Unlike other body systems, the
reproductive system
is different for males and females
In this lesson, you will learn to
 identify the parts of the male reproductive system.
 describe the functioning of the male reproductive system.
 identify problems of the male reproductive system.
 recognize the importance of early detection in the treatment of conditions of the
male reproductive system.
 describe ways to keep your reproductive system healthy.
Reproductive System
The body system containing the
organs that make possible the
production of offspring
Parts of the Male Reproductive
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Testes ….. Testicles
Scrotum
Epididymis
Vas deferens
Urethra
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Cowper’s gland
Penis
Penis - male organ for sexual intercourse, reproduction and urination
2 parts of penis
glans: the head of the
penis
shaft: from the ridge of
the glans to the
scrotum
foreskin: covers the glans at
birth
circumcision: removal of
foreskin
1. hygienic reasons
2. religious reasons
2 states of the penis
flaccid: soft and limp
erect: hard and enlarges – erection
blood vessels become filled
with blood
urethra
the tube that
carries semen
(sperm & fluids)
and urine out of
the body, but not at
the same time
a passageway for
semen and urine
meatus – outside opening of the urethra
testes – testicles
two oval shaped
glands that
produce sperm
and testosterone
scrotum
A sac of skin that contains
the testes just beneath
the penis and regulates
temperature for the sperm to
reproduce
epididymis
network of tubes where
sperm mature and are
stored temporarily
Located behind each
testicle
vas deferens
tubes that go from the epididymis to the urethra
a passageway for sperm
semen – (SEE-muhn) the mixture of sperm and fluids
seminal vesicle
two glands on either
side of the bladder
that secrete a fluid,
(seminal fluid), that
combines with
sperm in the vas
deferens
seminal fluid
provides
nourishment to
sperm
prostate gland
Cowper’s gland
a pair of small glands that secrete
a mucous substance that adds to
semen to neutralize the urethra
gland near the
bottom of the
bladder; it forms
a milky fluid that
combines with
sperm and
seminal fluid in
the vas deferens
keeps sperm
alive
sperm
male reproductive cell
3 parts: head, neck, tail
head contains DNA chromosomes
neck supplies energy and nutrients
tail provides mobility
head
tail
neck
Path of the sperm
• produced in the testes
• stored in the epididymis
• travels through the vas deferens where
other fluids are added to create semen
• seminal vesicle secretes seminal fluid
• prostate gland secretes a milky fluid
• Cowper’s gland secretes a mucous substance
• semen travels through urethra
– urethra is a tube that is inside the penis
• meatus – outside opening of urethra
• semen is ejaculated out of the top of the penis
ejaculation:
the action that
forces semen
through the
urethra & out of
the body
G
H
G
Healthy Habits for male
• Practice abstinence from sex - this can prevent
infections with HIV and other STDs
• Bathe or shower daily - keeping your reproductive
organs clean is important because it will cut down
possible infection and reduce the risk of cancer of the
penis …..smegma
• Avoid wearing tight clothing
• Wear protective clothing for sports - Athletic support is
necessary for the penis and testes and a cup can
prevent injuries to those organs additionally.
• Perform TSE - Testicular self-examinations are a way to
check your own testicles for lumps or tenderness.
• Have regular medical checkups - a physician can
examine a male and answer any question he has.
• Get medical attention for signs of infection - lumps,
sores, rashes, or a discharge from the penis require
medical attention. These can be symptoms of STDs.
Problems of the Male
Reproductive System
Injury to the testes
Testicular cancer
Hernia
Sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs)
hernia When an internal organ pushes against or
through a surrounding cavity wall
Assessment Questions
Human Sexuality Booklet
Chapter 3 Lesson 1
The Male Reproductive System
Unlike other body systems, the
reproductive system
is different for males and females
In this lesson, you will learn to
 identify the parts of the male reproductive system.
 describe the functioning of the male reproductive system.
 identify problems of the male reproductive system.
 recognize the importance of early detection in the treatment of conditions of the
male reproductive system.
 describe ways to keep your reproductive system healthy.
Male Diagram
Cowper’s
gland
Scrotum
Assessment Questions
Human Sexuality Booklet
Chapter 3 Lesson 1
The Male Reproductive System
1. Define the terms scrotum and testes and
explain how these parts of the male reproductive
system functions.
• The scrotum is a loose sac of skin that hangs
outside the body. It holds the testes.
• The testes are the male sex glands, they
manufacture testosterone and produce sperm.
• To produce sperm, the temperature of the testes
must be a few degrees lower than normal body
temperature. The scrotum keeps the testes at
the right temperature by holding the testes away
from or close to the body as needed.
2. List the external and internal male reproductive
organs.
• External organs
– Scrotum
– Testes
– penis
• Internal organs
–
–
–
–
–
Vas deferens
Seminal vesicles
Prostate glands
Cowper’s glands
Urethra
3. Analyze the relationship between good personal
hygiene, health promotion, and disease prevention.
Describe two ways to care for the male reproductive
system.
• Care for the male reproductive system includes
washing the external organs and monthly
testicular self-examinations.
• Taking care of the reproductive systems helps
prevent problems.
• Early detection of problems is key
4. Name one disorder of the male reproductive
system. Explain why it is important to look for
warning signs and seek early detection to prevent
disease.
Possible answer ……
Cancer of the testes can be detected through
monthly testicular self-examination.
5. Describe the route of sperm from testes to the
penis.
• Sperm is produced in the testes
• Move into epididymis where they mature
• Travel through vas deferens
– seminal vesicles
– prostate glands
– Cowper’s glands
• Into the urethra
• Through the tip of the penis …. meatus
6. How might the male reproductive system be
affected if the reproductive glands did not function
properly?
Possible answers:
• If seminal vesicles did not function properly –
sperm wouldn’t get nourishment and be mobile
• If the prostate gland did not function properly –
acids in the urethra and those encountered
during intercourse in the vagina would destroy
the sperm
• If the Cowper’s glands did not function properly
– the acidity of any urine that might be in urethra
would destroy sperm