6.2 – Anatomy (Structures) of the Male Reproductive System
The structures of the male reproductive system include the testes, the epididymis, the penis, and the ducts and glands that produce and carry semen. Sperm exit the scrotum through the vas deferens. The spermatic cord is an enclosed sheath which includes the vas deferens, arteries, veins and nerves. The seminal vesicles and prostate gland add fluids to the sperm to create semen.
Image Descriptions
Figure 6.1 image description: This figure shows the different organs in the male reproductive system. The top panel shows the side view of a man and an uncircumcised and a circumcised penis. The bottom panel shows the lateral view of the male reproductive system and the major parts are labeled. [Return to Figure 6.1].
Attribution
Except where otherwise noted, this chapter is adapted from “Male Reproductive System” in Building a Medical Terminology Foundation by Kimberlee Carter and Marie Rutherford licensed under CC BY 4.0. / A derivative of Betts et al., which can be accessed for free from Anatomy and Physiology (OpenStax). Adaptations: dividing Male Reproductive System chapter content into sub-chapters.
male gonads (singular = testis)
Blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart.
Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
Collection of neurons; nerve cells
doughnut-shaped gland at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra and contributing fluid to semen during ejaculation
male gamete (spermatozoon)
ejaculatory fluid composed of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands