Male Reproductive
System
Reproduction
 Reproduction results from the union of 2
specialized sex cells- one from the male
and one from the female.
 What are these called?
Functions of Male
Reproductive System
 Production & storage of sperm
 Transfer of sperm to the female’s body
 Testosterone (the male sex hormone)
production- signals changes in male
body that signal maturity (voice getting
deeper, broadening of shoulders, facial
hair, etc.)
External Male Reproductive
Organs
 Testes- 2 small glands that produce
sperm
 Penis- organ that extends from the trunk
of the body just above the testes
 Scrotum- external skin sac
 Semen- thick fluid containing sperm and
other secretions from the male
reproductive system
Internal Male Reproductive
Organs
 Vas deferens
 Urethra
 Seminal vesicles
 Prostate gland
Male Reproductive System
Diagram
Fertilization
 The joining of a sperm cell & egg cell
can result if ejaculation occurs during
sexual intercourse.
 Ejaculation- a series of muscular
contractions that happen at the height of
sexual arousal
Sperm
 Scrotum protects sperm by keeping it
slightly below normal body temperature
 When a male begins to produce sperm,
he may experience nocturnal emissions
that occur when sperm is released
during sleep
 300-400 million sperm in each
ejaculation
Problems
 Sterility- too few sperm or sperm of poor
quality
 Testicular Cancer- usually in males 1440.
Review Questions
 What is the function of the testes?
 What are the symptoms of testicular
cancer?
 Describe the path that sperm follow from
the time they’re formed until they leave
the body.
 What is semen comprised of?