1.

The male reproductive system

The male reproductive system manufactures spermatozoa or male gametes, deposits them in the
female reproductive system and synthesises male sex hormones (testosterone).

The male reproductive system is made up of the testes, the epididymis, the vasa
diferentia, the accessory glands and the penis.

The testes are two glands situated in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. They
are made up of many tiny tubes called seminiferous tubules. The testes produce
testosterone and, from puberty onwards, spermatozoa. Newly formed
spermatozoa are infertile and cannot move, although they do have their
characteristic tadpole-like shape.

The epididymis stores the spermatozoa while they mature, in other words, until
they become fertile and acquire the ability to move.

The vasa deferentia (singular: vas deferens) connect the epididymis to the
urethra (the tube that leads from the urinary bladder to outside of the body).

The accessory glands manufacture secretions which, along with spermatozoa,

make up semen. These glands are as follows:
- The seminal vesicles, which are located behind the urinary bladder and lead
to the vasa deferentia.
- The prostate, which is shaped like a chestnut and is located at the point
where the urethra leaves the urinary bladder.
- Cowpers glands, which lead to the urethra and are located underneath the
prostate.

The function of the penis is to deposit spermatozoa in the female reproductive

system. It is formed by erectile tissue which engorges when blood is sent to it,
causing the penis to stiffen or become erect. Its head or glans is protected by a
fold of skin known as the foreskin.
1.1 Spermatozoa

Spermatozoa, or male gametes, are small, motile cells (capable of movement). They carry the
hereditary information from the father.

They consist of:

The head, which contains the cell nucleus with the hereditary material.
A mid-piece, the many mitochondria of which generate the energy required for
movement.
The tall, which is called flagellum, enables them to move.
2.2 The formation of spermatozoa

The formation of spermatozoa, or spermatogenesis, takes place in the seminiferous

tubules, which include the interstitial cells that segregate testosterone. The walls of
these tubules contain cells called germ cells, which are constantly multiplying
themselves.

As they multiply, the cells move towards the end of the tube and gradually mature until
they become spermatozoa.

The process is initiated at puberty by the action of male hormones and continues
throughout the rest of the individuals life.