Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 1 of 22

Objectives

Describe three functions of the male reproductive system.

Identify five ways to keep the male reproductive system healthy.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 2 of 22

Structure and Function • In males, the reproductive cells are called sperm.

• The functions of the male reproductive system are

• There, a sperm cell may join with an egg, in a process called fertilization.

• to produce sex hormones• to produce and store sperm• to deliver sperm to the female reproductive

system

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 3 of 22

• The testes (TES teez) are the male reproductive glands.

Testes

• The testes (singular, testis) have two major functions—the production of testosterone and the production of sperm.

• The sex hormone testosterone affects the production of sperm and signals certain physical changes at puberty.

• The testes, also called testicles, hang outside the body within a sac of skin called the scrotum.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 4 of 22

• The penis is the external sexual organ through which sperm leave the body.

Penis

• The tip of the penis is covered with loose skin, called the foreskin.

• In some males the foreskin is removed shortly after birth.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 5 of 22

Besides the external structures of the male reproductive system, there are internal ducts and accessory glands that play an important role in storing and releasing sperm.

Other Structures

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 6 of 22

• Sperm production begins when the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release two hormones—luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Sperm Production

• LH signals the testes to begin making testosterone.

• Testosterone and FSH then signal the production of sperm.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 7 of 22

Male Reproductive System

Seminal vesicle

Prostate gland

Bulbourethral gland

Side View

Scrotum

Urinary bladder

Vas deferens

Urethra

Penis

Epididymis

Testis

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 8 of 22

Male Reproductive System

Seminal vesicle

Prostate gland

Bulbourethral gland

Front View

Urinary bladder

Vas deferens

Urethra

Penis

Epididymis

Testis

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 9 of 22

• During their passage through the male reproductive system, sperm cells mix with fluids produced by the prostate and two other glands.

The Pathway of Sperm

• The mixture of sperm cells and these fluids is called semen(SEE mun).

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 10 of 22

The Pathway of Sperm

Seminal vesicle

Prostate gland

Bulbourethral gland

Vas deferens

Urethra

PenisEpididymis

Testis

Sperm are produced in the testes. They mature and are stored in the epididymis.Sperm travel through the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles.Seminal vesicles add a fluid that provides a source of energy for the active sperm.The prostate gland adds a fluid that protects the sperm.The bulbourethral glands add a lubricating fluid that aids the passage of sperm through the urethra.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 11 of 22

• The ejection of semen from the penis is called ejaculation.

Release of Sperm

• Ejaculation occurs when muscles in the male reproductive system and at the base of the bladder contract, forcing semen through the urethra.

• Several million sperm cells are released during one ejaculation.

• Ejaculation can occur when the penis is in an erect state.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 12 of 22

Caring for the male reproductive system involves

Keeping Healthy

• cleanliness

• sexual abstinence

• protection from trauma

• self-exams

• regular medical checkups

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 13 of 22

• It is important to thoroughly clean the external organs—the penis and scrotum—daily, preferably during a shower or bath.

Cleanliness

• Drying the groin area well after showering can prevent fungal infections that can cause jock itch.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 14 of 22

• A number of serious infections of the reproductive system and other body systems can result from sexual contact.

Sexual Abstinence

• The only way to eliminate your risk of sexually transmitted infections is to abstain—or refrain from—sexual activity.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 15 of 22

• During athletic activities, males should wear a protector, also called a “cup,” or supporter.

Protection From Trauma

• Tight clothing should be avoided.

• Males should be careful when lifting heavy objects.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 16 of 22

• It is important for males to monitor their own bodies for any signs of possible medical problems.

Self-Exams

• Pain when urinating, unusual discharges, or sores on the genitals require a medical examination.

• Males should examine their testes for signs of testicular cancer.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 17 of 22

• Medical exams throughout life can help ensure reproductive health.

Medical Checkups

• In many older men, the prostate becomes enlarged or develops cancer.

• Another condition a doctor can diagnose is infertility—the condition of being unable to reproduce.

• In males, infertility is marked by the inability to produce healthy sperm or the production of too few sperm.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 18 of 22

Click above to go online.

For: Updates on male reproductive health

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 19 of 22

Vocabulary

sperm The reproductive cells in males.

fertilization The process of a sperm cell joining with an egg.

testes The male reproductive glands.

testosterone The sex hormone that affects the production of sperm and signals certain physical changes at puberty.

scrotum A sac of skin that contains the testes.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 20 of 22

Vocabulary

penis The external male sexual organ through which sperm leave the body.

semen The mixture of sperm and fluids produced by the glands of the male reproductive system.

ejaculation The ejection of semen from the penis.

infertility The condition of being unable to reproduce.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 21 of 22

QuickTake Quiz

Click to start quiz.

Section 18.2 The Male Reproductive System

Slide 22 of 22

End of Section 18.2

Click on this slide to end this presentation.