Notes

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
1. The testes are each hung outside the body in a sac called the scrotum.
2. The function of the testes is to produce the male gametes or sperms.
3. The testes are located outside the body in the scrotum because sperms cannot
form at human body temperature.
4. The sperms move out from the testes in the sperm ducts.
5. The prostate gland produces a milky fluid that protects the sperms.
6. The mixture of sperms and the secretion of the prostate gland is called
semen.
7. The urethra is a tube that allows sperm to move from the sperm duct to the
penis. The urethra is also the tube that allows urine stored in the urinary
bladder to flow out of the body.
8. The function of the penis is to transfer sperms into the female reproductive
organ.
Organs of the male reproductive system –
the structures and functions
organ Structure Functions
testis (plural:Testes)
An oval-shaped organ located
the scrotum.
1. produces sperms.
2. Produces male sex hormones, such as androgen and
testosterone.
Epididymis A coiled tube within the
scrotum.
1. stores sperms (until they are natured) before they
enter the sperm duct.
sperm duct
Connects and directs sperm
from testes to seminal
vesicles.
1. transports sperm from the testes to the urethra.
seminal vesicle A pair of glands located at
the urinary bladder.
1. secretes a mucous-like liquid into the sperm duct.
2. this liquid is rich in sugar, which provides energy
for the sperm cells.
3. the mixture of semi liquid and sperm is called
semen.
urethra A fine tube that connects the
urinary bladder to the penis.
1. acts as excretory tube to discharge urine and sperm
out of the male’s body.
2. ejaculates semen through the penis.
penis Cylindrical-shape organ which
has erectile tissue.
1. sends semen directly from the male body to the
female reproductive system during sexual intercourse.
scrotum
Sac which protects and
supports the testes.
1. locates the testes outside the body.
2. maintains the temperature of the testis at 34 0C
which is lower than normal human body
temperature of 37 0C
prostate gland
Muscular gland and located below the urinary bladder and surrounds the top portion of the urethra.
1. secretes thinner alkaline liquid and vitamin E
derivative into the semen.
2. this helps sperm move and survive.
The role of sperm in reproduction
1. A sperm is a male sex cell.
2. A sperm measures about 0.06 mm which makes it’s the smallest cell in a man’s
body.
3. It cannot be seen by naked eye. Under a microscope, sperm look like tadpoles.
4. A sperm cell is need to fertilise a woman’s egg (called the ova) to produce an
offspring.
5. A sperm is made up of three parts:
i. the head – contains genetic material (nucleus)
ii. midpiece – is the motor of the sperm (middle region)
iii. tail – enables the sperm to move.
6. Sperm production needs a temperature which is 3 to 5 degrees below body
temperature. The scrotum keeps the sperm at the correct temperature. If it
becomes too cool on the outside, the scrotum will bring the testicles closer to
the body for warmth.