SCIENCE05L02: The Male Reproductive System
OBJECTIVES
Identify the different parts of the male reproductive system and their
functions
Enumerate the parts of the male reproductive system
Compare and contrast the female and male reproductive system
Give ways on how to take care of the male reproductive organs
LESSON PREREQUISITE
The learner is required to have learned about Lesson 1: The Female
Reproductive System
LESSON PROPER
Human Reproduction
Reproduction is the process of producing younger living things or offspring. Human reproduction starts with egg cells (from females) and sperm cells (from males). Theses sex cells or gametes (singular, gamete) are the building blocks needed to produce offspring. When the gametes are ready, an egg cell unites with a sperm cell through fertilization. During fertilization, materials inside the egg cell and sperm cell combine. This process results to a fertilized egg called zygote, which develops to become a baby.
For males, the body part called testis (or testes) and epididymis produce
and store the sperm cells until they are ready to exit the body. A sperm cell has a:
head – contains materials that will combine with the egg cell and has
substances that can break the protective covering of an egg cell
midpiece (or neck) – provides energy for the sperm tail
tail – helps the sperm cell to move toward the egg cell
The sperm cells exit the body through a sugar-rich, protective liquid called
semen, which the male body releases through the process of ejaculation.
Functions and Parts of the Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system comprises different parts to prepare the
release of the sperm cell.
1. Testes (or testis, singular; also called testicles) - a pair of male sex organ (or male gonad)
produces the sperm cells and the substances called testosterone, which regulates the production of sperm and the changes in the male body during puberty stage
2. Epididymis
where sperm cells fully develop their parts
keeps the mature sperm cells until ejaculation takes place
3. Scrotum
a sac of skin outside the male body covering the testes
protects the testes
keeps the temperature of the testes cooler than the rest of the body
The testes need cooler temperature to be able to produce sperm cells.
During ejaculation, the epididymis releases mature sperm cells into the vas deferens.
4. Vas Deferens
passageway of the sperm cells from the epididymis to the ejaculatory
duct inside the prostate gland
During ejaculation, the male body releases millions of sperm cells but only
one sperm cell survives to meet the egg cell and undergo fertilization.
The sperm cells exit the vas deferens and transfer to the ejaculatory duct, where the vas deference and seminal vesicle meet.
5. Seminal Vesicle
sac-like pouch attached at the end of the vas deferens
produces sugar-rich fluid as part of the semen, which nourishes the
sperm cells and helps them move
The sperm cells and fluid from the seminal vesicle travel inside the prostate gland through the ejaculatory duct.
6. Prostate Gland
walnut-sized gland
produces a thin fluid that protects the sperm cells and helps the sperm
cells to move
releases prostate fluid to join the sperm cells and the fluid from the
seminal vesicle, forming the semen
The muscles in the prostate gland help push the semen into the urethra.
7. Urethra
the last passageway of the semen until it exits the male body
The urine or pee of males also passes through the urethra.
8. Penis
an elongated muscular organ
supports the urethra during ejaculation
The tip or head part of the penis is called glans, which is covered with a
foreskin.
In some cultures, like in our country, most young males undergo
circumcision wherein the foreskin of their penis is removed.
The urethra also prevents urine and semen materials from mixing up. The
urine or pee may contain harmful substances that should not be included in the semen.
During urination, the part of urethra connected to the prostate gland closes so that urine cannot enter the prostate gland.
During ejaculation, the part of urethra connected to the bladder closes to
prevent the semen from entering the bladder. The bladder collects urine
before releasing it outside the body.
Cowper’s gland (or bulbourethral gland) Before the semen reaches the urethra, this gland releases fluid to clean the urethra from possible urine residue.
Function of the Male Reproductive System
The function of the male reproductive system is to:
1. Primarily produce the male gamete called sperm cell, and
2. Also nourish and prepare the sperm cells for possible fertilization in the
female reproductive system
Ways on How to Keep Your Reproductive System Healthy
1. Eat healthy food.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Have enough sleep.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking.
6. Take a daily bath with soap and water.
7. Use clean and comfortable underwear every day.