Understanding the Male Reproductive Organs

The Male Reproductive System

The Testicles

The breeding gonads are the testes, two organs consisting of numerous coiled seminiferous tubules. The walls of these tubules contain cells that produce sperm. These tubules also contain cells that produce male sex hormones. The testicles are located outside the abdominal cavity and are covered by a fold of skin called the scrotum.

The Breeding Ducts

These are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the outside. They include:

• Epididymis: A duct formed by the seminiferous tubules of each testicle. Here, sperm complete their maturation process, becoming capable of fertilization. If the seminiferous tubules were placed end-to-end, they would reach a length of 200 meters.
• Vas Deferens: The continuation of the epididymis, ascending into the abdomen. It serves as storage for sperm produced in the testicles until ejaculation.
• Urethra: A duct that also belongs to the urinary tract. The final part of its journey is housed inside the penis.

The Penis

The male copulatory organ. It consists of two spongy masses of tissue called the corpora cavernosa, located above the urethra. It is surrounded by another section of tissue, the corpus spongiosum, which widens at its end to form the glans, covered by a fold of skin called the foreskin.

During copulation, blood is injected into the corpora cavernosa, causing them to grow in size, resulting in penile rigidity and facilitating its insertion into the female vagina.

Accessory Glands

These are male accessory glands whose secretions mix with sperm to form semen or facilitate penetration. They include:

• Seminal Vesicles: Located behind the urinary bladder and emptying into the vas deferens. Their secretion, seminal fluid, contains glucose, a nutrient for sperm.
• Prostate: Located beneath the urinary bladder. Its secretion, prostatic fluid, contains substances that protect sperm against the acidity of the vagina.
• Cowper's Glands: A pair of glands situated at the base of the penis. Their function is to secrete a lubricating fluid.