What are the main parts of the male reproductive system? How does the male reproductive system work? What is the role of each component in male sexual function and fertility? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this detailed overview.

Understanding the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and structures responsible for the production and delivery of sperm, as well as the regulation of male sexual characteristics. This system plays a crucial role in sexual function, fertility, and the overall well-being of men. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the anatomy, functions, and key components of the male reproductive system.

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is primarily composed of the following structures:

Testicles

The testicles, or testes, are the two main reproductive organs in men. They are located in a sac of skin called the scrotum and are responsible for producing hormones, primarily testosterone, as well as sperm.

Epididymis

The epididymis is a coiled tube that sits on the back of each testicle. It is where sperm cells mature and are stored before being transported to the vas deferens.

Vas Deferens

The vas deferens is a muscular tube that carries mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra, where it can be ejaculated.

Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It produces prostatic fluid, which helps nourish and protect sperm during ejaculation.

Seminal Vesicles

The seminal vesicles are a pair of glands that produce most of the fluid found in semen. This fluid helps nourish and transport the sperm.

Urethra

The urethra is a tube that runs through the center of the penis and carries both urine and semen out of the body during urination and ejaculation, respectively.

Penis

The penis is the external male reproductive organ, consisting of the shaft, glans (head), and foreskin (prepuce). It is responsible for delivering semen during sexual intercourse.

Functions of the Male Reproductive System

The primary functions of the male reproductive system are:

Sperm Production and Maturation

The testicles produce sperm cells, which then mature in the epididymis before being transported to the vas deferens for ejaculation.

Hormone Production

The testicles also produce hormones, primarily testosterone, which are responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and the regulation of sexual function.

Sexual Function and Ejaculation

The penis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles all play a role in the sexual function and ejaculation process. During sexual arousal, the penis becomes erect, and the prostate and seminal vesicles release their fluids, which mix with the sperm to form semen that is ejaculated through the urethra.

Fertility and Reproduction

The male reproductive system is essential for fertility and reproduction. Sperm cells produced in the testicles are delivered to the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse, where they can fertilize the female’s egg, leading to pregnancy and the development of a fetus.

Key Components and Their Roles

Now that we’ve explored the anatomy and functions of the male reproductive system, let’s take a closer look at the key components and their specific roles:

Testicles

What is the role of the testicles in the male reproductive system? The testicles are the main reproductive organs in men, responsible for producing sperm and the male sex hormone, testosterone. They are located in the scrotum, a sac of skin that helps regulate the temperature of the testicles, which is important for sperm production.

Epididymis

What is the function of the epididymis in the male reproductive system? The epididymis is a coiled tube that sits on the back of each testicle. It is where sperm cells mature and are stored before being transported to the vas deferens for ejaculation.

Vas Deferens

What is the role of the vas deferens in the male reproductive system? The vas deferens is a muscular tube that carries mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra, where it can be ejaculated during sexual intercourse.

Prostate Gland

What is the function of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system? The prostate gland is responsible for producing prostatic fluid, which helps nourish and protect sperm during ejaculation. This fluid mixes with the sperm and other fluids to form semen.

Seminal Vesicles

What is the role of the seminal vesicles in the male reproductive system? The seminal vesicles are a pair of glands that produce most of the fluid found in semen. This fluid helps to nourish and transport the sperm during ejaculation.

Urethra

What is the function of the urethra in the male reproductive system? The urethra is a tube that runs through the center of the penis and carries both urine and semen out of the body during urination and ejaculation, respectively.

Penis

What is the role of the penis in the male reproductive system? The penis is the external male reproductive organ responsible for delivering semen during sexual intercourse. It consists of the shaft, glans (head), and foreskin (prepuce), and becomes erect during sexual arousal to facilitate penetration.

Putting it All Together: How the Male Reproductive System Works

Now that we’ve explored the individual components of the male reproductive system, let’s examine how they work together to facilitate sexual function and fertility:

When the brain sends a signal through the spinal cord and nerves to the penis, it triggers an increase in blood flow to the spongy tissue inside the penis, causing it to become erect and stiff. This allows the penis to penetrate the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse.

During ejaculation, the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens contract to move the semen containing sperm cells through the urethra and out of the body. Each ejaculation can release up to 500 million sperm.

Once the semen is deposited in the female reproductive system, the sperm cells swim up through the cervix and uterus into the fallopian tube, where they may fertilize an egg. If fertilization occurs, the egg will grow and develop in the uterus, eventually leading to pregnancy and the birth of a child.

The male reproductive system is essential for sexual function, fertility, and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. By understanding the anatomy and functions of its key components, we can better appreciate the complex and vital role this system plays in human reproduction and well-being.

Male sex organs and reproductive system

Diagram of the male reproductive system

The testicles are 2 organs that are covered by a sac of skin
called the scrotum. They produce hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm.

The male reproductive system is controlled by the pituitary
gland in the brain. When puberty begins, the pituitary gland signals the
testicles by releasing the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing
hormone (LH). The testicles then start to make testosterone and sperm.
Testosterone is responsible for male sexual development, including deepening of
the voice, enlargement of the penis and testicles, growth of facial and body
hair and muscle development.

The epididymis sits on the back of each testicle. It stores sperm cells so they can mature.

The vas deferens carries mature sperm to the urethra for
ejaculation.

The prostate is deep in the pelvis in front of the rectum and
below the bladder. It makes prostatic fluid. Prostatic fluid is rich in enzymes, proteins and
minerals that help protect and nourish sperm. During sex, the prostate pushes
prostatic fluid through the ducts and into the urethra. Prostatic fluid mixes
with sperm and other fluids in the urethra and is ejaculated as semen.

The seminal vesicles are glands found on each side of the
prostate. They make most of the fluid in semen. The seminal vesicles fuse with
the vas deferens to empty into the urethra.

The urethra carries urine (pee) from the bladder to the outside
of the body. It also carries sperm out of the body through the meatus (opening
of the urethra out of the body) during ejaculation.

Diagram of the penis

The penis has 3 parts. The shaft is the main part of the penis. The head of the penis is called the glans. The glans is covered by a loose fold of moveable skin called the foreskin (prepuce). Sometimes the foreskin is surgically removed in an operation called a circumcision. The base of the penis within the pelvis is called the root.

For the penis to penetrate a vagina or an anus during sex, it needs to be erect, or stiff. An erection begins when the brain sends a signal down the spinal cord through the nerves that run to the pelvis. Nerves signal the blood vessels inside of each corpus cavernosum of the penis to fill with blood. When the blood flow increases, the spongy tissue expands and causes the penis to stiffen and enlarge.

During an orgasm, the prostate, seminal vesicles and vas deferens contract to move semen near the top of the urethra and then out during ejaculation. Each ejaculation can release up to 500 million sperm. After ejaculation, the extra blood flows out of the penis and the penis becomes soft again.

For pregnancy, semen ejaculated into a vagina (in the female reproductive system) allows for sperm to swim up through the cervix and uterus into the fallopian tube to meet an egg (if one is there). It only takes one sperm to fertilize the egg. Once fertilized, the egg grows in the uterus becoming an embryo and then a fetus.

• Tim Rowe, MB BS, FRCSC, FRCOG

• John Robinson, PhD, R Psych

• Martini FH, Timmons MJ, Tallitsch RB. Human Anatomy. 7th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings; 2012.

• Cancer Research UK. Men’s Sexual Organs. 2018: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/sex/mens-organs.

• American Cancer Society
  . Sex and the Adult Male with Cancer
  . 2021
  : https://www. cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-men-with-cancer/treatment-and-desire-and-response.html.

• American Society of Clinical Oncology. Sexual Health and Cancer Treatment: Men. 2019: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/dating-sex-and-reproduction/sexual-health-and-cancer-treatment-men.

• National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Men with Cancer. 2018: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sexuality-men.

• Cancer Research UK. About Sexuality and Sex Life. 2021: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/sex/about-sexuality.

• Cancer Research UK. How Cancer Can Affect Your Sexuality and Sex Life. 2018: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/sex/effects#.

Human reproductive system | Definition, Diagram & Facts

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human reproductive system, organ system by which humans reproduce and bear live offspring. Provided all organs are present, normally constructed, and functioning properly, the essential features of human reproduction are (1) liberation of an ovum, or egg, at a specific time in the reproductive cycle, (2) internal fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa, or sperm cells, (3) transport of the fertilized ovum to the uterus, or womb, (4) implantation of the blastocyst, the early embryo developed from the fertilized ovum, in the wall of the uterus, (5) formation of a placenta and maintenance of the unborn child during the entire period of gestation, (6) birth of the child and expulsion of the placenta, and (7) suckling and care of the child, with an eventual return of the maternal organs to virtually their original state.

