The function of the male reproductive system is to produce and deliver sperm (seminal fluid). The organs of the reproductive system finally develop during puberty (at the age of 12-15 years). They are located partly externally (the penis and scrotum containing the testicles) and partly internally (the prostate gland and various organs that collect and store sperm).
Penis
Most of the urethra passes through the penis. During sexual arousal, an erection of the penis occurs, i.e. its lengthening and thickening as the soft spongy tissue of which it is composed fills with blood. An erection can also occur during sleep.
The prostate gland, located just below the bladder, covers the top of the urethra. It secretes a fluid that mixes with semen during ejaculation.
During an erection, the three corpora cavernosa can increase significantly in size as they fill and stretch with blood. During ejaculation (ejaculation), seminal fluid from the testicles and seminal vesicles enters the urethra (urethra).
Testicles
The testicles perform two functions: they form sperm and produce the male hormone testosterone, which stimulates the development of the genital organs, the growth of hair on the face and body, and the “breaking” of the voice.
Signs of reproductive system disease in men
In cases of reproductive system disease in men, the external genitalia are usually affected. In the case when discharge begins from the urethra, this is most likely caused by the appearance of a sexually transmitted disease. Also, blood may appear in semen as a result of excessive sexual activity, as well as as a result of certain serious diseases (for example, tuberculosis).
Any changes in the appearance or swelling of the penis or testicles, which may or may not be accompanied by pain, are signs of the disease.
Material from S Class Wiki
Reproductive system men– this is a set of organs of the male body that performs the reproductive function and is responsible for sexual reproduction. It consists of interconnected external genital and internal appendage organs, and is also connected with the endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular systems of the body.
Functions of the male reproductive system
The male reproductive system performs several functions:
- production of male sex hormones (testosterone, androstenedione, androstenediol, etc.);
- production of sperm, consisting of spermatozoa and seminal plasma;
- transportation and ejaculation of sperm;
- performing sexual intercourse;
- achieving orgasm.
Also, indirectly, the male reproductive system affects the entire body, ensures the normal functioning of other organs and systems, and slows down the aging process. In particular, it is closely related to endocrine system, which also produces hormones, the urinary system, with which the male reproductive system has common elements.
External genitalia
The male reproductive system includes 2 external genital organs, which are responsible for sexual intercourse and achieving orgasm.
The penis is the male external genital organ, which is responsible for physiological copulation and the release of urine from the body. The male penis consists of a base, shaft and head. The top of the penis is covered with skin, which in a non-excited state covers the entire penis with the head. In a state of erection, the penis increases in size, exposing the head due to the movable foreskin.
The shaft of the penis consists of several parts: one corpus spongiosum and two cavernous bodies, formed mainly by collagen fibers. The head of the penis has an expanded and narrowed part. The urethra runs along the entire penis, extending outward at the head. It carries sperm and urine out. The penis is innervated by the dorsal nerve and supplied with blood through the dorsal arteries. The outflow of blood from the penis occurs through the veins.
The scrotum is an outgrowth of the anterior abdominal wall, a natural pouch-like formation located between the penis and anus men. Inside the scrotum are the testicles. On top it has skin. The scrotum is divided in half by a septum. Due to the specific structure, the temperature inside the scrotum is lower normal temperature human body and is approx. 34.4 °C.
Internal organs of the male reproductive system
Like women, the bulk of a man's reproductive system is internal. These are also accessory organs that perform the main part of the reproductive function.
The testicles are a paired organ of the male reproductive system, which is located inside the scrotum. The testicles, or paired male gonads, are asymmetrical and slightly different in size, so they are not compressed when walking or sitting. Usually the right testicle is slightly higher than the left one. The epididymis and spermatic cord are attached to the back of the testicle; on top they are surrounded by a whitish fibrous membrane. Hormones and sperm are formed in the testicles, and they also perform an endocrine function.
