Unit 8: The reproductive system                                                1   2   3

2. The reproductive system

2.1. Male reproductive system

The organs of the male reproductive system are:

• Testicles. They are the male gonads. They have the size and shape of an egg. These organs are made up of numerous coiled seminiferous tubules that produce spermatozoa and male sexual hormones. They are located outside the abdominal cavity covered by a pouch of skin called the scrotum.

• Reproductive tracts. They are the tubules that sperm flows through on its way out of the body. They are:

- Epididymis. This tubule is where spermatozoa mature.

  It is connected to the testicle.

- Vasa deferentia. Long tube which connect the epididymis to the urethra.

  Spermatozoa are stored here.

- Urethra. A tube used for urination and ejaculation.

  It extends inside the penis.

• Penis. This is the male copulatory organ. It is made up of two spongy masses of erectile tissue (corpora cavernosa) located above the urethra. The urethra is surrounded by the corpus spongiosum. Its end, called the glans is very sensitive and it is covered by a fold of protective skin, the foreskin. When the blood vessels dilate, the penis fills with blood and becomes erect.

• Accessory glands. These glands secrete substances which mix with spermatozoa to form semen. Semen is the mixture of spermatozoa (10%) with seminal and prostatic fluids.

- Seminal vesicles. Glands that produce seminal fluid which feeds

  and transports spermatozoa. They are connected to the vas deferens.

- Prostate. A gland that surrounds the urethra and secretes prostatic fluid

  which contains substances that protect and stimulates the movement

  of the sperm.

- Cowper's glands. Glands that secrete a mucous substance that facilitates

  the penetration.

2.1. Indicate the function of these parts of the male reproductive system:

a. Seminiferous tubules

b. Epididymis

c. Prostate

d. Foreskin

2.2. Listen and indicate which part of the male reproductive system

        is described: