The male reproductive system is the
reproductive system of males which is
responsible for producing and transporting
reproductive cells and protective fluid within
the female tract as well as production and
secretion of male sex hormones.
The Male Reproductive
System
Lorena Ambriz
The main purpose of the male reproduction system is to: produce and transport
reproductive cells (sperm) and protective fluid (semen), in order to discharge sperm within the
female tract. It is also responsible for producing and secreting male sex hormones.
The male reproductive system consists of many organs including essential organs for the
production of gametes (sex cells) or accessory organs that play some type of supportive role in the
reproductive system. The primary functions of the male reproductive system include to production
and transportation of sperm, the discharge
of sperm within the female reproductive
tract, and the production and secretion of
male sex hormones responsible for
maintaining the male reproductive system.
Located in the external part of the
male reproduction system are the penis,
scrotum, and the testicles. The primary
function of the penis is for it to be utilized
for sexual intercourse which consists of
three parts. The root is the part of the penis
that attaches to the wall of the abdomen. The body/shaft and the glans is the cone shaped part
located in the end of the pens. The glands also referred to as the head of the penis is covered with
a loose layer of skin called foreskin which is sometimes removed in a procedure called
circumcision. The urethra is the opening of the urethra. It is the tube that transports semen and
urine that is located in the tip of the penis. The scrotum is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that
hangs behind and below the penis. It contracts the testicles as well as many nerves and blood
vessels, as well as acting as a climate control system for the testes. For normal sperm development
the testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than the body temperature. Special muscles in
the wall of the scrotum allow it to contract and relax, coving the testicles closer to the body for
warmth and farther away from the body to cool the temperature. Finally the testicles are the oval
organs about the size of large olives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure
called the spermatic cord (most main have two). The testicles are responsible for making
testosterone, the primary
male hormone, and for
generating sperm. Within
the testes are coiled masses
of tubes called
seminiferous tubules which
are responsible for
producing sperm cells. The
epididymis is the long
coiled tube that rests on the
backside of each testicle
that functions in the storage
and transport of sperm cells that are produced in the testicles. It brings the sperm to maturity,
since the sperm emerge from the testicles are immature and incapable of fertilization.
The male reproduction system is composed of both essential and accessory organs. The
internal organs of the male reproductive system also known as the accessory organs include the vas
deferens, the ejaculatory ducts, the urethra, seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, Bulbourethral
glands, seminiferous tubules and the epididymis. Vas deferens is a long muscular tube that travels
from the epididymis to the pelvic cavity, to just behind the bladder. It is responsible for
transporting mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation. The Ejaculatory ducts are
ducts that are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles; they empty into
the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body
(essential in the urinary tract about 8-11 inches in males). Other than being essential in the urinary
tract, the urethra has an additional function in males. It is responsible for expelling (ejaculating)
semen when the man reaches orgasm. Whenever the penis is erect during sex, the flow of urine is
blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm. The seminal vesicles are
vesicles that produce a rich fluid, that attach the vas deferens near the base of the bladder. They
are responsible for producing sperm with a source of energy and helps with the sperms motility.
The fluid of the seminal vesicles makes up most of the volume of the male’s ejaculatory fluid. The
prostate gland is the walnut sized structure that is located below the urinary bladder in the front of
the rectum. It contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate (helps nourish sperm). (The urethra,
which carries ejaculate to be expelled during orgasm, runs through the center of the prostate
gland). The Bulbourethral glands also known as Cowper’s glands are pea sized structures located
on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate gland. They are responsible for the production
of clear slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. The fluid is responsible for lubricating
the urethra and to neutralize any acidity that may be present to residual droops of urine in the
urethra.
The entire system is dependent on hormones that are chemicals that stimulate or regulate
the activity of organs or cells. The primary hormones involved in the functioning of the male
reproductive system. Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland
located at the base of the brain essential for sperm production. It stimulates the production of
testosterone which is necessary to continue the process of spermatogenesis which is important in
the development of male characteristics including: muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone
mass, and sex drive. LH also known as Luteinizing hormone is the hormone released from the
pituitary gland that stimulates the production of testosterone in males and the production of
progesterone in females (Google). Testosterone is a steroid hormone responsible for stimulating
the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also
in the ovaries and adrenal cortex. GnRH also known as Gonadotrophin-Releasing hormone is a
trophic peptide hormone
from the hypothalamus
that is responsible for
stimulating the pituitary to
release FSH and LH.
Inhibin is a hormone that
occurs in both the female
and male reproductive
system. In Males, sertoli
cells release inhibin for the
development and maturity
of gem cells and their
release into the tubules influencing sperm count. Inhibin is a gonadal hormone that exerts a
specific negative feedback action on the secretion of FSH from the gonadotrophic cells of the
pituitary gland. (ACC)
A male’s reproductive system consists of many functions, including ensuring his fertility
and providing sex hormones which supports his sexual well-being. Even though problems that arise
in the system are often treatable, many disorders have potentially serious consequences (Live
Strong).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia also referred to as BPH refers to an enlarged prostate gland
that generally affects older men. The prostate is a gland that produces a fluid that cares sperm
during an erection. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes
out the body. BPH refers to an enlargement in the prostate that occurs to nearly all males when
they get older. As the gland begins to grow, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and
bladder problems. BPH is not a type of cancer; thus not rising ones risk of prostate cancer.
(MedicineNet) As far as medical research goes there is no actual cause of BPH, but yet there are
some components that are kinked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles that may play
roles in the growth of the gland (nytimes). If a male has had their testicles removed at a young age
(ex: if they get them removed as a result of testicular cancer) they would not be able to develop
BPH. Also if a man’s testicles are removed after a man develops BPH the prostate begins to
shrink in size. (WebMD)
The probability of someone developing BPH is likely to increase as the individual ages. (it
is common that every man would develop BPH as they begin to age). A small amount of BPH is
present in many men over the age of 40 although after the age of 80 more than 90% of men have
the condition.
The symptoms involved with BPH are connected with urination. The symptoms include
waking up at night to urinate, the sudden urge to urinate, a frequent
need to go urinate, pushing or straining to urinate, a week stream,
Signs of BPH include:
dribbling after urinating, feeling the bladder has not completely
emptied after urinating finishing, and pain or burning while
urination. Although these systems often indicate BPH, they are
often caused by a different problem.
As far as research goes, androgens have been thought to
play a permissive role in BPH. This theory is supported because
castrated boys do not develop BPH when they age. Whenever the
prostate gland is removed there is no chance a male will develop
BPH. (Wikipedia)
BPH is identified through a rectal examination that may
reveal a markedly enlarged prostate usually affecting the middle
lobe. In many cases, blood tests are performed in order to rule out
prostatic malignancy. Procedures for the diagnoses of BPH are
similar in those used for prostate cancer. These signs include a
weak urinary system, prolonged emptying of the bladder,
Weak urinary stream
Prolonged emptying of
the bladder
Abdominal straining
Hesitancy
Irregular need to
urinate
Incomplete bladder
emptying
Post-urination dribble
Irritation during
urination
Frequent urination
Nocturia (need to
urinate during the
night)
Urgency
Incontinence
(involuntary leakage of
urine)
Bladder pain
Dysuria (painful
urination)
Problems in
ejaculation
abdominal straining, hesitancy, an irregular need to urinate, as well as many other systems that may
cause an individual live an irregular lifestyle (Wikipedia).
As far as research has gone there is no definite cure for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, so
the treatment primarily focuses on ways of reducing the symptoms involved with BPH. The
treatment of BPH depends on the age of the individual (edu). Because the symptoms of Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia may come and go, it is important for an individual that has BPH to receive
regular check-ups to monitor the progression of the symptoms. Ways to successfully treat BPH,
include simple lifestyle changes as well as several herbal
remedies and medications (as well as several types of
Urinate when you first get the urge.
surgery to correct the condition).
Go to the bathroom when you have
the chance, even if you don't feel a
need to urinate.
Simple lifestyle changes can go a long ways when
suffering from BPH. Simple things like going to urinate
when one first gets the urge, going to the bathroom when
one has the chance, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine,
especially after dinner, can make life a whole lot easier
when suffering from BPH. Medications including Alpha
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially
after dinner. Try not to drink within 2
hours before going to bed.
Spread out your fluid intake
throughout the day -- avoid drinking
large amounts of fluid at one time.
Avoid cold and sinus medications.
Decongestants and antihistamines
can worsen BPH symptoms.
blockers can also help when dealing with BPH. Alpha-
Exercise regularly.
adrenergic are medicines that cause the muscles around
Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your
pelvic floor.
the bladder to relax, making it easier to urinate. Although
Reduce stress.
these medications were originally utilized to help treat
high blood pressure, they seem to help treat mean that are
dealing with BPH. ( These Alpha blockers include:
Source: Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
University of Maryland Medical
Center
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altm
ed/condition/benign-prostatichyperplasia#ixzz2xCCo2aDZ
University of Maryland Medical
Center
Terzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin). (WebMD)
The only reason one should consider surgery is if one has incontinence, recurrent blood in
the urine, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Surgery is the most effective way
to inhibit the symptoms of BPH, although the potential side effects include a minor risk of erectile
dysfunction or urinary incontinence. Most men who have prostate surgery see improvement in
urine flow rates and symptoms. Possible complications include impotence, urinary incontinence,
retrograde ejaculation, infertility, and urethral stricture (narrowing).
Because the reproductive system is an essential aspect in the diversity of humanity is it
important for both males and females to do anything in their hands to take care of their body.
Simple things like going to the doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help their body stay
healthy and prevent any problems from worsening and making one’s life a whole lot better.
Works Cited
Google(2014). Luteinizing hormone. Retrieved March 1 from:
https://www.google.com/search?q=male+reproductive+system+&oq=male+reproductive+sys
tem+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.5027j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF8#q=Luteinizing+hormone+(LH)+definition
Google(2014). Testosterone. Retrieved March 1 from:
https://www.google.com/search?q=male+reproductive+system+&oq=male+reproductive+sys
tem+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.5027j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF8#q=testosterone+definition+
LiveStrong(2014). Diseases and Disorders of the Male reproductive system. Retrieved March 5
from:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/90693-diseases-disorders-male-reproductive-system/
WebMD(2014). BPH. Retrieved March 5 from:
http://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-enlargement-bph/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bphtopic-overview
nytimes(2014). BPH. Retrieved March 5 from:
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/enlarged-prostate/overview.html
edu(2014). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Retrieved March 27 from:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
Austin Community College (2014). Reproductive System. Retrieved April 4 from:
http://www.austincc.edu/apreview/PhysText/Reproductive.html
Medicine Net (2014). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Retrieved April 4 from:
http://www.medicinenet.com/benign_prostatic_hyperplasia/article.htm
WebMD(2014). Prostate Enlargement/ BPH Health Center. Retrieved April 4 from:
http://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-enlargement-bph/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bphtopic-overview
Wikipedia(2014). Benign Prostatic hyperplasia. Retrieved April 4 from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_prostatic_hyperplasia