For this biological process to be carried out, certain organs and structures are required in both the male and the female. The source of the ova (the female germ cells) is the female ovary; that of spermatozoa (the male germ cells) is the testis. In females, the two ovaries are situated in the pelvic cavity; in males, the two testes are enveloped in a sac of skin, the scrotum, lying below and outside the abdomen. Besides producing the germ cells, or gametes, the ovaries and testes are the source of hormones that cause full development of secondary sexual characteristics and also the proper functioning of the reproductive tracts. These tracts comprise the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the vagina, and associated structures in females and the penis, the sperm channels (epididymis, ductus deferens, and ejaculatory ducts), and other related structures and glands in males. The function of the fallopian tube is to convey an ovum, which is fertilized in the tube, to the uterus, where gestation (development before birth) takes place. The function of the male ducts is to convey spermatozoa from the testis, to store them, and, when ejaculation occurs, to eject them with secretions from the male glands through the penis.

At copulation, or sexual intercourse, the erect penis is inserted into the vagina, and spermatozoa contained in the seminal fluid (semen) are ejaculated into the female genital tract. Spermatozoa then pass from the vagina through the uterus to the fallopian tube to fertilize the ovum in the outer part of the tube. Females exhibit a periodicity in the activity of their ovaries and uterus, which starts at puberty and ends at the menopause. The periodicity is manifested by menstruation at intervals of about 28 days; important changes occur in the ovaries and uterus during each reproductive, or menstrual, cycle. Periodicity, and subsequently menstruation, is suppressed during pregnancy and lactation.

This articles describes the organs, both male and female, that are involved in human reproduction. The reproductive process itself is covered in other articles. For a detailed discussion of the series of changes that occur in a woman’s body as her fetus develops, see pregnancy. For a description of the stages of labour and delivery, see parturition. For the development of the unborn child during gestation, see human embryology. For coverage of the many diseases and disorders that can affect the reproductive organs, see reproductive system disease.

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The Human Body

The sex of a child is determined at the time of fertilization of the ovum by the spermatozoon. The differences between a male and a female are genetically determined by the chromosomes that each possesses in the nuclei of the cells. Once the genetic sex has been determined, there normally follows a succession of changes that will result, finally, in the development of an adult male or female. There is, however, no external indication of the sex of an embryo during the first eight weeks of its life within the uterus. This is a neutral or indifferent stage during which the sex of an embryo can be ascertained only by examination of the chromosomes in its cells.

The next phase, one of differentiation, begins first in gonads that are to become testes and a week or so later in those destined to be ovaries. Embryos of the two sexes are initially alike in possessing similar duct systems linking the undifferentiated gonads with the exterior and in having similar external genitalia, represented by three simple protuberances. The embryos each have four ducts, the subsequent fate of which is of great significance in the eventual anatomical differences between men and women. Two ducts closely related to the developing urinary system are called mesonephric, or wolffian, ducts. In males each mesonephric duct becomes differentiated into four related structures: a duct of the epididymis, a ductus deferens, an ejaculatory duct, and a seminal vesicle. In females the mesonephric ducts are largely suppressed. The other two ducts, called the paramesonephric or müllerian ducts, persist, in females, to develop into the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and part of the vagina; in males they are largely suppressed. Differentiation also occurs in the primitive external genitalia, which in males become the penis and scrotum and in females the vulva (the clitoris, labia, and vestibule of the vagina).

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At birth the organs appropriate to each sex have developed and are in their adult positions but are not functioning. Various abnormalities can occur during development of sex organs in embryos, leading to hermaphroditism, pseudohermaphroditism, and other chromosomally induced conditions. During childhood until puberty there is steady growth in all reproductive organs and a gradual development of activity. Puberty marks the onset of increased activity in the sex glands and the steady development of secondary sexual characteristics.

In males at puberty the testes enlarge and become active, the external genitalia enlarge, and the capacity to ejaculate develops. Marked changes in height and weight occur as hormonal secretion from the testes increases. The larynx, or voice box, enlarges, with resultant deepening of the voice. Certain features in the skeleton, as seen in the pelvic bones and skull, become accentuated. The hair in the armpits and the pubic hair becomes abundant and thicker. Facial hair develops, as well as hair on the chest, abdomen, and limbs. Hair at the temples recedes. Skin glands become more active, especially apocrine glands (a type of sweat gland that is found in the armpits and groin and around the anus).

In females at puberty, the external genitalia enlarge and the uterus commences its periodic activity with menstruation. The breasts develop, and there is a deposition of body fat in accordance with the usual contours of the mature female. Growth of axillary (armpit) and pubic hair is more abundant, and the hair becomes thicker.

Anatomy and function of the male reproductive system

In men and women, the genital organs are located both inside the pelvic cavity and outside it. Most of the male reproductive system is located outside. Such a device in wildlife is a demonstration of its strength and superiority. Perhaps this is why many, if not most, men are embarrassed to see a doctor if they have problems in their intimate life.

This article is not to be used for diagnosis, treatment, and is not a substitute for seeing a doctor.

The reproductive system of a man is extremely important, as well as other systems of the body that ensure normal life. Therefore, an untimely appeal to a specialist or, even worse, ignoring the warning signs, creates much bigger problems than they were originally.

The male reproductive system has three main tasks:

1. Formation of spermatozoa in the testes (seniferous tubules). In the process of one ejaculation, 30-500 million spermatozoa come out.
2. Evacuation of seminal fluid from the male genital organs and its delivery to the female.
3. Synthesis of the main androgen (a group of steroid sex hormones in men) – testosterone.

Structure and functions of the external male genitalia

The group of male external reproductive organs includes:

• Penis (penis) – an organ involved in sexual contact, spewing seminal fluid. The place of attachment of the phallus to the pubis is the root. The body of the penis and the head are covered by the foreskin (skin fold), which normally should easily and painlessly move away, exposing the head. In the foreskin there are multiple glands that produce smegma (sebaceous lubricant). Internally, the penis consists of two cavernous (cavernous) and one spongy (spongiform) bodies. It is to the cavernous bodies that a man owes the appearance of an erection, in which the bodies are filled with blood and “swell”, increasing the size of the penis. In the spongy body is the urethra (urethra), which blocks the path for the passage of urine during intercourse and ejaculation.
• Testicles (testicles) – olive-shaped paired organs of different sizes produce testosterone and spermatozoa. They are located in the sac (scrotum), which acts as a “climate control”. For healthy spermatogenesis (sperm production), the testicles must be maintained at a constant temperature below general body temperature. This provides the scrotum and the external location of the testicles. Otherwise, spermatogenesis will be impaired, which will negatively affect fertility (the ability to conceive).
• The epididymis is an oblong narrow paired organ, part of the vas deferens. In the epididymis, spermatozoa accumulate and mature for further advancement into the vas deferens. Spermatozoa accumulate in a thickening formed in the tail. In the scrotum, the appendage is adjacent to the testicle, forming a pocket. Normally, it is easily palpable through the scrotum.

Male internal genitalia

The main internal male organ is the exocrine androgen-dependent prostate gland, nut-shaped, located in the center of the pelvis near the bladder. The function of the gland is to control urination, erection, ejaculation, ensure the viability of spermatozoa and transport them.

Isolate the secretory and barrier function of the prostate. The gland produces its own secret, which enters the sperm during ejaculation. The secret contains enzymes, acids, immunoglobulins and other trace elements. The secret also contains immunity factors that allow the prostate to perform a barrier function, which consists in preventing the penetration of pathogenic microflora from the urethra into the urinary tract and preventing the spread of microorganisms from the urethra to the vas deferens. The presence of zinc ions in secret protects the male genital tract from infection. The work of the gland is controlled by pituitary and steroid hormones, estrogens.

Male internal genital organs also include:

• Deferent ducts — their task is to transport ejaculate to the urethra, which can also be attributed to the reproductive system. The ducts originate from the appendages of the testicles.
• Seminal vesicles – produce a fluid that is part of the semen. The secret of the bubbles, containing a large amount of fructose, is “responsible” for the vital energy of spermatozoa.
• Bulbourethral glands – tiny pea-sized Cooper glands located near the prostate, secrete into the urethra. The secret of the glands lubricates the walls of the urethra, neutralizes the acidity of urine.

Hormones that regulate the function of the male reproductive system

The function of the reproductive system in men is regulated by three main hormones:

• Luteinizing (LH).
• Follicle stimulating (FSH).
• Testosterone.

LH and FSH are pituitary hormones. Testosterone is synthesized under the influence of LH, spermatozoa are formed under the influence of LH. Testosterone is responsible for the timely appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, seminal fluid production, muscle building, physical strength and endurance, libido, voice pitch.

Function of hormones in the male reproductive system

Read more about hormones in men in this material – note. altravita-ivf.ru

Sperm formation

Spermatogenesis (production of seminal fluid) is carried out under the influence and control of hormonal substances. It starts from the moment of puberty (11-15 years), therefore, until this age, spermatozoa are not produced in the boy’s body. When testosterone reaches the age-appropriate level in a teenager, this leads to the activation of stem cells in the testicles (spermogonia). Spermogonium is converted into spermatocytes containing a double chromosome set. Spermatocytes divide, forming, in turn, secondary spermatocytes, which contain one chromosome set each.

The spermatocytes are then transformed into spermatid cells, which undergo spermiogenesis (the final stage of spermatogenesis). Spermatid cells turn into spermatozoa, which mature in the epididymis. After maturation, the sperm are ready to fertilize the egg.

The speed of movement of spermatozoa is 20 cm / h with a length of only 0.05 mm.

Menopause in men: myth or reality?

Menopause or menopause is the cessation of the activity of the female sex glands (ovaries), as a result of which menstruation completely stops. The reason for this is the cessation or a significant decrease in the production of estrogen by the ovaries. Men never stop producing testosterone, and any man can theoretically become a father in old age. Exceptions are severe diseases or congenital anomalies that affect spermatogenesis and erectile function. With age (from 35-45 years old), testosterone production begins to decline, and fertility also decreases accordingly. Having passed the analysis for testosterone, men have the opportunity to assess the state of their health.

Reducing the production of male sex hormones occurs under the influence of various factors: endocrine diseases, obesity, chronic diseases, STDs, stress, constant overheating of the testicles in saunas, baths, frequent hypothermia, depression, trauma, accidents (electric shock, accidents) and so Further. The impact of adverse factors leads not only to a decrease in testosterone production, but also to erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction.

The structure of a flower and the meaning of its main parts

Contents

1. Main parts of the flower
2. Receptacle
3. Sepals
4. Petals
5. Stamens
6. Pistil

9001 7

Flowers are the distinguishing feature of flowering or angiosperms, which make up the majority of the plant kingdom. These are the reproductive organs of the plant, from which fruits with seeds are formed. Flowers are of two types – bisexual and unisexual. Bisexual flowers are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive parts.

On the other hand, unisexual flowers have either male (stamens) or female (pistil) reproductive parts. Plants that bear both staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers on the same individual are called monoecious, while those that bear only staminate (male) or only pistillate (female) flowers are called dioecious.

Flowers have evolved to have a bright and colorful appearance (for the most part) which is necessary to attract pollinators such as birds, butterflies, bees and wasps.

Scheme of the structure of a loose flower. Image: Wikimedia Common

Although the flowers vary in shape and size, their anatomy is usually the same:

• The stem part includes the pedicel and receptacle;
• The leaf part consists of sepals and petals;
• The generative part is formed by stamens, pistil or pistils.

A flower that has all parts is called complete, and a flower that lacks one or more parts is called incomplete.

Flower parts are also subdivided into fertile or reproductive (stamens, pistil or pistils) and sterile (perianth).

Let’s look at the main parts of the flower in more detail:

Receptacle

The receptacle is an extended structure at the end of the pedicel to which all other parts of the flower (sepals, petals, stamens, pistils) are attached. The receptacle has a stem (shoot) origin, in contrast to the rest of the parts that have a leaf origin.

Sepals

Flower buds are often covered with green leafy structures called sepals that protect them during the bud stage. All the sepals of a flower form an outer whorl called the calyx. Although the sepals are usually green, they can vary in color depending on the type of plant.

Plant flowers such as anemones do not have sepals, while in some flowers they are modified into bracts, small leaf-like structures located around the flower. The bracts of some plants can be larger and brighter than the petals. Petalless flowers usually have modified sepals that are larger and brightly colored to attract pollinators.

Petals

Petals are the most visible part of the flower structure due to their bright color (in most cases) and sometimes scent. Their main function is to attract pollinators as well as protect the internal reproductive parts of the flower.

Some flowers have missing or reduced petals. The whorl of petals is called a corolla. The calyx and corolla together form the perianth.

Stamens

The stamen is the male part of the flower, and together all the stamens form the inner third whorl of the floral structure, the androecium. Each stamen is made up of a long, tubular filament with a sac at the top, called an anther. Pollen grains contain male reproductive cells or male gametes and are produced in anthers (each anther contains many pollen grains).

One pollen grain contains vegetative and generative cells.