Human beings [ like all other mammals] make use of sexual reproduction for creating their offsprings.
In the human male reproductive system, body parts that are involved in sexual activities and reproduction are included. These parts include external genitals like testes and penis as well as internal parts like urethra and prostate gland.
Therefore, it is essential to understand male reproductive system and its working. So, that you will make yourself aware about a male’s body and its complex mechanism
Understanding Human Male Reproductive System
Male reproductive system is considered the most complex yet most fascinating structure. Though, it exists mostly outside of a male’s body.
It consists of organs that are involved in sexual functioning and the production of a child. These organs consist of both internal and external organs. Together, they assist in making, storing and ejaculating sperm whose work is to fertilize female eggs to begin pregnancy.
The external organs in male reproductive system mainly consist of penis, testicles and scrotum. And, the internal organs include; vas deferens, urethra and prostate.
Moreover, the human male reproductive system also produces several hormones like testosterone that helps in male development. Therefore, it is vital to know in-depth about the anatomy of male reproductive system.
Functioning of Human Male Reproductive System
The organs [ internal and external] of a human male reproductive system performs primary functions of:
● Producing, maintaining and transporting semen and sperm cells. Semen is defined as a protective fluid around a sperm. Sperm cells are touted as reproductive cells.
● Discharging sperm
● Producing and secreting male sex hormones
Puberty starts when the hypothalamus and pituitary gland produce hormones in order to tell testicles to make sperm and testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is responsible for the development of penis, scrotum and testicles. It also helps in development of prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
External Parts of Human Male Reproductive System
Male reproductive system is basically located outside of a male’s body. Main parts of the external reproductive system are penis, testicles and scrotum. These parts are also known as genitalia and genitals.
Penis
Penis is among the main parts of the external human male reproductive system. Penis is an organ which has a cylinder-like shape and is located on the front side of your scrotum.
Penis has three columns of an erectile tissue that is wrapped in connective tissues. It erects when erectile tissue gets filled with blood. There are two columns of erectile tissue called corpora and corpus spongiosum. Corpus spongiosum surrounds urethra which is considered as a muscular tube. This tube allows urine’s passage from semen and bladder.
A male penis consists of three parts; a root that is attached to the abdomen wall, the body and glans. Glans is also called penis’s head and is covered with loose skin known as foreskin. Though, in certain cases the skin is removed by a procedure called circumcision.
Urethra’s opening transports pee and semen. Semen containing sperms [ known as reproductive cells] is ejaculated through your penis’s end when you reach orgasm [ sexual climax]. When penis gets erected, pee is blocked from your urethra. Thus, allowing semen to ejaculate during orgasm.
The Scrotum
Scrotum is like a skin pouch that lies below your public symphysis and in front of your thigh’s upper parts. Scrotum is an ideal part of the human male reproductive system.
Spermatic cord and testes are contained in scrotum. This part of the human male reproductive system is mainly known to maintain or balance the temperature of a sperm so that it can survive for long. It is done as nerves within your skin may lead to shrinking of the scrotum. It may become wrinkly in case of a cold. Thus, it leads to its increasing temperature.
For the development of a normal sperm, your testes must be at an ideal temperature that will be cooler than your body’s temperature. [ in between 36-37 degree celsius]. A scrotum contracts in order to easily move testicles close to the body's protection and warmth.
Testicles
Testicles, also referred to as testes, is an oval-shaped human male reproductive system organ that is located in a scrotum. They are generally considered to be of the size of two big olives.
A spermatic cord is responsible for holding your testicles and supplying enough blood. Most people have two testicles which are located on both the sides of a scrotum.
A testicle is also helpful in doing adequate production of testosterone and production of sperm. Within your testicles lies coiled like tube masses. These are known as seminiferous tubules. They help in producing sperm cells.
Epididymis
A big, coiled tube on the back of both testicles is epididymis. This organ of a human male reproductive system performs the function of carrying and storing your sperm cells created by a testicle.
It also helps in making a sperm mature as the sperms that are coming from your testicles are not so mature. In case of sexual arousal, sperm is forced into the deferens with the help of muscle contractions.
Internal Organs of Human Male Reproductive System
Understanding the structure and working of all the internal organs of the human male reproductive system is vital to know about its complex anatomy.
Internal organs basically consist of a spermatic cord, prostate, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral gland.
Spermatic Code
Spermatic code helps in ensuring better functioning of the human male reproductive system. It has a cable kind structure that supports your testes and epididymis.
The main function of this cord is to supply blood to your testes, epididymis and vas deferens.
The Prostate
A walnut size gland is known as the prostate. This part of the human male reproductive system has the capability to dense and become firm. It is basically located below your urinary bladder.
Prostate basically surrounds your urethra and is inside of the urinary bladder. There are short ducts that empty from your prostate to the urethra. Prostate also secretes a thick, alkaline type of fluid that makes a semen thick. Moreover, a sperm can also stay long in a female reproductive tract.
