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Lesson: Chapter 14 — Continuity of Life

14.3. The male reproductive system 1 of 4

The parts

The main parts of the male reproductive system.

Testes

A pair of oval-shaped testes is situated within a covering of skin called the scrotum. Sperm are produced within these.

A testis consists of about 250 lobules. Within them are about 1000 coiled tubules called seminiferous tubules, and within those lie the sperm mother cells.

Epididymis

All the sperm tubules in a testis come out of it and open into a single coiled tube called the epididymis. Sperm are stored temporarily within it.

Vas deferens

The tube that brings sperm from the epididymis is called the vas deferens. Its other end connects to the tube coming from the seminal vesicle.

Seminal vesicles, prostate gland and Cowper's glands

These are the glands associated with the male reproductive system. They produce a white secretion, which they release into the urethra. This fluid is important for the transport of sperm and for supplying them with nourishment.

Penis

This is the muscular organ important for transmitting sperm into the female reproductive system. Blood gives it firmness. The urethra also opens to the outside along the penis. The end of the penis is called the glans, and the membrane of skin covering it is called the foreskin.

Figure to be added

Figure 14.20 — the male reproductive system, with the bladder, seminal vesicle, prostate gland, vas deferens, epididymis, testis, scrotum, urethra and penis labelled.