Reproductive Systems

Chapter 9 pg.216

Reproduction An essential function of all

living things is called reproduction –

Reproduction = the process by which life continues from one generation to the next.

In humans, as in many other species, reproduction results

from the union of two sex cells, one from the male and

one from the female.

What are the sex cells for each???

Female –Male-

The Reproductive System- the system of organs involved in producing offspring.

Male Reproductive System

The two main functions of the male reproductive system:

1. Production & storage of sperm.

2. Transfer of sperm into female’s body during sexual intercourse.

Sperm-the male reproductive cells.

Acrosome – contain enzymes

usedfor penetrating

thefemale’s egg.

Head - contains a

nucleus ofdense genetic

material.

Body- Connects the head to

the tail and contains

mitochondria which is used to

“power” the tail.

Tail-Allows the sperm to

swim easily in a fluid

environment(semen).

During the ages of 12- 15 the male reproductive system reaches maturity.

At this time the production of testosterone begins.

Testosterone (the male sex hormone) also controls the production of sperm.

A physically mature male is capable of producing sperm for the rest of his life.

External Male Reproductive Organs

1. Scrotum2. Penis

Scrotum

- An external skin sac that holds the testes.

The scrotum helps to regulate the temperature of the testicles, which needs to be kept cooler than body temperature in order to produce sperm.

The scrotum changes size in order to maintain the right temperature. When the body is cold, the scrotum

shrinks and becomes tighter and the testes move closer to the body for warmth. When it is warm, the scrotum becomes relaxed causing the testes to lower away from the

body.

Penis- A tube shaped organ that

extends from the trunk of the body just above the testes.

- The penis is composed of spongy tissue that contains many blood vessels.

When blood flow to the penis increases, it becomes enlarged and erect (stands away from the body). This is a normal body function called an erection.

Erections are a normal function of the male body, especially in guys who are going through puberty.

Erections can be caused by sexual arousal or for no reason at all.

Semen- A thick fluid containing sperm

and other secretions that are released from the penis.

- Semen is released during ejaculation and each ejaculation can contain 50 - 500 million sperm.

Ejaculation-a series of muscular

contractions that occur at the height of sexual arousal (orgasm).

Internal Male Reproductive Organs

1. Testes2. Epididymis3. Vas Deferens4. Seminal Vesicle5. Prostate Gland & Cowper’s

Gland6. Urethra

Testes-Produce and store millions

of tiny sperm and is responsible for the production of testosterone (male hormone).

Epididymis-A structure within the scrotum

that stores, matures, and transports sperm from the testes to the vas deferens.

Vas Deferens-A tube that transports

the sperm containing fluid to the urethra.

Seminal Vesicle-Produce a nourishing fluid

that combines with the sperm as they move through the vas deferens.

Prostate Gland &Cowper’s Gland

- Adds special fluid to the sperm (nourishes & protects) before it is ejaculated from the penis.

Urethra- A tube that carries urine

from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra is also a passageway for semen to the outside of the body.

Care of the Male Reproductive

System. Get regular check ups Bathe regularly Wear protective equipment Perform regular self

examinations Practice abstinence

IN THE BOOK

Read pg. 216-219 Chapter 9 lesson 1 Answer the following1. Identify the parts of the male reproductive system.

Internal / External (list them )2. Summarize the path of the sperm through the male

reproductive system3. Describe 7 problems the MRS may encounter4. Describe 4 ways to prevent common reproductive

problems. 5. Answer the lesson review questions 1-6 on page

221. Hand this in when completed