male reproductive system Flashcards
What organs make up the male reproductive system?
The male reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that work together to produce sperm, hormones, and facilitate sexual reproduction.
What are the external organs of the male reproductive system?
The external organs include the penis, scrotum, testes, and epididymis. These are located outside the body’s main cavity, typically in the pelvic region.
What is the function of the penis in the male reproductive system?
The penis serves as the organ for sexual intercourse and urination.
a pouch of skin
scrotum
What is the function of the scrotum?
The scrotum is a pouch of skin that holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature for optimal sperm production.
What is the role of the testes in the male reproductive system?
The testes are responsible for sperm production and the production of the hormone testosterone.
The epididymis is a coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.
epididymis
muscular tubes that transport mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
vas deferens
produce a fructose-rich fluid that nourishes and provides energy for sperm.
seminal vesicles
secretes an alkaline fluid that neutralizes vaginal acidity and activates sperm.
prostate gland
a hollow muscular organ that acts as a reservoir for urine.
bladder
carries both urine from the bladder and semen during ejaculation.
urethra
How do the external and internal organs of the male reproductive system work together?
The external organs (penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis) and internal organs (vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra) work together to produce, mature, nourish, and transport sperm, enabling successful reproduction.
secrete a clear fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes any acidic residues in the urethra prior to ejaculation.
bulbourethral glands
produce a fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperm
seminal vesicles
