Male reproductive system. Internal male reproductive organs

The male reproductive system includes the scrotum, testicles, seminal ducts, gonads, and penis. These organs work together to produce sperm, male gametes, and other components of sperm. These organs also work together to carry sperm out of the body and into the vagina, where it will help fertilize the egg to produce offspring… [Read below]

• Lower torso

[Start from above] … Scrotum
The scrotum is a burso-like organ made of skin and muscle where the testes are located. It is located lower than the penis in the pubic region. The scrotum consists of 2 testis sacs located side by side. The smooth muscles that make up the scrotum allow them to regulate the distance between the testes and the rest of the body. When the testicles become too warm to support spermatogenesis, the scrotum relaxes to move the testicles away from heat sources. Conversely, the scrotum moves closer to the body with the testicles when the temperature drops below the ideal range for spermatogenesis.

testicles

The 2 testes, also known as the testicles, are the male gonads responsible for the production of sperm and testosterone. The testicles are ellipsoidal glandular organs about 4 to 5 cm long and 3 cm in diameter. Each testis resides inside its own sac on one side of the scrotum and is connected to the abdomen by the funiculus and cremaster muscle. Internally, the testicles are divided into small compartments known as lobules. Each lobule contains a section of seminiferous tubules lined with epithelial cells. These epithelial cells contain many stem cells that divide and form sperm through the process of spermatogenesis.

Appendages

The epididymis is a sperm storage area that wraps around the superior and posterior margins of the testicles. The appendage consists of several long, thin tubes that are tightly coiled into a small mass. Spermatozoa are produced in the testicles and pass into the adnexa to mature before being passed through the male reproductive organs. The length of the appendage delays the release of spermatozoa and gives them time to mature.

spermatic cord and vas deferens

In the scrotum, a pair of spermatic cords connects the testes to the abdominal cavity. The spermatic cords contain the vas deferens along with the nerves, veins, arteries, and lymphatics that support the function of the testes.
The vas deferens is a muscular tube that carries semen from the epididymis into the abdominal cavity to the ejaculatory canal. The vas 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 vas deferens are used to move sperm to the ejaculatory duct through the peristalsis.

seminal vesicles

The seminal vesicles are a pair of lumpy exocrine glands that store and produce some of the liquid semen. The seminal vesicles are about 5 cm long and are located behind the bladder closer to the rectum. The fluid in the seminal vesicles contains proteins and phlegm and has an alkaline pH to help sperm survive the acidic environment of the vagina. The liquid also contains fructose to feed the sperm cells so they survive long enough to fertilize an egg.

Ejaculatory canal

The vas deferens passes through the prostate and joins the urethra at a structure known as the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory canal also contains canals from the seminal vesicles. During ejaculation, the ejaculatory canal opens and expels semen and secretions from the seminal vesicles into the urethra.

Urethra

Sperm travels from the ejaculatory canal to the outside of the body through the urethra, a 20 to 25 cm long muscular tube. The urethra passes through the prostate and ends at the external opening of the urethra, located at the end of the penis. Urine exiting the body, from the bladder, passes through the urethra.

The walnut-sized prostate gland borders the lower end of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces most of the fluid, which is semen. This liquid 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 contract to prevent the flow of urine or semen.

cooper glands
Cooper's glands, also known as bulbourethral glands, are a pair of pea-sized exocrine glands located below the prostate and up to the anus. Cooper's glands secrete a thin, alkaline fluid into the urethra, which lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acid from the urine that remains 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 sex organ located above the scrotum and below the navel. The penis is roughly cylindrical 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. Excitation of the penis leads to its increase in size. The function of the penis is to deliver semen to the vagina during intercourse. In addition to its reproductive function, the penis also allows urine to pass through the urethra to the outside of the body.

