Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system, like the female, is made up of organs that aid in reproduction. Male organs are specialized in the production and maintenance of male sex cells, or sperm; in the transfer of sperm and supportive fluids to the female reproductive system; and in the secretion of the male hormone testosterone. The male reproductive system organs include the penis, scrotum, two testes (which produce sperm cells and testosterone), and accessory organs. The functions of the male reproductive system are:

• Production of male gametes, spermatozoa.
• Transmission of spermatozoa to the female.
• Transmission of spermatozoa to the female.

External Male Reproductive Organ

The Penis

Its base is in the perineum, and the lower two-thirds of the body is hanging outside in front of the scrotal sac.. It is made up of three bundles of sponge-like erectile tissues:

• 2 corpus cavernous on the lateral columns in front of the urethra.
• 1 corpus spongiosum on the posterior column which contains the urethra enclosed in a firm sheath of firm tissue with rich blood supply and covered with the skin.

The skin extends to the scrotum and groins. The prepuce (foreskin) is formed when the skin double folds backwards on itself at the glandular penis and is normally removed during circumcision. The penis transmits a section of the urethra, which serves as a route for semen and urine excretion. During sexual stimulation, the penis grows thicker, rounder, stiffer, and more erect in order to penetrate and deposit semen near the cervix. Nervous system stimulation enhances blood flow to the organ.

The Scrotum

The penis hangs from a sensitive pouch-like sac covered with wrinkled skin and hair. It is pigmented and located in front of the thighs, behind the penis. The scrotum is split into two compartments by a fibrous septum called the Dartos muscle, each of which contains a testis, epididymis, and the first segment of the vas deference. To maintain a proper temperature surrounding the testes, the muscles contract in cold weather and relax in hot weather.