MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The purpose of the organs of the male reproductive system
is to perform certain functions. Unlike the female system,
most of the male system is located outside the body.

To produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male
reproductive cells) and protect ive fluid (semen).

To discharge sperm within the female reproductive
tract during sex.

To produce and secrete male sex hormones
responsible for maintaining the male reproductive
system.

EXTERNAL ORGANS

Penis
This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It
has three parts, the root, the body or shaft and the
glans. The glans also called the head of the penis, is
covered by a loose layer of skin called foreskin, (this
is sometimes removed by circumcision). The opening
of the urethra and sensative nerve endings. The body
of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of 3
circular shaped chambers. These chambers are made
up of special, sponge-like tissue. This tissue contains
thousands of large spaces that fill with blood when the
man is sexually aroused. As the penis fills with blood,
it becomes rigid and erect, which allows penetration
during sexual intercourse.The skin of the penis is
loose and elastic to accommodate changes in size
during erections. Semen, which contains sperm
(reproductive cells)is expelled (ejaculated) through the
penis when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm).
When the penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked
from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated.

Scrotum
This is a loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind
the penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), as
well as many nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum acts
as a "climate control sysem" for the testes. For normal
sperm development, the testes must be at room temperature
slightly cooler than body temperature. Special muscles in
the wall of the scrotum allow it to contact and relax. moving
the testicles closer to the body for warmth and farther away
from the body tto cool the temperature.

Testicles (testes)
These are oval organs about the size of large olives that
lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called
the spermatic cord. Most men have two testes. The testes
are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male
sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes
are coiled masses of tubes called seminiferous tabules.
These tubes are responsible for producing sperm cells.

Epididymis
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that rests on the
backside of each testicle. It transports and stores sperm
cells that are produced in the testes. It also is the job of the
epididymis to bring sperm to maturity, since the sperm that
emerge from the testes are immature and incapable of
fertilization. During sexual arousal, contractions force the
sperm into the vas deferens.

INTERNAL ORGANS
The internal organs of the male reproductive system are
also called accessory organs.

Vas Deferens
The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that travels from the
epididymis into the pelvic cavity, to just behind the bladder. The
vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra, the tube
that carries urine and sperm to outside of the body in
preporation for ejaculation.

Ejaculatory Ducts
These are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the
seminal vesicles (see below). The ejaculatory ducts empty
into the urethra.
.

Seminal Vesicles
The seminal vesicles are sac-like pouches that attach to
the vas deferens near the base of the bladder. The seminal
vesticles produce a sugar-rich liquid (fructose) that provides
sperm with a source of energy to help them move. The fluid
of the seminal vesicles makes up most of the volume of a
man's ejaculatory fluid or ejaculate.

Urethra
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder
to the outside of the body. In males, it has the additional
function of ejaculating semen when the man reaches orgasm.
When the penis is erect during sex, the flow of urine is blocked
from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated.

Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure that is located
below the urinary bladdeeer in front of the rectum. The prostate
gland contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate. Prostate
fluids also help to nourish the sperm. The urethra, which
carries the ejaculate to be expelled during orgasm, runs
through the center of the prostate gland.

Bulbourethral Glands
Also called Cowper's glands, these are pea-sized structures
located on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate
gland. These glands produce a clear, slippery fluid that
empties directly into the urethra. This fluid serves to lubricate
the urethra and to neutralize any acidity that may be present
due to residual drops of urine in the urethra.

HOW THE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
The entire system is dependent on hormones, which are
chemicals that regulate activity of many different types of
cells or organs. The primary hormones involved in male
reproductive systems are follicle-stimulating hormones,
necessary for sperm production, luteinizing hormones
which stimulate the production of testosterone which is also
needed to make sperm and testosterone which is
responsible for the development of male character,
including muscle mass and strenght, fat distribution, bone
mass and sex drive..

PENIS DISORDERS

Priapism

Peyronie Disease

Balanitis

Phimosis

Paraphimosis

Penile Cancer

TESTICLE DISORDERS

Testicular Trauma

Testiculat Torsion

Testicular Cancer

Epididymitis

Hypoponadism

OTHER MALE DISORDERS

Urethritis
This is imflammation of the urethra. In the male the
urethra serves as passageway for urine and carries
reproductive materials. Gonorrheal Urethritis is the
most common infection in men and is characterized
by discharge, pain on urination and increased urgency
to urinate.

Cystitis
This is an inflammation of the urinary bladder, and may
follow an infection of the kidneys, the prostate or the
urethra. The most common symptom is urgent, frequent
and painful urination. Blood may also be apparent
in the urine. This is also common in females.

Pyelonephritis
This is a bacterial infection of the upper urinary tract and
can invade the kidney. It effects both male and female.
Someone with pyelonephritis can be quite ill, with fever
of 104 or 105 F. Shaking, chills and increased pulse rate,
nausea, vomiting and pain in back and abdomen can
occur. This disorder must be treated immediately before
there is severe, irreversible kidney damage.

Hydrocele
A collection of fluid (tumor) in the tunic vaginalis of the
testis or spermatic cord.

Cryptorchisa
This is an undescending Testes.

Orchiopexy
Fixation of undescending Testis.

Orchiectomy
Surgical excision of one or both testicles.


**Information contained herein is intended for
information only and is not intended to replace
your Doctor, or any other Health Care Provider.
If you suspect any condition or have any
symptoms contact your Doctor immediately.**