Prostate is a prostate gland that is responsible for secretory function, participates in erection and sperm transfer. It also prevents infection from spreading into the upper urinary tract and back to the testicles. The prostate is located behind the rectum and in front of the symphysis pubis. Consists mainly of prostatic glands with connective tissue. The prostate produces spermine, a component of semen that gives it its odor and is involved in cellular metabolism. The prostate also produces hormones and prostate juice. The prostate is interconnected with other organs of the male reproductive system, the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland.
The epididymis is a paired organ located on the posterior surface of the male testicle. One of the processes of spermatogenesis – maturation – occurs in the appendages. Here the sperm accumulates and is stored until eruption. Sperm grow and mature in the epididymis for about 14 days, after which they can perform their direct function - fertilize the female egg.
The seminal vesicles are a paired organ to which the seminal ducts approach. Together with the seminal ducts, the seminal vesicles form the ejaculatory ducts. The seminal vesicles carry the secretion of the seminal vesicles and perform a secretory function to nourish sperm.
The vas deferens, a paired organ with an active muscular layer, is responsible for transporting sperm. Consists of 4 parts.
Ejaculatory ducts - carry sperm into the urethra for ejaculation.
Urethra – component male reproductive system and genitourinary system. It runs along the penis and is brought out at the head through a slit. It is approximately 20 cm long.
Cooper's or bulbourethral glands perform an exocrine function. Located in the muscle tissue of the perineum, they consist of lobular parts. The size of each gland does not exceed a pea. They produce a viscous mucous secretion, which gives the sperm a unique taste and facilitates the unhindered transportation of sperm through the urethra. This secretion contains alkaline enzymes that neutralize urine residues in the urethra.
Formation and development
The organs of the male reproductive system begin to form in the prenatal period. The internal genital organs are formed already at 3-4 weeks of embryo development, the external organs begin to form at 6-7 weeks. From the 7th week, the gonad begins to form testicles; from the 9th week, the embryo’s body already produces a small amount of testosterone. From 8 to 29 weeks, the penis and scrotum take their natural shape, the testicles descend into the scrotum until the 40th week.
From birth to 7 years of age, the peripubertal period lasts, during which intensive development does not occur. From 8 to 16 years of age, the period of active development of the male reproductive system lasts. During puberty, the external and internal genital organs increase in size, and intensive production of male hormones begins. Brain neurotransmitters, endogenous opiates, hormones of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and steroid sex hormones also play an important role in the development of male reproductive function and regulation of the system. The complex relationship between the genitourinary, endocrine and central nervous system by the end of puberty, it forms the reproductive system and function of a man.
The male reproductive system works quite stably. Males do not have any monthly cycle with a surge in hormone production. A man’s reproductive function declines more gradually; andropause is less noticeable and less painful.
Declining functions of the male reproductive system and andropause
The reproductive function of a man does not have such a close relationship with age as it does in women. After 30, a man may experience a slight decrease in libido, usually associated not with the decline of reproductive function, but with psychological problems, routine in family life, stress, bad habits. After 40, testosterone levels decrease and a physiological decrease in sexual desire begins. But some men retain the ability to produce viable sperm well into old age. At a very old age, a man can conceive a child if he does not have serious illnesses, he leads healthy image life.
The main processes of extinction of the function of the male reproductive system occur in the testicles. However, even with testicular atrophy and a decrease in its mass, the male body continues to produce enough testosterone to maintain sexual function.
Most problems with men's health are associated with pathologies, which include
The reproductive system is necessary for the production of new living organisms. The ability to reproduce is a fundamental characteristic of life. When two people produce offspring that have the genetic characteristics of both parents. The main function of the reproductive system is to create male and female (sex cells) and ensure the growth and development of offspring. The reproductive system consists of male and female reproductive organs and structures. The growth and activity of these organs and structures is regulated by hormones. The reproductive system is closely related to other organ systems, especially the endocrine and urinary systems.
