They undergo a slow maturation process, concluding in puberty , that is, when the sexual cells become available to give rise to another being.
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System
The organs that make up the male reproductive system are: urethra , penis , seminal vesicle , prostate , vas deferens , epididymis and testicles .
Find out more about each of these bodies below.
Testicles
The testicles are two oval-shaped glands located in the scrotum. Within the structure of each testicle are thin, coiled tubes called “seminiferous tubes”.
Sperm (male reproductive cells) and some hormones are produced in the testicles .
The process of sperm formation is called spermatogenesis .
The main hormone is testosterone , responsible for the appearance of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair, voice changes, etc.
Epididymis
The epididymis are elongated canals that coil and cover the posterior surface of each testicle. They are the place where sperm are stored after they are produced.
Vas Deferens
The vas deferens is a long, thin tube that runs from each epididymis. It passes through the groin folds, through the inguinal canals, and continues through the abdominal cavity, encircling the base of the bladder, before widening to form an ampulla.
It receives the seminal fluid originating from the seminal vesicle. These channels cross the prostate to receive the prostatic fluid and flow into the urethra.
The set of spermatozoa, seminal fluid and prostatic fluid constitutes the “sperm” or “semen”.
Seminal Vesicle
The seminal vesicle is made up of two small sacs located behind the bladder. Its function is to produce “seminal fluid”.
It is a thick, milky secretion that neutralizes the action of urine, protecting and helping sperm on their way to the urethra.
Seminal fluid neutralizes the acidity of the vagina during sexual intercourse, preventing sperm from dying on the way to the eggs.
Prostate
The prostate is a gland located below the bladder that produces “prostate fluid,” a clear, fluid secretion that makes up sperm.
Urethra
The urethra is a canal that, in men, serves the urinary system and the reproductive system. It begins in the bladder, passes through the prostate and the penis (its largest part) to the tip of the glans, where there is an opening. Semen and urine are released through this opening.
It is important to note that urine and sperm are not released together. This is because there is a muscle in the bladder, where the urethra begins, that prevents this process.
Penis
The penis is an external cylindrical organ, which has two types of tissue: cavernous and spongy. Urine (excretory function) and semen (reproductive function) are eliminated through the penis.
The spongy tissue surrounds and protects the urethra, while the cavernous tissue, when filled with blood, makes the penis erect (rigid). This is how the sexual act takes place and, after stimulation, ejaculation occurs.
An erection, however, does not only occur in preparation for sexual activity. It can occur due to a variety of physiological stimuli, for example, when the bladder is full or when the man has a dream at night.
Diseases of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in men over the age of 40.
The most common symptoms are: burning when urinating, getting up several times during the night to urinate, decreased urinary flow, feeling of not having completely emptied the bladder after urinating, presence of blood in the urine, among others.
Testicular cancer is less common, representing 1% of male cancers, and the appearance of nodules (lumps) is painless.
Therefore, if you notice any abnormalities, it is advisable to seek out a urologist, a doctor who specializes in the urinary/renal system and male sexual system.
