Human Biology: Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system consists of the male gonads (testicles), genital tract, accessory glands, and penis.
The penis is responsible for depositing sperm in the vagina and consists of erectile tissue, with three regions: two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum.

Corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra, keeping it open at all times, and widens at the end to form the glans.
The glans is a very sensitive area protected by a fold of skin called the foreskin.
When the penis is erect, the foreskin retracts to leave the glans uncovered.

The testicles are two oval-shaped organs inside a sack of skin called the scrotum, which hangs outside the abdominal cavity.
Each testicle is made up of millions of semiiferous tubules containing sperm precursor cells that make the male gametes.
The temperature of the testicles is about 3 °C lower than body temperature, essential for sperm maturation.
Endocrine cells between the seminiferous tubules produce testosterone, responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics.

The genital tract consists of the ducts that take sperm to the outside of the body: the epididymis, vas deferens, and urethra.
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube attached to the top of each testicle, where sperm is stored while it matures.
The urethra is a shared duct with the excretory system, expelling semen and urine from the body.
The vas deferens passes through the prostate and empties into the urethra, carrying sperm cells from the epididymis to the urethra.

The accessory glands secrete substances that mix with sperm to form semen, including the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper's glands.
The seminal vesicles produce seminal fluid, rich in fructose, the main energy source of sperm.
The prostate gland produces prostatic fluid, which activates sperm and neutralizes the acidity of female mucous secretions.
The Cowper's glands secrete a lubricating fluid that neutralizes the acidity of the urethra before semen passes through it.

Almond-sized and almond-shaped
Suspended in the abdominal cavity by small ligaments
Produce oestrogen and progesterone, responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics and preparing the body for possible pregnancy
Composed of medulla (inner part) and cortex (outer part)
Cortex contains numerous follicles that contain immature eggs (oocytes)

Consists of fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina
Fallopian tubes connect ovaries to the uterus, collecting eggs through the infundibulum
Uterus is a hollow, muscular, upside-down pear-shaped organ
Cervix is the narrow section at the bottom of the uterus
Uterus wall is composed of myometrium (smooth muscle layer) and endometrium (epithelial cell layer)
Vagina is an elastic duct connecting the cervix to the outside of the body, with lubricant-secreting glands on its walls

Combines to form the vulva
Labia majora are two outer folds of skin that cover the labia minora (two thinner folds)
Clitoris is an organ near the top junction of the labia minora, equivalent to the male glans

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) is caused by uterine contractions during the menstrual period
Common and causes pain in the stomach, hips, and back

Almond-sized and almond-shaped
Suspended in the abdominal cavity by small ligaments
Produce oestrogen and progesterone, responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics and preparing the body for possible pregnancy
Composed of medulla (inner part) and cortex (outer part)
Cortex contains numerous follicles that contain immature eggs (oocytes)

Consists of fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina
Fallopian tubes connect ovaries to the uterus, collecting eggs through the infundibulum
Uterus is a hollow, muscular, upside-down pear-shaped organ
Cervix is the narrow section at the bottom of the uterus
Uterus wall is composed of myometrium (smooth muscle layer) and endometrium (epithelial cell layer)
Vagina is an elastic duct connecting the cervix to the outside of the body, with lubricant-secreting glands on its walls

Combines to form the vulva
Labia majora are two outer folds of skin that cover the labia minora (two thinner folds)
Clitoris is an organ near the top junction of the labia minora, equivalent to the male glans

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) is caused by uterine contractions during the menstrual period
Common and causes pain in the stomach, hips, and back

Almond-sized and almond-shaped
Suspended in the abdominal cavity by small ligaments
Produce oestrogen and progesterone, responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics and preparing the body for possible pregnancy
Composed of medulla (inner part) and cortex (outer part)
Cortex contains numerous follicles that contain immature eggs (oocytes)

Consists of fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina
Fallopian tubes connect ovaries to the uterus, collecting eggs through the infundibulum
Uterus is a hollow, muscular, upside-down pear-shaped organ
Cervix is the narrow section at the bottom of the uterus
Uterus wall is composed of myometrium (smooth muscle layer) and endometrium (epithelial cell layer)
Vagina is an elastic duct connecting the cervix to the outside of the body, with lubricant-secreting glands on its walls

Combines to form the vulva
Labia majora are two outer folds of skin that cover the labia minora (two thinner folds)
Clitoris is an organ near the top junction of the labia minora, equivalent to the male glans

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) is caused by uterine contractions during the menstrual period
Common and causes pain in the stomach, hips, and back

Almond-sized and almond-shaped
Suspended in the abdominal cavity by small ligaments
Produce oestrogen and progesterone, responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics and preparing the body for possible pregnancy
Composed of medulla (inner part) and cortex (outer part)
Cortex contains numerous follicles that contain immature eggs (oocytes)

Consists of fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina
Fallopian tubes connect ovaries to the uterus, collecting eggs through the infundibulum
Uterus is a hollow, muscular, upside-down pear-shaped organ
Cervix is the narrow section at the bottom of the uterus
Uterus wall is composed of myometrium (smooth muscle layer) and endometrium (epithelial cell layer)
Vagina is an elastic duct connecting the cervix to the outside of the body, with lubricant-secreting glands on its walls

Combines to form the vulva
Labia majora are two outer folds of skin that cover the labia minora (two thinner folds)
Clitoris is an organ near the top junction of the labia minora, equivalent to the male glans