Reproductive organs
Male and female reproductive organs have internal and external structures. The reproductive organs are considered either primary or secondary. The main reproductive organs are (testes and ovaries), which are responsible for the production (sperm and eggs) and hormonal production. Other reproductive organs are classified as secondary reproductive structures. Secondary organs help in the growth and maturation of gametes, as well as the development of offspring.
Organs of the female reproductive system
Organs of the female reproductive system include:
- The labia majora are outer folds of skin that cover and protect the internal structures of the genitals.
- The labia minora are smaller, spongy folds located inside the labia majora. They provide protection for the clitoris, as well as the urethra and vaginal opening.
- The clitoris is a very sensitive sexual organ located in front of the vaginal opening. It contains thousands of nerve endings and responds to sexual stimulation.
- The vagina is a fibrous, muscular canal that leads from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the genital canal.
- The uterus is a muscular internal organ that nourishes female gametes after fertilization. The uterus is also the place where the fetus develops during pregnancy.
- Fallopian tubes are tubular organs that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This is where fertilization usually occurs.
- The ovaries are the female primary reproductive glands that produce gametes and sex hormones. There are two ovaries in total, one on each side of the uterus.
Organs of the male reproductive system
The male reproductive system consists of the reproductive organs, accessory glands, and a series of canals that provide a pathway for sperm to exit the body. The major male reproductive structures include the penis, testicles, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland.
- The penis is the main organ involved in sexual intercourse. This organ consists of erectile tissue, connective tissue and skin. The urethra extends along the length of the penis, allowing urine and sperm to pass through.
- The testes are male primary reproductive structures that produce male gametes (sperm) and sex hormones.
- The scrotum is the outer pouch of skin containing the testicles. Because the scrotum is located outside the abdominal cavity, it can reach temperatures that are lower than those of the body's internal organs. Lower temperatures are required for proper sperm development.
- Epididymis (epididymis) is a system of ducts that serve for the accumulation and maturation of sperm.
- The vas deferens are fibrous, muscular tubes that are a continuation of the epididymis and ensure the movement of sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
- The ejaculatory duct is a canal formed from the connection of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles. Each of the two ejaculatory ducts empty into the urethra.
- The urethra is a tubular structure that extends from the bladder through the penis. This channel allows reproductive fluids (sperm) and urine to be released from the body. Sphincters prevent urine from entering the urethra as sperm passes through.
- Seminal vesicles are glands that produce fluid for the maturation of sperm and provide them with energy. The ducts leading from the seminal vesicles join the vas deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.
- The prostate gland is a gland that produces an alkaline milky fluid that increases sperm motility.
- Bulbourethral glands (Cooper's glands) are a pair of small glands located at the base of the penis. In response to sexual stimulation, these glands secrete an alkaline fluid that helps neutralize acidity from the urine and vagina.
Likewise, the female reproductive system contains organs and structures that help produce, support, grow and develop female gametes (eggs) and the growing fetus.
Diseases of the reproductive system
The functioning of the human reproductive system can be affected by a number of diseases and disorders, which also include cancer that develops in the reproductive organs, such as the uterus, ovaries, testicles or prostate. Disorders of the female reproductive system include endometriosis (endometrial tissue develops outside the uterus), ovarian cysts, uterine polyps, and uterine prolapse. Disorders of the male reproductive system include testicular torsion, hypogonadism (underactive testicles leading to decreased testosterone production), enlarged prostate gland, hydrocele (swelling in the scrotum), and inflammation of the epididymis.
The human body is a complex physiological systems(nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, etc.), ensuring the existence of a person as an individual. If any of them is violated, disorders occur that are often incompatible with life. The functions of the reproductive or reproductive system are aimed primarily at the continuation of human existence as biological species. All life-supporting systems function from birth to death; the reproductive system “works” only in a certain age period, corresponding to the optimal increase in physiological capabilities. This temporary conditionality is associated with biological expediency - bearing and raising offspring requires significant resources of the body. Genetically, this period is programmed for the age of 18–45 years.
