BIO 12 UNIT 3: Study Notes

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• Testes--> Oval shaped organs that are located in the Scrotum, make Testosterone, site for the production of sperm, contain Seminiferous tubules
• Seminiferous Tubules--> Coiled masses of tubes that produce sperm cells (located in Testes in Scrotum)
• Interstitial Cells--> Located in Testes in Scrotum, located between tubules, Testosterone is produced here
• Epididymis--> Long, coiled tube that lies on the backside of each testicle, transports and stores testes produced sperm cells, site for sperm maturation
• Vas Deferens--> Long muscular tube that travels from the Epididymis to the Urethra, transports mature sperm to the Urethra (in preparation of ejaculation) 
• Prostate Gland--> Walnut-sized structure located below urinary Bladder and in front of rectum, contributes fluids to ejaculate (nourish sperm), urethra runs through centre of Prostate Gland 
• Cowper's Gland--> Pea-sized structures located on the sides of the Urethra below the prostate gland, produces a clear, slippery fluid that empties into the Urethra (lubricates the Urethra and neutralizes the acidic effect of urine residue)
• Seminal Vesicle--> Sac-like pouches attached to the Vas Deferens near the base of the Bladder, produces a fluid rich in sugar that helps sperm attain a source of energy that aid in their motility; the fluid makes up most of the volume of the male ejaculate
• Penis--> Organ used in sexual reproduction, three parts: the root, the shaft, and the glans (head), opening of Urethra found at tip of Penis, body is cylindrical and contains three circular chambers made of special tissue, semen expelled at tip of Penis; when Penis is erect than Urethra blocks the flow of urine allowing the exclusive flow of semen to be ejaculated during an orgasm
• Urethra--> Tube structure that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, ejaculates semen when a male reaches an orgasm, when the Penis is erect during sexual intercourse it blocks the flow of urine and only allows semen to flow during ejaculation
• Scrotum--> Loose, pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the Penis, contains Testicles, nerves, and blood vessels, "climate regulator" for Testes (must make sure Testes are at a slightly lower than body temperature for proper sperm maturation), special muscles in the structure's walls allow for contraction and relaxation to allow it to heat up and cool down accordingly