1. Location and Components
The male reproductive system is located in the pelvic region. It consists of:
- A pair of testes
- Accessory ducts
- Accessory glands
- External genitalia
2. Testes
- Testes are present outside the abdominal cavity in a pouch called the scrotum.
- Scrotum maintains the temperature of testes about 2–2.5°C lower than normal body temperature.
- This lower temperature is essential for spermatogenesis.
- Each testis is:
- Oval-shaped
- Length: 4–5 cm
- Width: 2–3 cm
- Each testis is covered by a dense covering.
- Each testis contains about 250 testicular lobules.
- Each lobule contains 1–3 highly coiled seminiferous tubules.
Seminiferous Tubules
The seminiferous tubules are the site of sperm production.
They contain two main types of cells:
| Cell | Function |
|---|---|
| Male germ cells (spermatogonia) | Undergo meiotic divisions and ultimately form sperms |
| Sertoli cells | Provide nutrition to developing germ cells |
Leydig Cells
- Found in the interstitial spaces outside seminiferous tubules.
- Also called interstitial cells.
- Secrete androgens (testicular hormones).
Important:
Sertoli cells → Nutrition
Leydig cells → Androgens
3. Male Accessory Ducts
The accessory ducts are:
Rete testis → Vasa efferentia → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra
Functions
- Rete testis: Receives sperm from seminiferous tubules.
- Vasa efferentia: Carry sperm from rete testis to epididymis.
- Epididymis: Located along the posterior surface of each testis.
- Vas deferens: Carries sperm upward towards the abdomen.
- Vas deferens loops over the urinary bladder and receives a duct from the seminal vesicle.
- It opens into the urethra as the ejaculatory duct.
- These ducts mainly transport and store sperms.
Urethra
- Begins from the urinary bladder.
- Passes through the penis.
- Opens outside through the urethral meatus.
4. Penis
- The penis is the male external genital organ.
- It contains special tissue that helps in erection.
- Erection facilitates insemination.
- The enlarged tip is called the glans penis.
- Glans is covered by a loose fold of skin called the foreskin.
5. Male Accessory Glands
The accessory glands are:
- Paired seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
- Paired bulbourethral glands
Secretions
The secretions of these glands form seminal plasma.
Seminal plasma is rich in:
- Fructose
- Calcium
- Certain enzymes
Bulbourethral Glands
Their secretion also helps in lubrication of the penis.
⭐ CBSE One-Line Revision
Testes → Seminiferous tubules → Rete testis → Vasa efferentia → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra → Outside
Sertoli cells → Nutrition
Leydig cells → Androgens
Scrotum → 2–2.5°C lower temperature → Spermatogenesis
Accessory glands → Seminal plasma