Reproductive function is a complex of processes that covers the differentiation and maturation of germ cells, the process of fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and subsequent care of the offspring. The interaction and regulation of these processes is ensured by a system whose center is the neuroendocrine complex: hypothalamus - pituitary gland - gonads. The reproductive, or genital, organs play a central role in the reproductive function. The genital organs are divided into internal and external.
Structure and age characteristics of the male reproductive system
In men, the internal genital organs include the gonads (testes with appendages), vas deferens, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral (Cooper's) glands; to the external genitalia - the scrotum and penis (Fig. 9.2).
Fig. 9.2.
Testicle – a paired male sex gland that performs exocrine and endocrine functions in the body. The testicles produce sperm (external secretion) and sex hormones that influence the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics (internal secretion). The shape of the testicle (testis) is an oval body, slightly compressed from the sides, lying in the scrotum. The right testicle is larger, heavier and located higher than the left one.
The testicles form in the abdominal cavity of the fetus and descend into the scrotum before birth (at the end of pregnancy). The movement of the testicles occurs along the so-called inguinal canal - an anatomical formation that serves to guide the testicles to the scrotum, and after the descent process is completed, to locate the vas deferens. The testicles, having passed the inguinal canal, descend to the bottom of the scrotum and are fixed there by the time the child is born. Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) leads to disruption of its thermal regime, blood supply, and trauma, which contributes to the development of dystrophic processes in it and requires medical intervention.
In a newborn, the length of the testicle is 10 mm, weight - 0.4 g. Until puberty, the testicle grows slowly, and then its development accelerates. By the age of 14, it has a length of 20–25 mm and a weight of 2 g. At 18–20 years, its length is 38–40 mm, weight - 20 g. Later, the size and weight of the testicle increase slightly, and after 60 years they decrease slightly.
The testicle is covered with a dense connective tissue membrane, which forms a thickening at the posterior edge called mediastinum. Radial connective tissue septa extend from the mediastinum into the testicle, dividing the testis into many lobules (100–300). Each lobule includes 3–4 blindly closed convoluted seminiferous tubules, connective tissue and interstitial Leydig cells. Leydig cells produce male sex hormones, and the spermatogenic epithelium of the seminiferous tubules produces spermatozoa, consisting of a head, neck and tail. The convoluted seminiferous tubules become straight seminiferous tubules, which open into the ducts of the testicular network located in the mediastinum. In a newborn, convoluted and straight seminiferous tubules do not have a lumen - it appears during puberty. In adolescence, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules doubles, and in adult men it triples.
Efferent tubules (15–20) emerge from the testicular network, which, twisting strongly, form cone-shaped structures. The combination of these structures is the epididymis, adjacent to the upper pole and posterolateral edge of the testicle; it contains the head, body, and tail. The epididymis of a newborn is large, its length is 20 mm, its weight is 0.12 g. During the first 10 years, the epididymis grows slowly, and then its growth accelerates.
In the area of the body of the epididymis, the efferent tubules merge into the epididymal duct, which passes into the area of the tail into vas deferens , which contains mature but immobile sperm, has a diameter of about 3 mm and reaches a length of 50 cm. Its wall consists of mucous, muscular and connective tissue membranes. At the level of the lower pole of the testicle, the vas deferens turns upward and, as part of the spermatic cord, which also includes vessels, nerves, membranes and the muscle that lifts the testicle, follows to the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity. There it separates from the spermatic cord and, without passing through the peritoneum, descends into the pelvis. Near the bottom of the bladder, the duct expands, forming an ampulla, and, having accepted the excretory ducts of the seminal vesicles, continues as ejaculatory duct. The latter passes through the prostate gland and opens into the prostatic part of the urethra.
In a child, the vas deferens is thin, its longitudinal muscle layer appears only by the age of 5 years. The muscle that lifts the testicle is poorly developed. The diameter of the spermatic cord in a newborn is 4.5 mm, at 15 years old – 6 mm. The spermatic cord and vas deferens grow slowly until the age of 14–15 years, and then their growth accelerates. Spermatozoa, mixing with the secretions of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, acquire the ability to move and form seminal fluid (sperm).
Seminal vesicles They are a paired oblong organ, about 4–5 cm long, located between the bottom of the bladder and the rectum. They produce a secretion that is part of the seminal fluid. The seminal vesicles of a newborn are poorly developed, with a small cavity, only 1 mm long. Until 12–14 years of age, they grow slowly; at 13–16 years of age, growth accelerates, and the size and cavity increase. At the same time, their position also changes. In a newborn, the seminal vesicles are located high (due to the high position of the bladder) and are covered on all sides by the peritoneum. By the age of two, they descend and lie retroperitoneally.
Prostate gland (prostate) ) is located in the pelvic area under the bottom of the bladder. Its length in an adult man is 3 cm, weight is 18–22 g. The prostate consists of glandular and smooth muscle tissue. The glandular tissue forms lobules of the gland, the ducts of which open into the prostatic part of the urethra. The mass of the prostate gland in a newborn is about
0.82 g, at 3 years – 1.5 g, after 10 years, accelerated growth of the gland is observed and by the age of 16 its weight reaches 8–10 g. The shape of the gland in a newborn is spherical, since the lobules are not yet expressed, it is located high, It has a soft consistency and lacks glandular tissue. By the end of puberty, the internal opening of the urethra shifts to its anterior-superior edge, glandular parenchyma and prostatic ducts are formed, and the gland acquires a dense consistency.
Bulbourethral (Cooper's gland - a paired organ the size of a pea - located in the urogenital diaphragm. Its function is to secrete a mucous secretion that promotes the movement of sperm through the urethra. Its excretory duct is very thin, 3–4 cm long, and opens into the lumen of the urethra.
Scrotum is a receptacle for the testicles and appendages. In a healthy man, it contracts due to the presence of muscle cells – myocytes – in its walls. The scrotum is like a “physiological thermostat” that maintains the temperature of the testicles at a lower level than body temperature. This is a necessary condition for the normal development of sperm. A newborn's scrotum is small in size, and intensive growth is observed during puberty.
Penis has a head, neck, body and root. The glans is the thickened end of the penis, at which the external opening of the urethra opens. Between the head and the body of the penis there is a narrowed part - the neck. The root of the penis is attached to the pubic bones. The penis consists of three cavernous bodies, two of which are called the corpus cavernosum of the penis, the third is called the corpus spongiosum urethra (the urethra passes through it). The anterior section of the corpus spongiosum is thickened and forms the glans penis. Each corpus cavernosum is covered on the outside with a dense connective tissue membrane, and on the inside has a spongy structure: thanks to numerous partitions, small cavities (“caves”) are formed, which during sexual intercourse are filled with blood, the penis swells and becomes erect. The length of the penis in a newborn is 2–2.5 cm, the foreskin is long and completely covers its head (phimosis). In children of the first years of life, the state of phimosis is physiological, but with pronounced narrowing, swelling of the foreskin may be observed, leading to difficulty urinating. Under the foreskin, a whitish sebaceous substance (smegma) accumulates, produced by glands located on the head of the penis. If personal hygiene is not observed and an infection occurs, smegma decomposes, causing inflammation of the head and foreskin.
Before puberty, the penis grows slowly, and then its growth accelerates.
Spermatogenesis – the process of development of male reproductive cells, ending with the formation of sperm. Spermatogenesis begins under the influence of sex hormones during puberty in adolescence and then proceeds continuously, and in most men almost until the end of life.
The process of sperm maturation occurs inside the convoluted seminiferous tubules and lasts on average 74 days. On the inner wall of the tubules there are spermatogonia (the earliest, first cells of spermatogenesis), containing a double set of chromosomes. After a series of successive divisions, during which the number of chromosomes in each cell is halved, and after a long differentiation phase, spermatogonia turn into spermatozoa. This happens by gradually stretching the cell, changing and lengthening its shape, as a result of which the cell nucleus forms the head of the sperm, and the membrane and cytoplasm form the neck and tail. Each sperm carries half a set of chromosomes, which, when combined with a female reproductive cell, will give the full set necessary for the development of the embryo. After this, mature sperm enter the lumen of the testicular tubule and then into the epididymis, where they accumulate and are excreted from the body during ejaculation. 1 ml of sperm contains up to 100 million sperm.
A mature normal human sperm consists of a head, neck, body and tail, or flagellum, which ends in a thin terminal filament (Fig. 9.3). The total length of the sperm is about 50–60 µm (head 5–6 µm, neck and body 6–7 and tail 40–50 µm). The head contains the nucleus, which carries the paternal hereditary material. At its anterior end there is an acrosome, which ensures the penetration of sperm through the membranes of the female egg. The neck and body contain mitochondria and spiral filaments, which are the source motor activity sperm. An axial filament (axoneme) extends from the neck through the body and tail, surrounded by a shell, under which 8–10 smaller fibrils are located around the axial filament, performing motor or skeletal functions in the cell. Motility is the most characteristic property of the sperm and is carried out with the help of uniform blows of the tail by rotating around its own axis in a clockwise direction. The duration of sperm existence in the vagina reaches 2.5 hours, in the cervix - 48 hours or more. Normally, the sperm always moves against the flow of fluid, which allows it to move upward at a speed of 3 mm/min along the female reproductive tract before meeting the egg.
The complex of organs, both external and internal, that are responsible for reproduction and procreation is called the reproductive system. In men it is structured more clearly than in women. Representatives of the stronger sex have their own anatomical and functional characteristics. These features are used as the main way to differentiate the sexes and are called sexual characteristics. The structure of the male reproductive organs requires detailed consideration.
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In general, the entire complex structure of such a system works to perform three main tasks:
- production and movement of male reproductive cells;
- transportation of sperm to the woman’s genitals for their subsequent contact with the egg and fertilization;
- synthesis of hormones that are necessary for the proper functioning of the reproductive system.
It is worth noting that the complex of reproductive organs is closely related to the male urinary system, so many consider them to be a single whole, although in fact this is not the case.
Modern medicine has impressive knowledge in the field of male anatomy, including the structure of the genital organs. The necessary information is provided at school. Male puberty takes longer than females and is not as pronounced.
The fact that the reproductive system is functioning properly is evidenced by such phenomena as the growth and development of the penis, erection, emissions, ejaculation, and spermatogenesis. Secondary sexual characteristics indicate that hormones are produced in the right quantities, hormonal balance is maintained, which is very important for a person.
The male reproductive system is divided into two groups:
- External organs, that is, those that are visible to the naked eye. Includes the penis and scrotum.
- Internal organs - there are more of them, and they are not visible, since they are hidden inside the body. These organs include the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, testicles with appendages and the vas deferens - the channels through which the ejaculate moves.
Each representative of the stronger sex has the same structure of the reproductive system. The only difference is the size of some organs, such as the scrotum or penis. Any functional deviation from the norm is considered pathology. They can threaten a man’s ability to procreate, and therefore require competent study and subsequent elimination.
It is necessary to consider each organ of the reproductive system separately. Let's start with the external ones, or rather, with the penis. This is the main organ in the entire complex, which can simultaneously perform several important functions:
- urination;
- erection – an increase in the size of the penis and its hardening, which is necessary for proper intimate contact with a woman;
- ejaculation is the process of releasing seminal fluid containing male reproductive cells. In this way they are transported to the egg located inside the uterus.
The genital organ has a unique structure. The unusual ability to significantly increase in size under the influence of hormones and sexual arousal is due to high-quality blood nutrition and the presence of cavernous bodies. All parts of the penis are very elastic and sensitive, can be stretched and subsequently take on primary dimensions.
The scrotum is a pouch of skin and muscle that is located under the penis. It may have different sizes and differ in appearance. At the same time, its task is always the same - to protect the testicles, epididymis and vas deferens from negative external influences. The scrotum maintains the temperature necessary for spermatogenesis.
The muscles are hidden under the outer skin. They are needed for a reason, but to raise or lower the testicles, depending on the conditions environment. For example, if the scrotum is exposed to cold, the muscles pull the testes upward, where they actually hide in the abdominal cavity. If it’s hot, then on the contrary, they lower them.
The external genitalia grow and develop only during puberty. In the future they remain unchanged.
Now let's talk about internal organs related to the reproductive system:
They are very important for every man. This paired organ is hidden in the scrotum. It is necessary for the production and peculiar “growing” of sperm. This is where they reach full readiness to further fertilization of female germ cells.
The testicle consists of seminiferous lobules and seminiferous tubules. Their sizes are individual for each man, but this in no way affects functionality. It should be noted that the testicles are one of the most vulnerable organs in the male body. A strong blow to them can provoke a severe painful shock, from which a person can even die.
2. Epididymis
An oblong body attached to the outer side of the testicle. By and large, this is where the process of spermatogenesis takes place. In the epididymis, sperm gradually accumulate, mature and subsequently move along the spermatic ducts. This entire process takes about two weeks.
The appendage consists of a head, body and tail. It is very small, but it plays an extremely important role.
3. Vas deferens
These are ducts that serve for the unhindered transportation of seminal fluid. They have a diameter large enough for the reproductive system. They begin in the testicles and pass through the prostate gland. These are unique connecting paths, thanks to which the very meaning of the existence of the reproductive system becomes relevant.
4. Prostate gland
The organ that men traditionally know the least about. But at the same time, it is very important, since it performs several functions simultaneously. The prostate gland has small volumes and looks like Walnut. It is located just below the bladder, so it can be felt through the rectum. The prostate is divided into two parts, connected by a narrow isthmus. The urethra and vas deferens pass through the gland.
The main task of the prostate gland is to produce testosterone. This steroidal androgen, considered the main male hormone, has a profound effect on a man and his sexuality. Testosterone stimulates the entire reproductive system.
The prostate also produces a special secretion - the so-called juice, which mixes with the ejaculate, forming an environment favorable to maintaining the viability of sperm, as well as preventing the penetration of infections that may be present in the urethra.
The rhythmic contraction of the prostate muscles has a massage effect on the bladder, making it more elastic. Thanks to this, a person’s ability to artificially retain urine increases significantly.
The prostate, due to its not entirely favorable position and versatility, is highly susceptible to various pathologies. The penetration of infection into the gland causes inflammation, which is known as the proliferation of prostate tissue, as well as its degeneration. All this provokes not only the development of serious diseases, but also a significant decrease in the functionality of the organ.
5. Seminal vesicles
This is a small paired organ that is located above the prostate gland, on both sides of the bladder. Its task is to synthesize secretions that are mixed with seminal fluid and saturate it with extremely useful elements to increase the resistance of male germ cells to aggressive environmental influences. By and large, it is the seminal vesicles that are the main source of energy for sperm.
From the bubbles there are two ducts through which the secretion moves. The ducts connect to the vas deferens coming from the testicles, where all the fluid is mixed to form the final ejaculate. Various problems with the seminal vesicles are one of the main reasons for the incapacity of gametes and, as a consequence,.
The male reproductive system is quite complex and multi-level. It must be treated with the utmost care, since a man’s ability to procreate directly depends on its functionality.