Bulbourethral Gland
The bulbourethral gland is also known as Cowper's gland. These are also called the pea sized glands that are mainly located at your penis base and beneath the prostate. These glands have slender ducts and are 1 cm in diameter. The ducts run towards the urethra and its spongy portions. They have a strong network of tubules, certain small tubes and have saclike structure.
They release mucus-fluid which is thick and alkaline. This fluid lubricates urethra’s opening and is efficient in clearing residual urine. Moreover, this fluid helps in neutralizing all types of urine acidity and vagina acidity. In this way, the bulbourethral gland ensures smooth functioning of the human male reproductive system.
The Seminal Vesicles
These are the glands that are located behind a urinary bladder. They have ducts that are connected with vas deferens to form a structure called ejaculatory duct. This ejaculatory duct then passes through your prostate. Then it drains into the urethra.
This part of the human male reproductive system is also known to release a thick fluid that contains fructose [ sugar] and other enzymes. They give energy and nutrition to the sperm.
Male Hormones
Hormones in general terms are known as chemical messengers that are made by your body glands. Male hormones form an essential part of the human male reproductive system.
Hypothalamus and pituitary gland [ located at the base in a brain] controls the overall production of sperms and male hormones. There are mainly two types of male sex hormones; androgen and testosterone.
● Androgen: Androgens are defined as male sex hormones which accelerate in puberty. They are needed for you to develop yourself into a sexually mature male who will have the ability to reproduce.
● Testosterone: They are considered as the most essential androgens. These hormones are needed for normal sexual and reproductive functions. They are also vital for all the physical changes that occur in your body. These changes includes; development of your penis, face and body hair, testicles development and muscle growth.
Human Male Reproductive System Diseases
Male reproductive system organs work in tandem to coordinate the overall functioning of the body. However, the human male reproductive system is also prone to several diseases and disorders.
These diseases have the tendency to interfere with the development and growth, sexual activity, mental health and other body functioning. Hence, it is essential to know in detail about these diseases.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erection is called hardening of your penis during a sexual arousal. Erectile dysfunction also known by the name of sexual dysfunction is the inability of developing and maintaining erection during sexual intercourse. It is quite a common sex problem among men.
It occurs when there is no adequate blood flow to your penis as it is unable to trap enough blood flow. Risk factor of this disease majorly includes:
● High blood pressure
● High cholesterol
● Drugs
● Smoking and alcohol
● Diabetes
● Obesity
● Sedentary lifestyle
Epididymitis
It is known as inflammation of an epididymis. This organ of the human male reproductive system is paired organ with scrotum where your sperm nurture and matures.
Any kind of discomfort or swelling can cause epididymis. This condition is common especially in young men. Though, the condition can be acute or chronic. Acute epididymitis is often caused by a bacterial infection. Whereas, chronic conditions can happen with or without any type of bacterial infection. A chronic epididymitis can generally stay for a few months. However, it can also last for certain years depending upon your condition.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate gland is located inside a male’s pelvis. Urethra passes through this gland, after leaving the bladder and before reaching pennis. Its main function is to do the secretion of zinc and other related substances into the semen.
When the glandular cells in the prostate mutate or convert into tumor cells, prostate cancer occurs. Though, if tumor is not detected it can invade seminal vesicles or nearby structures. Its cells can also metastasize or travel in your lymphatic system. They have the risk of traveling to other body organs.
Testicular Cancer
This cancer can also harm the functioning of the whole human male reproductive system. It mostly affects young individuals. Tests are paired organs in a scrotum. The risk of testicular cancer often arises as a lump or swelling in one or both testicles.
If there is any pain [ dull or sharp] in your scrotum or lower abdomen, it may be the sign of testicular cancer. Though, this cancer may not spread beyond your testis.
Conclusion
Human male reproductive system comprises internal and external organs. They work together in order to facilitate sexual and reproductive function. Therefore, it is vital to know about the anatomy of the human male reproductive system.
FAQ
What is the main purpose of testes?
Testes or testicles are egg-shaped glands that are sitting inside the scrotum. Their main function is to produce testosterone and sperm and forms an essential part of the human male reproductive system.
Where is a male sperm stored?
A male sperm is basically stored next to the testicles. Epididymis is a long tube and an ideal space for the storage of a sperm. From this place, a sperm gets transported directly to the vas deferens.
Can a person be able to release sperm at the age of 10?
As per the anatomy of the human male reproductive system , puberty happens at different times for different people. Though, it generally starts in between the age of 10 to 12. A person can ejaculate at start within this age.
What is the ideal size for two testis?
Generally the size of testicles in adults is 2-3 inches. However, testicle size may vary in size but happens to be of the same shape.
What is male infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability of a man or a woman to produce a child. The prime reason for a man’s infertility is to not produce enough or healthy sperms. About one in every twelve men suffers from some type of infertility problems.
What does a scrotum look like?
Scrotum is defined as sack of your skin that is divided into two parts by your perineal raphe [ line that look like a fine line down your scrotum’s middle]
How can I make my pennis strong?
Pennis is an essential organ of the human male reproductive system. To make your penis strong, you should maintain a healthy body, manage hygiene practices or do regular exercises.