Topic Resources The male reproductive system includes the penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and seminal vesicles. The scrotum, testes (testicles), epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and
prostate comprise the rest of the reproductive system. The penis consists of the root (which is attached to the lower abdominal structures and pelvic bones), the visible part of the shaft, and the glans penis (the cone-shaped end). The opening of the urethra (the channel that transports semen and urine) is located at the tip of the glans penis. The base of the glans penis is called the corona. In uncircumcised males, the foreskin (prepuce) extends from the corona to cover the glans penis. The penis includes three cylindrical spaces (blood-filled sinuses) of erectile tissue. The two larger ones, the corpora cavernosa, lie side by side. The third sinus, the corpus spongiosum, surrounds most of the urethra. When these spaces fill with blood, the penis becomes large and rigid (erect). The scrotum is the thick-skinned sac that surrounds and protects the testes. The scrotum also acts as a climate-control system for the testes because they need to be slightly cooler than body temperature for normal sperm development. The cremaster muscles in the wall of the scrotum relax to allow the testes to hang farther from the body to cool or contract to pull the testes closer to the body for warmth or protection. The testes are oval bodies that average about 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 7 centimeters) in length and 2 to 3 teaspoons (20 to 25 milliliters) in volume. Usually the left testis hangs slightly lower than the right one. The testes have two primary functions:
The epididymis consists of a single coiled microscopic tube that measures almost 20 feet (6 meters) in length. The epididymis collects sperm from the testis and provides the environment for sperm to mature and acquire the ability to move through the female reproductive system and fertilize an ovum. One epididymis lies against each testis. Male Reproductive OrgansThe vas deferens is a firm tube (the size of a strand of spaghetti) that transports sperm from the epididymis. One such duct travels from each epididymis to the back of the prostate and joins with one of the two seminal vesicles. In the scrotum, other structures, such as muscle fibers, blood vessels, and nerves, also travel along with each vas deferens and together form an intertwined structure, the spermatic cord. The urethra serves a dual function in males. This channel is the part of the urinary tract that transports urine from the bladder and the part of the reproductive system through which semen is ejaculated. The seminal vesicles, located above the prostate, join with the vas deferens to form the ejaculatory ducts, which travel through the prostate. The prostate and the seminal vesicles produce fluid that nourishes the sperm. This fluid provides most of the volume of semen, the fluid in which the sperm is expelled during ejaculation. Other fluid that makes up a very small amount of the semen comes from the vas deferens and from Cowper glands in the urethra. CLICK HERE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION  Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. The male reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that play a role in sexual function, human reproduction, and urination. The sex organs typically referred to as male produce sperm and semen that, during sexual intercourse, can fertilize an ovum (egg) in a female to conceive a baby. Outside of reproduction, the male reproductive system produces hormones that play a central role in the development of sexual function and characteristics often classified as male. Parts of the reproductive tract also enable urination (the passing of liquid waste from the body). This article describes the various organs that make up the male reproductive system, including their function and conditions that can adversely affect those functions. peakSTOCK / Getty Images Parts of the Male Reproductive SystemThe male reproductive system is made up of a complex network of organs both inside and outside of the body. The organs have different structures that enable functions such as urination and ejaculation. External StructuresThe external organs of the male reproductive system consist of the penis and scrotum, both of which are situated at the base of the pelvis. Penis The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse and urination. It is a complex organ made up of different structures that work in coordination to enable erections (the enlargement and stiffening of the penis during sexual stimulation), ejaculation (the discharge of semen during sexual orgasm), and urination. Penises come in different sizes and shapes but consist of the following key structures:
What Is an Average-Sized Penis?A 2015 study from King's College in London involving over 15,000 people with a penis concluded that the average erect penis length is roughly 6 inches with an average circumference of 5 inches. By contrast, the average flaccid (soft) penis is around 3.6 inches both in length and girth. Scrotum The scrotum is a loose, pouch-like sack of skin situated below the penis that houses the testes ("balls"). The scrotum maintains the ideal temperature for sperm to survive. It does so through nerves within the
skin that cause the scrotum to shrink and become wrinkly when it is cold (increasing the temperature) or relax and loosen when it is warm (reducing the temperature). Internal OrgansThe male reproductive system's internal structureconsists of organs involved with the production, maintenance, and delivery of sperm (male reproductive cells) and the production and delivery of semen (fluids that transport sperm out of the body). Other functions include the production and secretion of hormones. Testes Testes, also known as the testicles, are two oval organs housed within the scrotum that are suspended by a cable-like structure called the spermatic cord. The testes are responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone. Within the testes is a network of coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubules are responsible for producing the sperm through a process called spermatogenesis. Epididymis The epididymis is a long, tightly coiled tube situated at the back of each testicle into which sperm is passed from the seminiferous tubules. It is within the epididymis that spermatozoa (sperm cells) will begin to mature until they are capable of fertilization. Vas Deferens The vas deferens, also known as the sperm duct, is a long, thin tube that starts at the epididymis and connects to a passageway known as the ejaculatory duct. During orgasm, powerful muscular contractions will propel sperm from the vas deferens, where it will combine with various fluids to form semen. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is cut or ligated (closed) to prevent sperm from exiting the testes and epididymis. Accessory Glands The accessory glands are organs that secrete fluids that lubricate, nourish, preserve, and transport sperm. Together, they are responsible for producing a substance called seminal fluid that combines with sperm to form semen. The three organs that make up the accessory glands are:
How Does the Male Reproductive System Function?Sex hormones regulate the male reproductive system. These include androgens and estrogens. People of all sexes produce these hormones, although males usually produce more androgens, and females usually produce more estrogens. The primary sex hormone in males is an androgen known as testosterone. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) help regulate testosterone as well as the production and maturation of sperm cells. Both FSH and LH are produced by the pea-sized pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. FSH and androgens work together to stimulate and maintain spermatogenesis. LH directly stimulates the testes to make more testosterone. These hormonal interactions are essential to numerous biological and physiological functions in males, including:
Urination is the one function of the male reproductive system not linked to reproduction or sexual function. The expulsion of urine through
the penis is regulated by voluntary and involuntary sphincter muscles, the latter of which prevents urine from entering the urethra during ejaculation. Conditions and Disorders There are many conditions and disorders that can affect
the function of the male reproductive system. Some are influenced by age (due to normal declines in testosterone and other factors), while others can affect males of any age. Delayed EjaculationDelayed ejaculation is the inability to achieve orgasm (sexual climax) despite sexual desire and stimulation. Causes include low testosterone, nerve damage (including diabetic neuropathy), alcohol, certain medications, depression, and stress. The inability to climax is known as anorgasmia. Enlarged ProstateAn enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition common in older males that can impede the flow of urine. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urinary urgency (the need to urinate immediately), and nocturia (frequent nighttime urination). How Common Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is thought to affect 14 million people in the United States. By age 60, around half of all males will have BPH, increasing to 90% by age 80. EpididymitisEpididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis. It is most commonly caused by bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Epididymis typically affects one testicle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, frequent urination, painful urination, pain with intercourse, or blood in semen. Erectile DysfunctionErectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. The risk of ED increases with age. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, pelvic surgery (including prostate surgery), nerve damage, depression, stress, and certain medications. HypogonadismHypogonadism is the term used to describe abnormally low testosterone levels caused by the dysfunction of the testes. This can lead to low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, muscle loss, depression, and weight gain. Common causes include an undescended testicle, testicular surgery or radiation, liver disease, kidney disease, HIV, and certain genetic disorders (such as Turner syndrome). HypospadiasHypospadias is a congenital (present at birth) condition in which the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis. The opening instead will be near the head, in the middle of the shaft, or at the junction of the penis and scrotum. Hypospadias is one of the most common anatomical congenital conditions in babies identified as male. It typically requires corrective surgery by a specialist pediatric surgeon. MicropenisMicropenis describes an adult penis that is smaller than 2.8 inches (7 centimeters) when erect. While having a penis of this size won't necessarily interfere with sexual satisfaction, it can sometimes make conceiving a baby difficult and require the assistance of a fertility specialist. Peyronie's DiseasePeyronie's disease (PD) is the development of scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved, painful erections. PD is typically caused by repeat penile trauma during sex or physical activity. It results from a wound-healing disorder of the tunica albuginea (outer layer of the penile blood bodies) in some people who are susceptible to this condition. When the bend is significant, it can cause pain during intercourse, interfere with sexual function, and increase the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. The risk of PD increases with age. How Common Is Peyronie's Disease?Peyronie's disease (PD) is thought to affect 1of every 200 males in the United States. A 2016 study from Yale Universityinvolving 7,071 males with PD reported that the average age of diagnosis was 57.9 years. Phimosis and ParaphimosisPhimosis is a condition in uncircumcised males in which a tight foreskin cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis, increasing the risk of penile infection (balanitis). Paraphimosis is a related condition in which the foreskin is trapped behind the head of the penis, obstructing the flow of blood. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue death and gangrene if not treated immediately. PriapismPriapism is an erection that lasts for four or more hours, usually without sexual arousal. It is an unwanted condition that can cause increasing pain and lead to permanent nerve damage and erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly. Causes include certain medications (including erectile dysfunction drugs), spinal cord or genital injury, sickle cell disease (a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells), and certain cancers. Testicular TorsionTesticular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when a testicle rotates excessively, twisting the spermatic cord and cutting off the blood supply. This can lead to sudden and often severe pain with swelling. If not treated immediately, testicular torsion can lead to permanent damage and the loss of the testicle. VaricoceleVaricocele is the development of enlarged varicose veins within the scrotum. It usually occurs when there is severe compression of a vein and/or the valves in a vein fail to function. Varicocele can cause swelling and the formation of a painless lump on a testicle. The impaired blood flow can, in turn, lead to low sperm production,
decreased sperm quality, lower testosterone, and infertility. CancerThere are several cancers that can directly or indirectly affect the function of the male reproductive organs, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer, colorectal cancer, and anal cancer. Some of the treatments used to treat these cancers—including prostatectomy (prostate removal) and rectal radiation—can lead to erectile dysfunction or the loss of urinary control. How Common Is Prostate Cancer?According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 males in the United States will get prostate cancer in a lifetime. The average age of diagnosis is 66, with few cases seen under the age of 40. Maintaining a Healthy Reproductive SystemIt is not uncommon to experience problems with the male reproductive system, particularly as you get older. Even so, there are a few simple things you can do be improve the overall health of your reproductive tract at any age. Practice Good HygieneYou can reduce the risk of balanitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) by regularly washing the penis and genitals with soap and warm water. This is especially true if you are uncircumcised since bacteria can proliferate under the foreskin. Be sure to retract the foreskin gently while bathing and clean and dry the penis thoroughly afterward. Avoid powders, like talcum powder, that can become moisture traps. Get Tested for STIsUntreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to complications if left untreated, including infertility and an increased risk of HIV. If you are at risk of STIs or believe you may have been infected, speak with your healthcare provider about getting tested. This is especially true for sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) for whom annual testing is recommended for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. For MSM at high risk of infection, such as those with HIV or multiple sex partners, more frequent testing may be advised. Maintain a Healthy LifestyleMaintaining a healthy male reproductive system involves every aspect of your health. Certain conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are directly linked to erectile dysfunction and an enlarged prostate. To reduce your risk, it is important to exercise regularly, eat a healthy low-fat diet, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It is also important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have trouble managing your diabetes or high blood pressure. Quitting cigarettes is also important as tobacco smoke contributes to erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer as well as reduced sperm count and quality. SummaryThe male reproductive system is made up of external organs (like the penis and scrotum) and internal organs (like the testes, seminal vesicles, and epididymis) that play a role in human reproduction, sexual development, sexual function, and urination. Many conditions can impair the function of the male reproductive system. Some are more common in older males (like enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, and Peyronie's disease), while others can affect younger and older males (including epididymitis and balanitis), Good hygiene, the avoidance of sexually transmitted infections, and healthy lifestyle choices (like quitting cigarettes and losing weight) can improve the overall health of the male reproductive system. A Word From VerywellThere are many conditions affecting the male reproductive system that a primary care provider can treat. Even so, common conditions like erectile dysfunction can sometimes benefit from the expertise of a specialist known as a urologist, particularly if standard treatments fall short. Urologists are specially trained in diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. They are usually aware of the latest treatments and may be better equipped to identify and treat uncommon conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment for any condition affecting the male reproductive system. Certain conditions can also be seen during a telehealth visit with a urologist. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 parts of the male reproductive system?The male reproductive system includes the penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and seminal vesicles.
What are the parts of male reproductive system and its function Class 10?The male reproductive system includes the testes, scrotum, spermatic ducts, male accessory glands, and penis. All these organs work together to produce sperms, the male gamete, male sex hormones and other components of semen. Penis and Urethra are a part of both the reproductive and urinary systems.
What are the 5 main functions of the male reproductive system?In this Article. To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen). To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex.. To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining the male reproductive system.. What is reproductive system parts and functions?The reproductive system overview
The male reproductive system includes the testes (which produce sperm), penis, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts and urethra. The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries (which produce eggs or oocytes), fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva.
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Parts of the male reproductive system and their functions
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