Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
The Male Reproductive System
Objectives
Describe three functions of the male
reproductive system.
Identify five ways to keep the male
reproductive system healthy.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Myth Cancers of the male reproductive system only
affect older men.
Fact Cancer of the testes (testicular cancer) most
often occurs in teens and young men.
Why do you think that teens may have a
number of misconceptions about the reproductive
system?
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Structure and Function
• In males, the reproductive cells are called sperm.
• The functions of the male reproductive system are
• to produce sex hormones
• to produce and store sperm
• to deliver sperm to the female reproductive
system
• There, a sperm cell may join with an egg, in a
process called fertilization.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Testes
• The testes (TES teez) are the male reproductive
glands.
• The testes (singular, testis) have two major
functions—the production of testosterone and the
production of sperm.
• The sex hormone testosterone affects the
production of sperm and signals certain physical
changes at puberty.
• The testes, also called testicles, hang outside the
body within a sac of skin called the scrotum.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Penis
• The penis is the external sexual organ through
which sperm leave the body.
• The tip of the penis is covered with loose skin, called
the foreskin.
• In some males the foreskin is removed shortly after
birth.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Other Structures
Besides the external structures of the male
reproductive system, there are internal ducts and
accessory glands that play an important role in storing
and releasing sperm.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Sperm Production
• Sperm production begins when the hypothalamus
signals the pituitary gland to release two hormones—
luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH).
• LH signals the testes to begin making testosterone.
• Testosterone and FSH then signal the production of
sperm.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
Side View
Urinary bladder
Vas deferens
Urethra
Penis
Epididymis
Seminal
vesicle
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral gland
Testis
Scrotum
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
Front View
Urinary bladder
Vas deferens
Urethra
Penis
Seminal vesicle
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral gland
Epididymis
Testis
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
The Pathway of Sperm
• During their passage through the male reproductive
system, sperm cells mix with fluids produced by the
prostate and two other glands.
• The mixture of sperm cells and
these fluids is called semen
(SEE mun).
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
The Pathway of Sperm
Seminal
vesicle
Vas deferens
Prostate
gland
Bulbourethral
gland
Sperm
Seminal
The
prostate
bulbourethral
travel
vesicles
through
gland
add
glands
adds
the
athe
fluid
vas
atestes.
add
fluid
that
deferens
athat
provides
are
produced
in
Theyto
the
a
protects
lubricating
source
seminal
the
offluid
energy
vesicles.
sperm.
that
for
aids
the
active
passage
sperm.
of
mature
and
are
stored
in the
the
epididymis.
sperm through the urethra.
Urethra
Penis
Epididymis
Testis
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Release of Sperm
• The ejection of semen from the penis is called
ejaculation.
• Ejaculation occurs when muscles in the male
reproductive system and at the base of the bladder
contract, forcing semen through the urethra.
• Several million sperm cells are released during one
ejaculation.
• Ejaculation can occur when the penis is in an
erect state.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Keeping Healthy
Caring for the male reproductive system involves
• cleanliness
• sexual abstinence
• protection from trauma
• self-exams
• regular medical checkups
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Cleanliness
• It is important to thoroughly clean the external
organs—the penis and scrotum—daily, preferably
during a shower or bath.
• Drying the groin area well after showering can
prevent fungal infections that can cause jock itch.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Sexual Abstinence
• A number of serious infections of the reproductive
system and other body systems can result from
sexual contact.
• The only way to eliminate your risk of sexually
transmitted infections is to abstain—or refrain
from—sexual activity.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Protection From Trauma
• During athletic activities, males should wear a
protector, also called a “cup,” or supporter.
• Tight clothing should be avoided.
• Males should be careful when lifting heavy objects.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Self-Exams
• It is important for males to monitor their own bodies
for any signs of possible medical problems.
• Pain when urinating, unusual discharges, or sores on
the genitals require a medical examination.
• Males should examine their testes for signs of
testicular cancer.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Medical Checkups
• Medical exams throughout life can help ensure
reproductive health.
• In many older men, the prostate becomes enlarged
or develops cancer.
• Another condition a doctor can diagnose is
infertility—the condition of being unable to
reproduce.
• In males, infertility is marked by the inability to
produce healthy sperm or the production of too few
sperm.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
For: Updates on male reproductive health
Click above to go online.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Vocabulary
sperm
fertilization
testes
testosterone
scrotum
The reproductive cells in males.
The process of a sperm cell joining with an egg.
The male reproductive glands.
The sex hormone that affects the production of
sperm and signals certain physical changes at
puberty.
A sac of skin that contains the testes.
Slide 20 of 22
Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
Vocabulary
penis
semen
ejaculation
infertility
The external male sexual organ through which
sperm leave the body.
The mixture of sperm and fluids produced by the
glands of the male reproductive system.
The ejection of semen from the penis.
The condition of being unable to reproduce.
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
QuickTake Quiz
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Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System
End of Section 18.2
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