The male reproductive system Flashcards
When do most boys begin puberty?
Between the ages of 9 and 14, with an average age of 12.
What are five changes that occur for boys during puberty? (5)
Pubic hair
Deeper voice
Penis growth
Testes drop
Hormones
Physical growth
Acne
The male reproductive system is perfectly designed to…
Deposit healthy sperm at the cervix to allow fertilisation to occur.
How often is sperm created in the scrotum?
Daily
Why is the scrotum important?
It provides optimum conditions for the production of healthy sperm.
Name the three columns of vascular tissue that fill with blood to cause an erection.
The corpus cavernosum (at either side of the penis)
The corpus spongiosum
How much additional blood fills the penis to cause an erection?
25-30ml
Why does the urethral sphincter close during ejaculation?
To prevent urine flow and sperm entering the bladder.
Approximately what size is a testicle?
5cm x 3cm
What is the function of the testes?
To produce and store sperm
How long is the life cycle/ full maturation of the sperm?
70 days
How long does it take for sperm to mature within the epididymis?
12 days
How many sperm cells can healthy male testes produce daily?
500 million sperm cells daily
What temperature does the scrotum keep the testes at to ensure viable sperm can be produced?
34.4 C
What is the function of the prostate gland? (2)
To assist in ejaculation
To produce a milky fluid that contains enzymes and other nutrients and makes up 20-30% of semen.