Sperm
Sperm is the fluid produced by males for sexual reproduction and ejected from the body during intercourse. Sperm contains spermatozoa, the male sex gametes, along with a range of chemicals suspended in a fluid medium. The chemical makeup of semen gives it a thick, sticky texture and a slightly alkaline pH. These traits help sperm maintain reproduction by helping sperm stay in the vagina after intercourse and to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina. In healthy adult males, semen contains about 100 million sperm per milliliter. These sperm cells fertilize the oocytes inside the female fallopian tubes.

spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm production that occurs in the testicles and appendages of adult males. Before puberty, there is no spermatogenesis due to the lack of hormonal triggers. During puberty, spermatogenesis begins when enough luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced. LH initiates the production of testosterone by the testicles, while FSH causes the maturation of germ cells. Testosterone stimulates stem cells in the testes, known as spermatogonia. Each diploid spermatocyte goes through the process of meiosis I and splits into 2 haploid secondary spermatocytes. Secondary spermatocytes go through meiosis II to form 4 haploid spermatids of the cell. Spermatid cells go through a process known as spermatogenesis, where they grow a flagellum and develop a sperm head structure. After spermatogenesis, the cell finally turns into spermatozoa. The spermatozoa are ejected into the appendages, where they complete their maturation and become able to move on their own.

Fertilization

Fertilization is the process by which a sperm combines with oocytes or eggs to become a fertilized zygote. The sperm released during ejaculation must first swim through the vagina and uterus into the fallopian tubes, where they can find an egg. Having collided with the egg, the sperm must penetrate the layers of the oocyte. Sperm cells contain enzymes in the acrosomal region of the head, which allows them to penetrate these layers. Once inside the oocyte, the nuclei of these cells fuse to form diploid cells known as the zygote. The zygote cell begins cell division to form an embryo.

The reproductive system of a man is a set of internal and external structures of the small pelvis that are responsible for the sexual and reproductive function of the male. A distinctive feature of these structures is the external location and a simpler anatomical structure. The reproductive system is responsible for the duration of the biological species, the production of hormones and the fertilization of a woman's egg. In order to avoid violations of the functionality of this system, it is necessary to regularly visit a urologist and diagnose organs using ultrasound, MRI or radiography.

The male reproductive organs are divided into internal and external. The anatomical structure of the entire system is much simpler than in women, since most of the organs are located outside the body.

External include:

1. The penis or penis is a key organ in the entire system that is responsible for the excretion of urine, genital contact and the transport of sperm directly into the female uterine cavity. There are a large number of nerve endings on the penis to make it easier for a man to cause an erection. The opening of the urethra is located in the head of the penis, covering the foreskin. The penis consists of a root, the part that connects to the frontal area. The body or trunk is a part that consists of three components (two cavernous bodies and the urethra). The head is covered by the foreskin and consists of a spongy body. At birth, the foreskin may be removed to reduce the chance of infection.
2. The scrotum is a skin formation in the form of a small pouch located under the penis. The testicles are located in the scrotum, responsible for the production of secretions and reproductive cells. In addition, it contains a large number of nerve clusters and blood vessels that provide a regular supply of nutrients to the genitals. Muscle tissue wraps around the scrotum to prevent cooling or overheating. This process is important in the production of sperm, as it is created under certain temperature conditions. At low ambient temperatures, these muscles move the testicles closer to the body, and in hot weather, the opposite is true.
3. The testicles are a paired organ resembling a small oval. They are located right in the scrotum, communicating with other structures through the seminal canal. A healthy man has two testicles, and in cases of congenital pathology, this number may vary. The main function of the testicles is the production of testosterone (male sex hormone), secretion and spermatozoa. In the middle of the structure contains a large number of seminiferous tubules that are involved in the production of spermatozoa.

If we consider the external organs from an anatomical point of view, then the penis has the shape of a cylinder and consists of a large number of spongy bodies that fill with blood during erection. When all the cavities are filled with liquid, the penis increases in size several times and hardens. If a man has problems with erection or has certain infections of the genitourinary system, the hardness of the penis is not observed.

Since the top layer of the skin is easily stretched and takes on a different shape, the increase in the size of the penis is painless. With the onset of an erection, the penis is ready to penetrate the woman's genitals and perform intercourse. In this process, the exit of urine from the urethra becomes impossible, since the prostate gland blocks its excretion.

During intercourse, a secret is secreted from the urethra, the function of which is to prepare the penis for intercourse. The secret containing spermatozoa enters the vagina with the onset of orgasm in a man.

The organs that are located inside the abdominal wall include:

1. The epididymis are curved tubes that extend from the back of each testicle. They play an important role in the preparation of spermatozoa and their maturation. From the testicles, spermatozoa enter the appendages, where they mature and stay until the climax occurs. During strong excitement and approach to the climax, the secret, together with the reproductive cells, is excreted into the vas deferens.
2. The vas deferens are tubes that start from the curved tubes of the appendages and pass into the pelvic cavity, where they are located near the bladder. During sexual arousal, these ducts transport mature spermatozoa to the urethra.
3. Ejaculatory ducts - these ducts are a continuation of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. Therefore, after maturation, the sperm enters the ejaculatory or ejaculatory ducts, which direct it to the urethra.
4. The urethra or urethra is a long tube that runs through the entire cavernous body of the penis and ends at the urethral opening. Through this channel, the man is emptied and the seminal fluid is erupted. Despite the same transport, these two fluids do not mix due to blockage of the prostate gland.
5. Seminal vesicles are small capsules that are located in close proximity to the bladder. They are connected to the vas deferens and provide reproductive cells with long life. This process is associated with the production of a special liquid fructose, which is saturated with carbohydrates. They are the main source of energy reserves of spermatozoa and components in seminal fluid. Fructose allows germ cells to actively move and keep alive for a long time after entering the vagina.
6. The prostate gland or prostate is a small oval-shaped structure that is responsible for the energy saturation of spermatozoa and ensuring their vital activity. In addition to these properties, the prostate gland serves as a barrier between urine and semen. The fluid that comes from the prostate is rich in carbohydrates, phospholipids and other nutrients.
7. Cooper's glands are small capsules located on both sides of the urethra near the prostate. The glands secrete a special secret that has antibacterial properties. The secret is used during the processing of the urethra after the excretion of urine, and also as a lubricant before intercourse.

All organs are connected through hormones produced by the endocrine glands.

Diseases of the reproductive system

Diseases of the genitourinary system can occur as a result of external factors (decreased immunity, diabetes, infection during unprotected sex, and others) and structural changes in the genitals.

In adulthood, men are more susceptible to structural changes in soft tissues. This is especially true of the prostate gland, which begins to change with age.

Inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary system occurs due to hypothermia, trauma or urogenital infections. Among all diseases, prostatitis is distinguished, which affects a large number of men every year. This pathology affects individuals of a young age and men after 45 years.

The main symptoms of prostatitis are frequent urination, pain during urination and decreased erection. In order to get rid of the disease and prevent the occurrence of relapses, a man should seek medical help from a doctor. The specialist will diagnose and determine the etiological factor, after which he will prescribe the correct treatment.

infectious diseases

This type of pathology is the most common, as the number of patients with sexually transmitted diseases increases every year. Unprotected sex causes infection for both males and females.

The main diseases transmitted in this way include:

• candidiasis - a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida and occurs in people with weakened immune systems;
• chlamydia is a disease caused by chlamydia;
• gonorrhea is a pathology that affects the mucous membranes of the penis, rectum and the membranes of the eyes;
• ureaplasmosis is a rare disease caused by gram-inactive microorganisms without a cell wall;
• syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the skin, nervous and skeletal systems of a person.

If these pathologies are ignored, the patient has a serious damage to all functional systems, up to death.

With infertility caused by infectious diseases or structural changes in the pelvic organs, many patients begin to worry about how to improve the reproductive functions of a man and achieve the desired conception.

Male infertility can be caused by several reasons:

• low activity of spermatozoa;
• hormonal disruptions;
• inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
• structural changes in the vas deferens responsible for the transport of seminal fluid.

In order to start treatment of male infertility, it is necessary to find out the etiological factor. To do this, the doctor takes a swab from the urethra and conducts a large number of tests for bacterial cultures and hormonal levels.

Oncological formations

Allocate benign and malignant formations in the organs of the genitourinary system. Prostate adenoma or benign hyperplasia is the most common form of pathology that occurs in males with the onset of 50 years. This is the growth of glandular tissue, which is accompanied by the formation of tumors. This affects many parts of the prostate and adjacent structures, including the urethra.

This leads to the following symptoms:

• pain during urination;
• discomfort in the groin area;
• violation of sexual function;
• frequent urge to go to the toilet.

In order to identify the pathology in time, a man must regularly check the health of the reproductive system and pay attention to the first signs of the disease in time.

In the case of the formation of a malignant tumor, a long course of chemotherapy is observed, during which the doctor monitors the improvement in the patient's condition. With full recovery, there is a small chance of repeated relapses, so a man should be regularly examined by a doctor.

An important factor in planning future offspring is not only the health of a woman, but also the proper functioning of the systems of the male body. The male reproductive system is a collection of organs responsible for procreation (reproduction).

Such a system is responsible for the following functions:

1. Production and transportation of male germ cells (spermatozoa).
2. Delivery of spermatozoa into the female reproductive system (during sexual intercourse).
3. The production of hormones responsible for the proper functioning of the male reproductive system.

The physiology of the male reproductive system is closely related to the body's urinary system.

Consider the structure and functions of the male reproductive organs (with photo).

Modern anatomy gives a complete picture of the physiology of the structure of the human reproductive system. There are many video and photographic materials, many articles and medical manuals have been written that consider the functions and structure of the reproductive system.

Male puberty occurs not much later than female puberty, and does not have such a well-defined indicator as female menstruation. Men reach full puberty, as a rule, by the age of 18, although full-fledged spermatozoa are produced by 13-14 years. Unlike the female body, male reproductive cells (gametes) continue to be produced throughout the entire period of life after the onset of puberty. Of course, it should be noted that spermatogenesis in older men is less intense, and the number and activity of produced cells may decrease. However, their ability to fertilize remains.

The reproductive system of a man consists of two types of organs of the reproductive system: external and internal.

• Outdoor:

1. Scrotum.
2. Penis (penis).

• Internal:

1. The prostate gland (prostate).
2. seminal vesicles.
3. Testicles and their appendages.
4. Seminal ducts.

Consider the structure of the male reproductive organs in more detail.

The musculoskeletal sac, inside which the testicles with appendages and the duct responsible for ejaculation, are located, is called the scrotum. The anatomy of the structure of the scrotum is quite simple: it is divided by a septum into two chambers, each of which contains one of the two gonads. The main functions are to protect the testicles and maintain the optimal temperature for the formation and development of spermatozoa (spermatogenesis). According to its structure, the scrotum consists of several layers, including skin, as well as muscle tissue that raises or lowers the testicles under certain influences (changes in ambient temperature, physiological processes - arousal, ejaculation).

The penis is the main organ responsible for urination and the delivery of seminal fluid to a woman's body. The anatomy and physiology of the penis distinguishes three main sections of the structure: the head, the base, the body itself. In the upper part there are two so-called cavernous bodies. They are parallel to each other and run from the base to the head of the penis. Under the cavernous bodies is a spongy body, it contains the urethra. All of them are covered with a dense membrane containing chambers (lacunae) that fill with blood during sexual arousal. It is the gaps that contribute to the appearance of an erection. The function of external protection of the bodies is performed by the skin, which is sufficiently elastic and capable of stretching. The endings of the spongy and cave bodies are located in the head of the penis, covered with thin skin with many nerve endings.

The external genital organs, representing the male reproductive system, continue to grow only during maturation.

The testicles (testicles) are the most important paired organs that affect the process of sperm formation. The growth of the testicles proceeds rather slowly and accelerates only during puberty. Each of the paired organs in its structure is divided into seminal lobules, in which the seminiferous tubules are located, which take part in spermatogenesis. These tubules make up about 70 percent of their volume. Passing through the membrane, the tubules enter the epididymis, in which the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize is finally formed.

The epididymis is a narrow duct adjacent to the testicle and is responsible for the final maturation of spermatozoa, their accumulation and promotion through the genital tract. The process of spermatogenesis is carried out in this part of the male reproductive system. The length of the duct itself is about 8 m, and the movement of spermatozoa to the place of their accumulation takes about 14 days. The anatomy of the appendage consists of three main sections: tail, body and head. The head is divided into lobules, which flow into the epididymal duct and pass into the vas deferens.

The prostate gland is located in close proximity to the bladder and is palpable only through the rectum. The dimensions of the gland of a healthy man are set within certain limits: width from 3 to 5 cm, length from 2 to 4 cm, thickness from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. and prescribing the right treatment. The gland is divided into two lobes, connected by an isthmus. Through it pass the urethra, as well as the ejaculatory ducts.

The main function of the prostate gland is the production of testosterone, a hormone that directly affects the process of fertilization of the egg. In addition to the secretory function of the prostate, motor function can be distinguished: muscle tissue is involved in the release of prostate secretion during ejaculation, and is also responsible for urinary retention. Thanks to the secretion produced, the penetration of urethral infections into the upper tract of the male urinary system is blocked. With age, there is an increased risk of developing various prostate diseases that affect its physiology. As a result, the reproductive function of a man decreases.

The seminal vesicles are another organ of the male reproductive system that is paired in structure, located above the prostate gland, between the walls of the rectum and bladder. The main function of the bubbles is the production of an important active substance (secret), which is part of the seminal fluid. The secret nourishes the spermatozoa, increasing their resistance to the negative effects of the external environment. This is the source of energy for gametes. The ducts of the seminal vesicles join the ducts responsible for ejaculation, and at the end form the ejaculatory duct. Violations of the physiology or diseases of the seminal vesicles can cause problems in conception, as well as complete infertility in men.

Violation of the reproductive system

According to statistics, women are much more likely to undergo preventive examinations and tests to identify problems of the reproductive system. Men, for the most part, prefer to go to doctors only in case of exacerbations of diseases or obvious violations of the physiology of the functioning of the genital organs. At the same time, the reproductive health of men and women is one of the most important indicators of reproduction. During the planning period for pregnancy, couples often experience conception problems caused by the failure of the male genitourinary system.

The main causes of violations:

• Infectious diseases.
• Failure of the prostate gland.
• Colds and inflammation.

Violation of sexual function as a consequence of the disease is quite obvious. However, there are other reasons as well. First of all, it is necessary to say about the wrong way of life: taking psychoactive substances that cause a psychedelic effect (for example, hallucinogenic mushrooms), other drugs and alcohol. In addition, congenital anomalies in the structure of organs, manifested anatomically, can become the cause.

Let us dwell on the most common diseases that affect the reproductive system.

First of all, it is worth mentioning such a disease as prostatitis. This is the most common cause of reproductive dysfunction in men. Currently, every fourth man in varying degrees suffers from inflammation of the prostate. As a rule, men aged 40 and older are at risk. However, younger men are also susceptible to the disease. The influence of the work of the gland on the physiology of the reproductive system is very high. In order to improve its functioning, it is necessary to undergo a full examination, according to the results of which treatment will be prescribed. Self-administration of drugs without consulting a doctor can increase the risk of complications.

Another disease that affects the physiology of the reproductive system is vesiculitis. This pathology is characterized by inflammation of the seminal vesicles. A high risk of this disease exists in men suffering from chronic prostatitis. The main symptom of the disease: pain during ejaculation, in the perineum and groin, as well as general weakness. With advanced forms, treatment is carried out surgically, with early diagnosis, treatment with antibacterial drugs is possible.

As a prevention of diseases of the reproductive system, it is necessary to adhere to the basic rules:

1. Quality and varied food.
2. Complex physical activity.
3. Preventive examinations of narrow specialists.
4. Regular sex life.
5. Exclusion of casual sexual relations.

Also, do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene and adherence to sleep and wakefulness. If you have any symptoms of diseases of the reproductive system (itching, redness, pain, cracks in the skin or swelling), you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and accurate diagnosis. It is important to remember that letting any disease take its course or self-treatment can threaten even greater violations of physiological processes. The advanced stages of some diseases can be cured only by surgical intervention, and some diseases of the reproductive system become chronic and increase the risk of complications such as infertility or impaired potency.

It's no secret that for any man his genitals are of great importance, and in the body as a whole they perform very important and responsible functions. The main one is, of course, procreation. This function plays a huge role in the life of any person. What is the anatomy and structure of the male genital organs really?

The main functions of the genital organs

The male reproductive system performs a number of rather important functions that are of great importance in the smooth operation of the whole organism. They consist of the following responsible processes:

• the production of male germ cells (the so-called spermatozoa);
• ejection of sperm into the vagina during intercourse;
• production of male sex hormones.

Male reproductive organs are divided into two main types: external and internal. The former include the scrotum and penis, and the latter include the testicles, their appendages, the urethra, the vas deferens, the prostate and other organs associated with it.

Features of the structure of the penis

The genital organs of the male are characterized by the presence of the main thing - this is a penis. It is he who is the main source of secretion of a special fluid (sperm) into the genitals of a woman.

The shape and size of the penis can vary depending on the degree of blood filling of the cavernous bodies, or on the level of erection, it's the same thing. The male reproductive system is formed, namely the penis, with the help of three parallel cylindrical bodies, one of them is spongy, and the other two are cavernous. All of them are covered with a dense shell.

By means of the first body, which is located on the underside of the penis, the urethra (urethra) is surrounded. It is through it that semen and urine come out.

The cavernous bodies (right and left cylinders) overflow with blood during sexual arousal, and this is what leads to an erection of the penis. They are located in close proximity to the spongy body. In the middle of these cylinders are the legs of the penis, firmly fixed to the bones of the pelvis.

The genital organs are arranged in such a way that the head is located on the final part of the penis, which is covered with skin called the "foreskin". And the openings of the urethra, which are slit-like, are located at the very top of the head.

What is sperm?

Sperm is a special characteristic mixture of spermatozoa and the characteristic secrets of the male glands secreted by the epididymis, prostate gland and seminal vesicles, all of which have their specific functions in the process of ensuring the movement of spermatozoa directly to the already mature egg.

When ejaculation occurs, an average of five milliliters of semen is ejected, which contains approximately three hundred million spermatozoa.

An erection is a state during which there is a maximum tension of the penis, which contributes to the subsequent sexual intercourse. In this process, the spongy body is quite densely filled with blood, and there are characteristic sensations of a straight cord.

Male reproductive organs and their circulatory system

The penis is constantly actively supplied with blood thanks to the numerous vessels and nerve fibers that pierce it abundantly and increase sensitivity during intercourse. The largest number of nerve endings is located in the head of the penis, namely, on its crown, where the border of the head and the body of the penis itself passes.

On the lower part of the head there is the most sensitive area, which is called the frenulum of the penis. Here, when inflammation occurs, rather sharp and painful sensations appear, as a rule, aggravated by sexual intercourse. In addition, in some situations, the foreskin may stick to the head. This condition appears due to the increased accumulation of a special substance. It is usually cheesy in appearance and oily to the touch. It's called smegma. It consists of remnants of sweat, dirt and dead cells of the skin (epidermis).

Testicles and their features

The male reproductive system is characterized by the presence of testicles. They are paired oval organs, similar in size and shape to slightly flattened walnuts. The testicles are located in the scrotum (saccular musculoskeletal formation). The approximate weight of one testicle is twenty grams, and the size in adult men is from three to four centimeters.

These organs are quite sensitive to the use of any physical impact. This is primarily due to the fact that the testicles are covered on top with very densely located nerve endings and blood vessels. In addition, they are organs that are responsible for the production of male germ cells (spermatozoa).

Location and meaning of the testicles

The organs of the male reproductive system mainly function in order for the process of sperm production to take place. It takes place in the main structure of the testicles, namely, in the seminiferous tubules, and is called spermatogenesis. As a rule, one testicle in all cases is located lower than the other. There is also a version that for men who are right-handed, the left testicle is the lower one, and for those who consider themselves left-handed, the right one.

In addition, the testicles are also endocrine glands involved in the production of male sex hormones - androgens, the main of which is testosterone. Outside, they are smooth, and in the middle they are divided into two hundred or three hundred lobules, in which the seminal canals are located. These tubules are small tubes that form a spiral. It is here that millions of spermatozoa appear over a period of seventy-two days.

Thus, the testicles perform two very important functions. This is the formation of spermatozoa and the production of male sex hormones.

Functions and significance of the scrotum

The male reproductive system also consists of the scrotum. This organ is a leather pouch located at the very base of the penis. It is covered with delicate skin and has very sparse hairs. The scrotum is divided into a couple of parts according to the number of testicles by a special partition. Depending on what temperature is present, the scrotum can increase and decrease in size. This property fully ensures the maintenance of a constant temperature level in the testicles, and this, in turn, is a very important condition in the process of spermatogenesis.

Inside the scrotum there is a very important complex of organs that provides male sexual functions, as well as the ability to procreate. This includes the testicles, their appendages and the vas deferens. In the walls of the scrotum there is a thin layer of smooth tissue that contracts during sexual intercourse, during physical education and various sports, as well as under the influence of cold. This is a protective reaction, which is aimed at preserving the testicles and maintaining their constant temperature, and, in addition, it serves as a guarantee of optimal maturation of spermatozoa.

Features of the vas deferens

The male reproductive system includes the vas deferens. They are presented in the form of paired canals connecting the urethra with the epididymis. The size of each such duct is about fifty centimeters, and the diameter inside is half a millimeter.

The vas deferens pass a rather complicated path, during which they move from the testicles to the abdominal cavity, then overcome the prostate gland, and then go straight to the urethra.

The value of the prostate

The structure of the male reproductive system also includes an important glandular and muscular organ. This is the prostate gland. It is an unpaired organ that adjoins directly to the bladder below and wraps around the urethra.

In size, it is no larger than an ordinary chestnut. The urethra passes through the prostate (prostate gland). It is the prostate that produces a special secret that in the seminal fluid ensures the vital activity of spermatozoa. In other words, semen is the secret of the prostate and seminal vesicles and contains spermatozoa.

The so-called seminal vesicles are not at all the place where the seed is stored. As well as the prostate, they are actively involved in the process of producing seminal fluid. The secret of the seminal vesicles contributes to the fact that the semen is liquefied and spermatozoa are promoted.

On the left and on the right side under the prostate gland, symmetrically with respect to each other, the so-called Cooper glands are located. They have a characteristic pea shape. In addition, they are associated with a special duct directly to the urethra. During the period of sexual arousal, these glands secrete an appropriate secret that allows you to moisturize the urethral mucosa right before the process of ejaculation.

Urethra and its features

The anatomy of the male reproductive system is also based on such an important organ as the urethra. It applies to both the urinary and reproductive systems at the same time, as it serves as the main assistant in order to naturally excrete urine and eject sperm. The urethra begins at the bladder, and its end is presented in the form of a slit on the head of the penis.

The urethra itself at the level of the prostate gland includes the ends of the vas deferens through which the sperm moves. The development of the male reproductive system shows that at the moment of ejection, sperm erupts precisely through the urethra directly into the female genital tract.

The value of seminal vesicles

Seminal vesicles are special paired sex glands of men, which have the appearance of oblong sacs with a cellular structure. They are located above the prostate gland, namely between the rectum and the lower side of the bladder. In their meaning, they serve as a certain repository of the male's genetic material (spermatozoa).

The functions of the male reproductive system are characterized by the fact that in the seminal vesicles during ejaculation, from three to six milliliters of sperm are released, of which about seventy percent is the secret of the prostate gland.

According to its direct functions, the male seminal fluid is needed not only to neutralize the present acidic environment of the urethra and the female vagina, but also to supply sugar. It is he who serves as a source of energy for the process of movement of spermatozoa. In addition, prostaglandin hormones are also supplied here, which increase the level of contraction of the uterus and its tubes, while accelerating the movement of millions of spermatozoa directly to the egg.

Includes internal and external genitalia.

Internal male reproductive organs.

These include: testicles with appendages, vas deferens and ejaculatory ducts, seminal glands, prostate and bulbourethral glands.

Testicle,testis ,or testis,- steam male gland weighing 20-30 g the testicles are both glands of external and internal secretion. The testicles are located in a special container - moshonke, with the left lower than the right. They are laid in the abdominal cavity, and by the time of birth they descend into the inguinal canal, dragging the peritoneum with them. An undescended testicle is called monorchism, undescended testicles - cryptorchidism. The testicles are separated from each other by a septum and surrounded by membranes. The length of the testicle is on average 4 cm, width - 3 cm, thickness - 2 cm. The testicle is oval in shape, of a dense consistency and somewhat flattened from the sides. It distinguishes two surfaces: more convex outer and inner, as well as twothe edges: front and back. Secreted in the testicle upper and lower ends (poles).

The peritoneum forms a closed serous cavity around the testicle. Under serous shell the other shell of the testicle is located - protein, under which is parenchymatesticles. On the inner surface of the posterior edge of the testicle, the albuginea forms a thickening - mediastinum testicles, from which dense connective tissue extends into the thickness of the organ partitions testicles, dividing the gland into numerous (from 250 to 300) pyramidal slices, facing their tops to the mediastinum of the testis, and the bases - to the albumin. In each lobule pass 2-3 convoluted seminal ductca, 60-90 mm long, surrounded by loose connective tissue with a large number of blood vessels. From the inside, the walls of the convoluted seminiferous tubules are lined with a special multilayer spermtogenic epithelium in which the formation of male germ cells occurs - spermatozoa. This process is called stolematogenesis.

spermatozoa

These are mobile cells, about 70 microns long. The speed of their progress through the tubules is about 3.5 mm per minute.

They move towards the egg, which is due to chemotaxis. The life expectancy and fertilizing ability of human spermatozoa ranges from several hours to two days.

The spermatozoon has a nucleus, cytoplasm with its organelles and a cell membrane. The spermatozoon has a rounded head and thin long tail. The head contains a nucleus, in front of which is a structure called acrosome. The acrosome has a set of enzymes that are able to dissolve the egg cell membrane during fertilization. With underdevelopment or absence of the acrosome, the spermatozoon is not able to penetrate the egg and fertilize it.

