The Male Reproductive System

The Structure and their Functions

Structure of the male reproductive system

Part	Function
Penis	Carries sperm into the female reproductive system.
Scrotum	Keeps sperm at the correct temperature for development (below 37°C).
Testis	Produces sperm (exocrine function) and testosterone (endocrine function).
Epididymis	Stores and matures sperm cells.
Sperm Duct **(**Vans Deferens)	Transports sperm from the testes to the urethra.
Seminal Vesicles	Produces seminal fluid, which allows sperm to swim and provides food for them.
Prostate Gland	Produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
Cowper's Gland	Produces fluid that combines with sperm and seminal fluid to form semen.
Urethra	Carries semen or urine through the penis.

Sperm

A sperm cell

Part	Description
Head	Contains the nucleus (with 23 chromosomes) and acrosome (enzymes to penetrate the egg).
Midpiece	Contains mitochondria, which provide energy for movement.
Tail	Propels the sperm forward.

Production:

• Produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes by meiosis.
• Contain 23 chromosomes (haploid nuclei)
• A haploid cell (one set of chromosomes), capable of fertilisation.

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Male Reproductive Hormones

Hormone	Function
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)	Stimulates sperm-producing cells in the testes to divide by meiosis and produce sperm.
Luteinising Hormone (LH)	Stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes.
Testosterone	Stimulates sperm production and causes development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

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Male Sexual Characteristics

Primary Sexual Characteristics

• Growth of reproductive parts.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

• Growth of pubic hair and body hair.
• Growth of the larynx, leading to a deeper voice.
• Widening of shoulders.
• Growth spurts.
• Increased production of sebum.

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Male Infertility (Low Sperm Count)

• Definition**:** Inability to produce offspring.
• Causes**:**
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use, or anabolic steroids.
  • Low levels of male hormones like FSH.
• Treatment:
  • Lifestyle changes (e.g., stopping smoking or alcohol consumption).
  • Hormone injections if the issue is hormone-related.
  • In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) as an alternative.