Understanding the Male Reproductive System

How does the male reproductive system work? Discover how these body parts impact fertility below.

Understanding the Male Reproductive System

How does the male reproductive system work? Discover how these body parts impact fertility below.

The male reproductive system includes the following organs and glands:

Scrotum

  • Contains the testes, the sperm producing organs
  • The location of the scrotum, outside the body, behind the penis, help to maintain the temperature, ensuring normal sperm production.

Epididymis

  • Long coiled tube that lies beside and behind the testes
  • Helps sperm mature fully (after the seminiferous tubules) and transports them to the vas deferens
  • Sperm remain here for 2-12 days

Vas Deferens

  • Long tube with thick walls, it runs from the end of the epididymis upward into the pelvis behind the bladder.

Seminal Vesicles

  • Contribute the seminal fluid and produce the sugar fructose, which the sperm use to fuel their long journey

Prostate Gland

  • Contribute additional fluid and important enzymes that cause semen to liquefy after ejaculation

Cowper’s Glands

  • Located beyond the prostate at the base of the penile shaft in the urethra
  • Adds a small amount of lubricant to the seminal fluid before ejaculation takes place

Penis

  • The penis allows the man to deposit the seminal fluid into the vagina.

Testes

  • Oval glands located within the scrotum
  • Produce testosterone
  • Produce sperm cells

Leydig Cells

  • Produce testosterone

Sertoli Cells

  • Produce growth factors that nourish sperm.

Seminiferous Tubules

  • Store sperm for about 3 months
  • This is where sperm begin to mature