Description:

 

The main external structure of the male reproductive system is the penis, and it consists of three main parts. The root, the shaft, and the glans. At the end of the glans, there is loose skin called the prepuce. Within the penis is the urethra and expels sperm cells. The tissues in the penis can fill with blood, causing the penis to become erect. The sac of skin that holds the testes is called the scrotum. It contracts and relaxes based on the external temperature to keep the testicles in a stable environment. The testes are oval structures that produce sperm and testosterone.

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Sperm produced in the testes through spermatogenesis travel into the epididymis, which is a coiled tube and allows sperm cells to mature and travel to the vas deferens. This is a duct that takes sperm cells and carries it down to the seminal vesicle, also called the ejaculatory duct. The seminal vesicles contain fluid that helps sperm retain energy and have mobility. The sperm will now be located in seminal fluid, also called semen. It will finally empty into the urethra, and sperm can exit through the tip of the penis.

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Some accessory glands include the prostate gland and the bulbourethral gland. The prostate gland, found behind the bladder secretes a milky-colored liquid to help with sperm movement. The bulbourethral gland, also called the Cowper’s Gland, is located at the base of the penis and secretes a fluid to neutralize urine and the vagina and lubricates the penis.

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Spermatogenesis is controlled by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels are controlled by the Luteinizing Hormone (LH), both of which are created from the pituitary glands.