Reproductive System: Male Reproductive System

Function: to produce sperm and deliver them to the female reproductive system

sperm cell- spermatozoa

> has a head and in it is acrosome which is an enzyme that penetrates an egg cell
> has a midpiece (connects head to tail) which has the mitochondrion (the power house, attached to tail)
> has a tail or flagellum/flagella for movement which is attached to the midpiece

ORGANS for Sperm Production
1. Testicles/Testes
: produce sperm and testosterone
: 4 centimeters long, contains 250 compartments
: made of Seminiferous Tubules

2. Seminiferous Tubules
: tightly coiled, tiny tubules that produce sperm

*Scrotum - an external sac that protects the testes
ORGANS for Sperm Transport
1. Epidydimis - it stores the matured sperm cells
2. Vas Deferens - passageway of semen
3. Urethra - responsible for transmitting urine and semen
4. Penis - male organ that delivers sperm cells to the female reproductive system

*foreskin/prepuce - folded skin that protects the end/head of the penis
*Semen - combination of sperm cells and seminal fluids
*Seminal Fluids - help sperm cells go to the reproductive system

Advantages of Circumcision:
1. Low risk of urinary tract infection
2. Protection against penile cancer
3. Lower risk of sexually transmitted disease

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
1. Seminal Vesicles - secretes thick liquid nutrient-filled fluid and has the sugar fructose
2. Prostate Gland - secretes milky alkaline solution that aids the viability of the sperm cells
3. Bulbouretheral gland (Cowper's gland) - secretes mucus substance

*accessory glands make seminal fluids that aids the sperm cells in its journey to the acidic nature of the female reproductive system*

-female reproductive system is acidic for protection from harmful