Question

Describe the human male reproductive system.

Describe in brief the male reproductive system of human.

Answer 1

The human male reproductive system comprises testes, epididymis, vas deferens, Cowper’s glands, prostate gland and penis.

1. Testes
   • Testes produce male gametes and sperms.
   • To maintain the temperature 2–3°C lower than the body temperature, the scrotum is located outside the body cavity.
2. Epididymis
   • The epididymis stores sperms temporarily.
3. Vas deferens
   • Each epididymis continues further as a sperm duct or vas deferens.
4. Seminal vesicles
   • The seminal vesicles produce a secretion which is responsible for the transport of sperms.
5. Prostate gland
   • It is a bilobed structure which surrounds the urethra.
   • It pours an alkaline secretion into the semen.
6. Cowper’s glands
   • These are two small ovoid glands.
   • They open into the urethra.
   • Its secretion serves as a lubricant.
7. Penis
   • The urethra passes through the penis.
   • It carries either urine or semen at a given time.
8. Scrotum
   • A skin-covered pouch outside the body cavity that houses the testes.
   • Keeps testes 2–3°C cooler than body temperature for normal spermatogenesis (via dartos & cremaster muscle adjustments, sweat glands)
9. Urethra
   • Common duct for urine and semen (not at the same time).
   • About 18–20 cm long in males; parts: prostatic → membranous → spongy (penile).
   • Internal urethral sphincter prevents urine mixing during ejaculation and opens at the external urethral meatus at the tip of the penis.