The male reproductive system includes the scrotum, testes, spermatic ducts, sex

glands, and penis. These organs work together to produce sperm, the male gamete,
and the other components of semen. These organs also work together to deliver semen
out of the body and into the vagina where it can fertilize egg cells to produce
offspring....

scrotum

skrdm/
noun
1. a pouch of skin containing the testicles.
2.
3. It has several types of body tissues, including skin, nerves, smooth muscle, and
blood vessels. The main part of the penis is known as the shaft, and the head of
the penis is called the glans. At birth, the glans is covered by a piece of skin
called the foreskin, or prepuce.Feb 9, 2016
4. The glans penis is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the human penis. The
glans is anatomically homologous to the clitoral glans of the human female.
5. Typically, the glans is completely or partially covered by the foreskin, except in men who
have been circumcised. The foreskin can generally be retracted over and past the glans, and
may automatically retract during an erection.
6. The glans is more commonly known as the "head" or the "tip" of the penis. The medical
name comes from the Latin words glans('acorn') and penis ('of the penis') the
Latin genitive of this word has the same form as the nominative.

Foreskin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about human foreskin. For foreskin in other mammals, see Penile sheath.

Foreskin

Foreskin partially retracted over the glans penis, with a ridged

band visible at the end of the foreskin

Details

Precursor Genital tubercle, urogenital folds

Artery Dorsal artery of the penis

Vein Dorsal veins of the penis

Nerve Dorsal nerve of the penis

Identifiers
 Latin Praeputium

MeSH A05.360.444.492.362

Dorlands Preupuce

/Elsevier

TA A09.4.01.011

FMA 19639

Anatomical terminology

[edit on Wikidata]

In male human anatomy, the foreskin is the double-layered fold of smooth muscle tissue, blood
vessels, neurons, skin, and mucous membrane part of the penis that covers and protects the glans
penis and the urinary meatus. It is also described as the prepuce, a technically broader term that
also includes the clitoral hood in women, to which the foreskin is embryonically homologous. The
highly innervated mucocutaneous zone of the penis occurs near the tip of the foreskin. The foreskin
is mobile, fairly stretchable, and acts as a natural lubricant.
The foreskin of adults is typically retractable over the glans. Coverage of the glans in a flaccid and
erect state varies depending on foreskin length. The foreskin is attached to the glans at birth and is
generally not retractable in infancy. Inability to retract the foreskin in childhood should not be
considered a problem unless there are other symptoms.[1]
The World Health Organization debates the precise functions of the foreskin, which may include
"keeping the glans moist, protecting the developing penis in utero, or enhancing sexual pleasure due
to the presence of nerve receptors".[2]
The foreskin may become subject to a number of pathological conditions.[3] Most conditions are rare,
and easily treated. In some cases, particularly with chronic conditions, treatment may
include circumcision, a procedure where the foreskin is partially or completely removed.
Click to read more below

Anatomy Explorer

LOWER TORSO

LOWER TORSO
Testes

Sperm Production in the Testicle

Cowper's Gland
Ductus Deferens
Epididymis
Penis
Prostate
Seminal Vesicle
Urethra

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Full Male Reproductive System Description

