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Introduction to the Male Structures
Diagram 18.2 page 470
Path of Sperm
Problems of Male Reproductive System
Care for the Reproductive System
Concept Mapping Activity
Quiz next class
DO NOW:
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Define Reproductive System
List as many Reproductive Structures in the
male body as you can
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Major Functions:
◦ Production of sperm
◦ Storage of sperm (male reproductive cell)
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Time of puberty pituitary gland releases
hormone that stimulates production of
testosterone (responsible for physical
changes)
Fertilization – the joining of male sperm and
female egg
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Scrotum- an external skin sac that holds
the testes
Testes- (singular Testis) also called testicles
◦ two small glands that produce sperm
◦ Produce hormone testosterone
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***Sperm cannot live above normal body
temp; Skin of scrotum keeps the testes
slightly below body temp; muscles in the
scrotum relax or contract to control
temp***
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Penis – external organ used for intercourse;
contains three cylinders which become filled
with blood to increase in size and fullness
Glans – smooth sensitive end of the penis
Foreskin –fold of skin covering the head of
penis
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The singular word for testes is “testis”, from
Latin meaning to witness. During ancient
times, a person providing testimony would
validate it by holding his testes or another
mans!!
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Seminal Vesicle –
◦ seminal fluid originates in seminal vesicle;
◦ Provides nutrients and energy to the sperm as it travels
through the vagina
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Vas Deferens –
◦ (ductus deference) move sperm;
◦ connect the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
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Prostate Gland –
◦ Size of walnut; is below the bladder
◦ Release nourishing fluid for sperm travel during ejaculation
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Cowper's Gland –
◦ Two tiny glands; located below prostate, neutralize semen
◦ Releases pre-ejaculatory fluid
◦ Fluid cleanses urethra to protect sperm from acid
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Epididymis◦ Tightly coiled tube connecting to vas deference
◦ Stores mature sperm
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Urethra –
◦ Passage way for semen and urine to leave the body
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Urinary bladder –
◦ Storage of urine until excretion
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1. Produced in testes
2. Stored in Epididymis
3. Released into the Vas Deferens
4.Passes seminal vesicle
5. Passes prostate gland
6. Now Urethra – passes Cowper’s gland
7. travels down the penis and out of the body
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Head – Contains genetic
material
Acrosomal Sac- above head;
contains digestive enzyme so
can penetrate ovum
Neck contains mitochondria;
energy for sperm to swim
Tail – side to side movement
to propel sperm through the
vagina into the uterus
1.
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Males remain fertile and produce sperm
throughout their life
300 – 400 million sperm in each ejaculation
Sperm swim 30 inches per hour
Sperm make up 5% of what males ejaculate
Sperm can live up to 5 days in fertile cervical
fluid
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Get regular check-ups
◦ Go to doctor every 12 – 18 months
Bathe regularly
Wear protective equipment
◦ use protective cup or supporter during physical
activities
Perform regular self-examinations
◦ Check for any changes
Practice safe sexual activity or abstinence
◦ Use protection or abstain from intercourse
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Chlamydia/gonorrhea
◦ Bacterial infections cause burning during urination.
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Syphilis
◦ Bacterial infection; initially painless, then red sores
appear
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Genital Herpes
◦ Virus; blister like sores in genital area
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Inguinal Hernia
◦ Separation of tissues allows intestine to push into
abdomen near top of scrotum
◦ Symptoms : lump in groin near thigh, pain in groin;
severe case partial or complete intestinal blockage
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Sterility – Inability to reproduce; results from too
few sperm less than 20 million per milliliter of
seminal fluid
Results from environmental hazards
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Exposure to X rays
Radiation
Toxic chemicals
Lead
Anabolic steroids
Drugs
Hormonal imbalance
STD’s