The tail of the spermatozoon contains contractile elements (fibril bundles) that ensure the movement of the spermatozoon. When passing through the vas deferens, liquid secretions of the gonads - seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands - are added to the spermatozoa. As a result, a liquid medium is formed in which spermatozoa are located - this is sperm.

spermatogenesis

Spermatozoa are formed in a person during the entire active period of a man's life. The duration of development and formation of mature spermatozoa from their predecessors - spermatogonia is about 70-75 days. This process occurs in the convoluted seminiferous tubules of the testis. Initially, spermatogonia (the number in one testicle is up to 1 billion), multiply intensively and divide by mitosis. At the same time, their number is increasing. In the future, part of the spermatogonia retains the ability to divide, others divide twice more in the form of meiosis. As a result, from each such spermatogonia with a diploid (double) set of chromosomes (46), 4 spermatids. Each of the spermatids has a haploid (single) set of chromosomes (23). Spermatids gradually turn into spermatozoa

The formed spermatozoa enter the lumen of the seminiferous tubules of the testis and, together with the fluid secreted by the walls of the tubules, gradually move towards the epididymis, which also serves as a reservoir for spermatozoa. The amount of sperm produced is enormous. 1 ml of semen contains up to 100 million spermatozoa.

Between the spermatogenic epithelium of the convoluted seminiferous tubules of the testicles are located supporting cells (Sertoli cells) that perform a trophic function for it. In addition, there are special cells - endocrinocytes (Leydig cells) that produce testosterone. Spermatozoa are produced only in the convoluted seminiferous tubules of the testis. All other testicular tubules and ducts of its epididymis are vas deferens. Spermatozoa are part of the semen, the liquid part of which is formed from the secretions of the seminal glands and the prostate gland.

Coming from all the lobules of the testis, the convoluted seminiferous tubules, merging, form short direct seminiferous tubules, which flow into the reticulum. From this network leaves 12-15 efferent tubules of the testis, which pierce the albuginea and penetrate into the head of the appendage.

epididymis, located along the posterior margin of the testis. There is an extended upper part - adnexal head, passing into the middle part - appendage body, which, in turn, continues into a tapering lower part - tailepididymis. On the head of the epididymis, sometimes there is a vesicle on the leg - appendagetesticles.

In the caudal part of the appendage, its duct passes, bending, into the vas deferens.

Function of the appendage: maturation of sperm (2-3 days), until ejaculation.

spermatic cord, is a small rounded cord 15-20 cm long, located in the inguinal canal from the upper end of the testicle to the deep inguinal ring. In the composition of the spermatic cord are included : vas deferens, arteries of the vas deferens and testis, venous plexus, lymphatic vessels and nerves. All these formations envelop internal seminal fascia. Outside of her is muscle that lifts the testis, covered with the fascia of the same name. Outside, the entire spermatic cord surrounds outdoor seed fascia.

Seminiferous(vas deferens) duct,- a paired organ 40-50 cm long and about 3 mm in diameter. As part of the spermatic cord goes up to the inguinal canal. It distinguishes 4 parts:

- scrotal located behind the testicle;

- kanatikowuyu, passing in the composition of the spermatic cord to the superficial inguinal ring;

- inguinal- in the inguinal canal;

- pelvic the part that runs from the inguinal ring to the prostate gland.

After passing the canal, the vas deferens descends into the small pelvis to the bottom of the bladder. Near the prostate gland, its final part expands and forms ampoule seedswearing duct. In the lower part, the ampulla gradually narrows and passes into a narrow canal, which merges with the excretory duct of the seminal gland in ejaculatory duct. The latter, having passed through the wall of the prostate gland, opens into the prostatic part of the urethra. The wall of the vas deferens is composed of mucous shells with submucosal basis, muscular and adventitious shells.

Seminal (bubble) glands or seminal vesicles,vesiculae seminales - bag-shaped tubular formations about 5 cm long, forming many bends and protrusions. The glands are a secretory organ, located in the pelvic cavity behind and to the side of the bottom of the bladder, above the prostate gland. In each seminal gland, an upper expanded end is distinguished - base, middle part - body and lower narrowing the end, which passes into the excretory duct. The wall of the glands is formed by mucous, muscular and adventitial membranes. The cavity of the seminal glands consists of chambers containing protein secret. It is a viscous yellowish liquid that protects sperm from acidic vaginal contents and makes them motile. The secret also contains fructose(nutrient) and prostaglandynes(hormones).