Back to: ZOOLOGY 400 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello, superstar! I’m so glad to have you in class again today. You’re doing an amazing job learning about the human body — and today, we’ll take a closer look at something important in reproduction: the Structure and Function of Male Reproductive Organs. Just like a football team has different players with different roles, the male reproductive system has various organs working together to ensure sperm is produced, matured, and delivered properly.
Structure And Function Of Male Reproductive Organs
Testes
The testes (or testicles) are two oval-shaped organs located in the scrotum. They have two main jobs:
Produce sperm (through spermatogenesis)
Produce testosterone, the male sex hormone
Scrotum
This is the pouch of skin that holds the testes outside the body. It keeps the testes slightly cooler than body temperature — which is necessary for sperm production. When it’s cold, the scrotum contracts to bring the testes closer to the body for warmth; when it’s hot, it relaxes to cool them.
Epididymis
This is a long, coiled tube attached to each testis. After sperm are produced in the testes, they move here to mature and gain the ability to swim. They are stored here until ejaculation.
Vas deferens (Sperm duct)
This muscular tube carries mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation. It’s like the road sperm travels on their journey out of the body.
Seminal vesicles
These are glands that produce a sugary fluid that gives sperm energy. This fluid makes up a large portion of semen.
Prostate gland
The prostate adds another fluid to the semen that helps protect and nourish sperm. This fluid is slightly alkaline, helping sperm survive the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)
These tiny glands release a clear fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralises any acidic urine that might remain, making the passage safe for sperm.
Urethra
This is the tube that carries semen and urine out of the body through the penis — but not at the same time. During ejaculation, a valve blocks urine so only semen passes through.
Penis
The penis delivers semen into the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse. It’s also the organ for urination.
Example: Think of the male reproductive system like a factory. The testes are the production unit, the epididymis is the storage area, the vas deferens is the delivery channel, and the glands (seminal vesicles, prostate, Cowper’s) are like packaging stations that prepare and protect the product — sperm — before delivery.
Summary
- The testes produce sperm and testosterone.
- The scrotum regulates testicular temperature.
- The epididymis stores and matures sperm.
- The vas deferens transports sperm.
- Glands (seminal vesicles, prostate, Cowper’s) add fluids to form semen.
- The urethra and penis handle the release of semen and urine (separately).
Evaluation
- What are the two main functions of the testes?
- Why is the scrotum located outside the body?
- What is the role of the prostate gland?
- Describe the function of the epididymis.
- Which organs contribute to the formation of semen?
You’re doing incredibly well — your commitment to understanding how the body works is truly inspiring! Keep up the energy and curiosity. With Afrilearn walking beside you, your future is bright and powerful. You’ve got all it takes to succeed, so never stop learning!