The male reproductive system: structure and functions

The difference between men and women lies in anatomical nuances. The main one is the difference between the reproductive systems, which perform similar functions and are closely related to the urinary system, but the anatomical difference is very large.

The organs of the male reproductive system are divided into external and internal. The internal organs include the testicles, the appendages of the testicles, the vas deferens, the seminal vesicles, the Cooper glands, and the prostate gland. Almost all of them have a pair.

The male reproductive system: structure and functions

Testicles

Paired glands located in the scrotum. Convoluted seminal tubules are present in each testicle. These tubules are responsible for the formation of spermatozoa. The acceptable temperature for this is four degrees less than the body temperature. Between the tubules are Leydig cells responsible for the synthesis of testosterone. The left testicle is located just below the right one, in addition, there may be a slight difference in size. The functions of the testicles are the formation of male sex cells and the secretion of sex hormones.

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Appendages of the testicles

A paired organ located on the posterior edge of each of the testicles. The appendages are connected to the seminal tubules. They serve for the accumulation and maturation of sperm. In the lower part they pass into the vas deferens.

Vas deferens

A paired tubular organ emerging from the appendage of the testicle. The ducts pass from the scrotum through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity, bend around the bladder and flow into the urethra (urethra). The function of the vas deferens is to transport sperm.

Seminal vesicles

A paired organ in the form of two strongly convoluted tubules. Numerous convolutions form a folded structure. The vesicles are located at the base of the bladder and produce a yellowish secretion containing fructose. This secret becomes one of the components of sperm, and the fructose contained in it serves as a source of energy for spermatozoa.

Cooper's glands (bulbourethral)

Paired glands the size of a pea connected to the urethra. The secretion produced by the glands neutralizes the remnants of urine in the urethra and, thereby, clears the way for the passage of sperm.

The prostate gland (prostate)

A glandular muscle organ located at the entrance of the urethra to the bladder. The prostate closes the exit from the bladder during an erection so that urine does not mix with ejaculate. It also produces a secret containing immunoglobulins, enzymes, vitamins, citric acid and zinc ions. This secret is part of the sperm and participates in its dissolution. The external genitalia are represented by the scrotum and penis. They are very sensitive and are erogenous zones on the male body.

The scrotum

A skin-muscle sac consisting of seven layers and divided into two parts inside. There is an egg in each part. There are also appendages of the testicles and the initial section of the spermatic cord, which looks like a seam from the outside. The scrotum has pigmented skin, as well as thick hair. The appearance and location contribute to maintaining the temperature necessary for spermatogenesis (32-34 degrees). The main functions of the scrotum are testicular protection and thermoregulation.

Penis

The tubular organ in which the urethra passes. The structure of the penis includes the head, trunk and base. The trunk consists of a spongy and cavernous body. During arousal, the cavernous bodies fill with blood, and therefore the penis increases – an erection occurs. The spongy body at the end of the penis forms the head and is the most sensitive area on the male body, as it contains a large number of nerve endings. The appearance of the penis can vary greatly from straight to curved. The average length of an erect penis is fifteen centimeters, but may vary depending on the country. Urination and the insertion of sperm into the vagina are the main functions that the penis performs. Photo: fookto.ru

Published

July, 2024

Duration of reading

About 1-2 minutes