The Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system includes the following organs and glands:

Scrotum

• Contains the testes, the sperm producing organs
• The location of the scrotum, outside the body, behind the penis, help to maintain the temperature, ensuring normal sperm production.

Epididymis

• Long coiled tube that lies beside and behind the testes.
• Helps sperm mature fully (after the seminiferous tubules) and transports them to the vas deferens
  Sperm remain here for 2-12 days

Vas Deferens

• Long tube with thick walls, it runs from the end of the epididymis upward into the pelvis behind the bladder.
  Seminal Vesicles
• Contribute the seminal fluid and produce the sugar fructose, which the sperm use to fuel their long journey

Prostate Gland

• Contribute additional fluid and important enzymes that cause semen to liquefy after ejaculation

Cowper’s Glands

• Located beyond the prostate at the base of the penile shaft in the urethra
• Adds a small amount of lubricant to the seminal fluid before ejaculation takes place

Penis

• The penis allows the man to deposit the seminal fluid into the vagina.

Testes

• Oval glands located within the scrotum

Produce testosterone

• Produce sperm cells

Leydig Cells

• Produce testosterone

Sertoli Cells

• Produce growth factors that nourish sperm.

Seminiferous Tubules

• Store sperm for about 3 months
• This is where sperm begin to mature

SOURCE: Resolve