The Male Reproductive System
Learning Targets
 I can describe the function of the male
reproductive system.
 I can identify the organs and structures of
the male reproductive system.
 I can discuss how to keep male reproductive
system healthy
The Male Reproductive System
The Vocabulary terms in this lesson are:
 Reproduction.
 Reproductive system.
 Sperm.
 Testes.
 Semen.
The Human Reproductive System
Reproduction is the process by which living
organisms produce others of their own
kind.
Human life results from the union of two
cells: one from the male and one from the
female.
These cells are produced by structures in
the male and female reproductive systems.
The human reproductive system consists of
body organs and structures that make it
possible to produce young.
The Male Reproductive System
The function of the male reproductive system is to
produce sperm and transmit them to the female
reproductive system.
Sperm are the male reproductive cells. They are first
produced during puberty—usually between the ages
of 12 and 15.
Sperm are made in the testes (inside the
seminiferous tubules) and mature in the epididymis.
 Sperm join with the female sex cells (eggs) to
produce new life.
 The union of the male and female sex cells is
called fertilization.
Testis
Vas deferens
Epididymis
Seminiferous
tubules
The Male Reproductive System
(cont’d.)
The urethra is a small tube that runs
from the bladder along the length of
the penis. Both urine and semen, at
different times, flow out of the body
through the urethra.
The
testes,
or testicles,
are the
glands that
produce
sperm and
testosterone.
The scrotum is
a pouch that
contains the
testes.
The penis
excretes urine
and ejaculates
semen.
The prostate gland
produces fluids that
help sperm move and
survive longer.
The
epididymis
is a
network of
tubes
located
behind the
testes.
Sperm are
stored in
the
epididymis.
Semen
The mixture of sperm and fluids from 3
different glands (seminal vesicle, prostate
gland, cowper’s gland) is called semen
Male Reproductive System
Male Health Concerns
Here are some common disorders that can
affect the male reproductive system.
Inguinal hernia
If a boy or man strains
his abdominal muscles,
he can weaken the
muscles that hold his
intestine in place.
This can allow the
intestine to push
through creating an
inguinal hernia.
Abdominal
wall
Intestine
Inguinal
hernia
Male Health Concerns (cont’d.)
Testicular cancer - Symptoms may include a lump or
swelling in the scrotum, pain or tenderness in one
of the testicles, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen
and groin. If detected in the early stages, it can
usually be cured.
Prostate cancer - This type of cancer usually affects
men over the age of 55. Current treatments include
surgery to remove all or part of the prostate gland,
radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
Sterility - The inability to produce enough healthy
sperm to fertilize a female reproductive cell is a
condition called sterility.
Caring for the Male Reproductive
System
Males can keep their reproductive systems
healthy by:
 Performing a testicular self-exam each month.
 Taking a shower or bath daily to keep the
external reproductive organs clean.
 Always wearing protective gear when
participating in contact sports.
 Having regular health screenings.
Reviewing Terms and Facts
1. Describe the function of the human
reproductive system.
The human reproductive system consists of
body organs and structures that make it
possible to produce young.
Reviewing Terms and Facts
2. Identify three disorders of the male
reproductive system.




Inguinal hernia
Testicular cancer
Prostate cancer
Sterility
Thinking Critically
3. Why are regular self-examinations of
the testes important?
Performing regular self-examinations can help
catch testicular cancer in its early stages by
detecting lumps or swelling in the testes.
Vocabulary Review
Reproduction is the process by which
living organisms produce others of their
own kind.
Vocabulary Review
The reproductive system consists of body
organs and structures that make it
possible to produce young.
Vocabulary Review
Sperm are the male reproductive cells.
Vocabulary Review
The testes are the pair of glands that
produce sperm.
Vocabulary Review
The mixture of sperm and fluids is called
semen.