[Continued from above] . . .
Scrotum
The scrotum is a sac-like organ made of skin and muscles that houses the testes. It is
located inferior to the penis in the pubic region. The scrotum is made up of 2 side-by-
side pouches with a testis located in each pouch. The smooth muscles that make up the
scrotum allow it to regulate the distance between the testes and the rest of the body.
When the testes become too warm to support spermatogenesis, the scrotum relaxes to
move the testes away from the bodys heat. Conversely, the scrotum contracts to move
the testes closer to the bodys core heat when temperatures drop below the ideal range
for spermatogenesis.
Testes
The 2 testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads responsible for the
production of sperm and testosterone. The testes are ellipsoid glandular organs around
1.5 to 2 inches long and an inch in diameter. Each testis is found inside its own pouch
on one side of the scrotum and is connected to the abdomen by a spermatic cord and
cremaster muscle. The cremaster muscles contract and relax along with the scrotum to
regulate the temperature of the testes. The inside of the testes is divided into small
compartments known as lobules. Each lobule contains a section of seminiferous tubule
lined with epithelial cells. These epithelial cells contain many stem cells that divide and
form sperm cells through the process of spermatogenesis.
Epididymis
The epididymis is a sperm storage area that wraps around the superior and posterior
edge of the testes. The epididymis is made up of several feet of long, thin tubules that
are tightly coiled into a small mass. Sperm produced in the testes moves into the
epididymis to mature before being passed on through the male reproductive organs.
The length of the epididymis delays the release of the sperm and allows them time to
mature.
Spermatic Cords and Ductus Deferens
Within the scrotum, a pair of spermatic cords connects the testes to the abdominal
cavity. The spermatic cords contain the ductus deferens along with nerves, veins,
arteries, and lymphatic vessels that support the function of the testes.
The ductus deferens, also known as the vas deferens, is a muscular tube that carries
sperm superiorly from the epididymis into the abdominal cavity to the ejaculatory duct.
The ductus deferens is wider in diameter than the epididymis and uses its internal
space to store mature sperm. The smooth muscles of the walls of the ductus deferens
are used to move sperm towards the ejaculatory duct through peristalsis.
Seminal Vesicles
The seminal vesicles are a pair of lumpy exocrine glands that store and produce some
of the liquid portion of semen. The seminal vesicles are about 2 inches in length and
located posterior to the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum. The liquid
produced by the seminal vesicles contains proteins and mucus and has an alkaline pH
to help sperm survive in the acidic environment of the vagina. The liquid also contains
fructose to feed sperm cells so that they survive long enough to fertilize the oocyte.
Ejaculatory Duct
The ductus deferens passes through the prostate and joins with the urethra at a
structure known as the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct contains the ducts from
the seminal vesicles as well. During ejaculation, the ejaculatory duct opens and expels
sperm and the secretions from the seminal vesicles into the urethra.
Urethra
Semen passes from the ejaculatory duct to the exterior of the body via the urethra, an
8 to 10 inch long muscular tube. The urethra passes through the prostate and ends at
the external urethral orifice located at the tip of the penis. Urine exiting the body
from the urinary bladder also passes through the urethra.
Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized exocrine gland that borders the inferior end of the
urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces a large portion of the
fluid that makes up semen. This fluid is milky white in color and contains enzymes,
proteins, and other chemicals to support and protect sperm during ejaculation. The
prostate also contains smooth muscle tissue that can constrict to prevent the flow of
urine or semen.
Cowpers Glands
The Cowpers glands, also known as the bulbourethral glands, are a pair of pea-sized
exocrine glands located inferior to the prostate and anterior to the anus. The Cowpers
glands secrete a thin alkaline fluid into the urethra that lubricates the urethra and
neutralizes acid from urine remaining in the urethra after urination. This fluid enters the
urethra during sexual arousal prior to ejaculation to prepare the urethra for the flow of
semen.
Penis
The penis is the male external sexual organ located superior to the scrotum and
inferior to the umbilicus. The penis is roughly cylindrical in shape and contains the
urethra and the external opening of the urethra. Large pockets of erectile tissue in the
penis allow it to fill with blood and become erect. The erection of the penis causes it to
increase in size and become turgid. The function of the penis is to deliver semen into
the vagina during sexual intercourse. In addition to its reproductive function, the penis
also allows for the excretion of urine through the urethra to the exterior of the body.
Semen
Semen is the fluid produced by males for sexual reproduction and is ejaculated out of
the body during sexual intercourse. Semen contains sperm, the male reproductive
gametes, along with a number of chemicals suspended in a liquid medium. The
chemical composition of semen gives it a thick, sticky consistency and a slightly alkaline
pH. These traits help semen to support reproduction by helping sperm to remain within
the vagina after intercourse and to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina. In
healthy adult males, semen contains around 100 million sperm cells per milliliter. These
sperm cells fertilize oocytes inside the female fallopian tubes.
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process of producing sperm and takes place in the testes and
epididymis of adult males. Prior to puberty, there is no spermatogenesis due to the lack
of hormonal triggers. At puberty, spermatogenesis begins when luteinizing hormone
(LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced. LH triggers the production of
testosterone by the testes while FSH triggers the maturation of germ cells.
Testosterone stimulates stem cells in the testes known as spermatogonium to undergo
the process of developing into spermatocytes. Each diploid spermatocyte goes through
the process of meiosis I and splits into 2 haploid secondary spermatocytes. The
secondary spermatocytes go through meiosis II to form 4 haploid spermatid cells. The
spermatid cells then go through a process known as spermiogenesis where they grow a
flagellum and develop the structures of the sperm head. After spermiogenesis, the cell
is finally a sperm cell, or spermatozoa. The spermatozoa are released into the
epididymis where they complete their maturation and become able to move on their
own.
Fertilization
Fertilization is the process by which a sperm combines with an oocyte, or egg cell, to
produce a fertilized zygote. The sperm released during ejaculation must first swim
through the vagina and uterus and into the fallopian tubes where they may find an
oocyte. After encountering the oocyte, sperm next have to penetrate the outer corona
radiata and zona pellucida layers of the oocyte. Sperm contain enzymes in the
acrosome region of the head that allow them to penetrate these layers. After
penetrating the interior of the oocyte, the nuclei of these haploid cells fuse to form a
diploid cell known as a zygote. The zygote cell begins cell division to form an embryo.
Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor

Internal organs[edit]

Sagittal MRI showing the location of the vagina, cervix and uterus

Illustration depicting female reproductive system (sagittal view)

Frontal view as scheme of reproductive organs

The female internal reproductive organs are the vagina, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Vagina[edit]
Main article: Vagina

The vagina is a fibromuscular (made up of fibrous and muscular tissue) canal leading from the
outside of the body to the cervix of the uterusor womb. It is also referred to as the birth canal in the
context of pregnancy. The vagina accommodates the male penis during sexual
intercourse. Semen containing spermatazoa is ejaculated from the male at orgasm, into the vagina
potentially enabling fertilization of the egg cell (ovum) to take place.

Cervix[edit]
Main article: Cervix

The cervix is the neck of the uterus, the lower, narrow portion where it joins with the upper part of the
vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall.
Approximately half its length is visible, the remainder lies above the vagina beyond view. The vagina
has a thick layer outside and it is the opening where the fetus emerges during delivery.

Uterus[edit]
Main article: Uterus

The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ. The uterus provides mechanical
protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 1 to 8) and
fetus (from week 9 until the delivery). In addition, contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are
important in pushing out the fetus at the time of birth.
The uterus contains three suspensory ligaments that help stabilize the position of the uterus and
limits its range of movement. The uterosacral ligaments keep the body from moving inferiorly and
anteriorly. The round ligaments restrict posterior movement of the uterus. The cardinal ligaments
also prevent the inferior movement of the uterus.
The uterus is a pear-shaped muscular organ. Its major function is to accept a fertilized ovum which
becomes implanted into the endometrium, and derives nourishment from blood vessels which
develop exclusively for this purpose. The fertilized ovum becomes an embryo, develops into
a fetus and gestates until childbirth. If the egg does not embed in the wall of the uterus, a female
begins menstruation.

Fallopian tube[edit]
Main article: Fallopian tube

The Fallopian tubes are two tubes leading from the ovaries into the uterus. On maturity of an ovum,
the follicle and the ovary's wall rupture, allowing the ovum to escape and enter the Fallopian tube.
There it travels toward the uterus, pushed along by movements of cilia on the inner lining of the
tubes. This trip takes hours or days. If the ovum is fertilized while in the Fallopian tube, then it
normally implants in the endometrium when it reaches the uterus, which signals the beginning
of pregnancy.

Ovaries[edit]
Main article: Ovary

The ovaries are small, paired organs located near the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. These organs
are responsible for the production of the egg cells (ova) and the secretion of hormones. The process
by which the egg cell (ovum) is released is called ovulation. The speed of ovulation is periodic and
impacts directly to the length of a menstrual cycle.
After ovulation, the egg cell is captured by the Fallopian tube, after traveling down the Fallopian tube
to the uterus, occasionally being fertilized on its way by an incoming sperm. During fertilization the
egg cell plays a role; it releases certain molecules that are essential to guiding the sperm and allows
the surface of the egg to attach to the sperm's surface. The egg can then absorb the sperm and
fertilization can then begin.[citation needed] The Fallopian tubes are lined with small hairs (cilia) to help the
egg cell travel.

The function of the external female reproductive structures

(the genitals) is twofold: To enable sperm to enter the
body and to protect the internal genital organs from
infectious organisms. The main external structures of the
female reproductive system include:

Labia majora: The labia majora enclose and protect

the other external reproductive organs. Literally
translated as "large lips," the labia majora are
relatively large and fleshy, and are comparable to the
scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and
oil-secreting glands. After puberty, the labia majora
are covered with hair.
Labia minora: Literally translated as "small lips," the
labia minora can be very small or up to 2 inches wide.
They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the
openings to the vagina (the canal that joins the lower
part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and
urethra (the tube that carries urine from
the bladder to the outside of the body).
Bartholin's glands: These glands are located beside
the vaginal opening and produce a fluid (mucus)
secretion.
Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a
small, sensitive protrusion that is comparable to
the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold
of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the
foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the
clitoris is very sensitive to stimulation and can become
erect.

The internal reproductive organs in the female include:

Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins

the cervix(the lower part of uterus) to the outside of
the body. It also is known as the birth canal.
Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped
organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The
uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is
the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the
main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus
can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A
channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter
and menstrual blood to exit.
 Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands
that are located on either side of the uterus. The
ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are
attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as
tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the
ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of
an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian
tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus,
where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall.
perineum

pernm/
noun
ANATOMY
1. the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva.