The Male Reproductive System
The purpose of the organs of the male reproductive system is to perform the following functions:
To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)
To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex
To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining the male reproductive system
Unlike the female reproductive system, most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the body. These
external structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles.
Penis:
This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, which attaches to the wall
of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped part at the end of the
penis. The glans, also called the head of the penis, is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin.
This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision. The opening of the urethra, the
tube that transports semen and urine, is at the tip of the penis. The glans of the penis also contains a
number of sensitive nerve endings.
The body of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of three circular shaped chambers. These
chambers are made up of special, sponge-like tissue. This tissue contains thousands of large spaces
that fill with blood when the man is sexually aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes rigid and
erect, which allows for penetration during sexual intercourse. The skin of the penis is loose and elastic
to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection.
Semen, which contains sperm (reproductive cells), is expelled (ejaculated) through the end of the penis
when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). When the penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked
from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.
Scrotum:
This is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the penis. It contains the testicles
(also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum acts as a "climate control
system" for the testes. For normal sperm development, the testes must be at a temperature slightly
cooler than body temperature. Special muscles in the wall of the scrotum allow it to contract and relax,
moving the testicles closer to the body for warmth or farther away from the body to cool the
temperature.
Testicles (testes):
These are oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a
structure called the spermatic cord. Most men have two testes. The testes are responsible for making
testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled
masses of tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubes are responsible for producing sperm cells.
What are the 5 main parts of the male reproductive system?
The male reproductive system includes the penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens,
prostate, and seminal vesicles.
What is male reproductive system and its function?
The male reproductive system includes a group of organs that make up a man's reproductive and
urinary system. ... They produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells)
and semen (the protective fluid around sperm). They discharge sperm into the female reproductive
tract.
