The male reproductive system consists of Testes (Testicles), Accessory Glands, Penis. In this article we are focusing On Testes.
Location of Testes
- Pair of oval glands located in a thin-walled sac called scrotum located outside the body cavity.
- The scrotal sac is suspended outside the body. Its temperature is 2–3°C lower than the body temperature.
- In abnormal conditions when the testes do not descend into the scrotum, it results in sterility, i.e. incapability of producing sperms.
Structure of Testes
Each testis is encased in a capsule. The capsule is internally divided into 15–20 lobules. Each lobule contains seminiferous tubules.
Seminiferous Tubules
Sperms are produced in the seminiferous tubules by the process of spermatogenesis.
Interstitial Cells (Leydig Cells)
They produce the male hormone
testosterone.
Epididymis
- The sperms from the seminiferous tubules pass into 12–14 efferent ducts.
- These ducts further join to form the epididymis.
- The epididymis stores the sperms when they mature.
- Also Read Connective Tissue
Vas deferens (sperm duct)
- It is about 45 cm long.
- The two vas deferens loop over the ureters and join the urethra.
Hernia: Due to pressure of the abdomen, the intestines bulge into the scrotum through the inguinal canal.
Ejaculatory Duct
- The vas deferens and the seminal vesicles unite to form the ejaculatory duct.
- It ejects sperms into the urethra just before ejaculation.
As the main content of this article is Testes, We are giving you a brief idea about Accessory Glands and Penis
Accessory Glands
It consists of the Seminal Vesicles, Prostate Gland, Bulbo-urethral Gland.
Penis
- It is the passage for both urine and semen.
- It is a highly vascular organ with erectile tissues and vascular spaces.
- Under the influence of sexual stimulation, blood flows in large amounts into the vascular spaces of the penis, which makes it erect. Such a condition is called erection.
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