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Explain the male reproductive organs.
The male reproductive system is a network of external and internal organs that function to produce, support, transport, and deliver viable sperm for reproduction. Prenatally, the male sex organs are formed under the influence of testosterone secreted from the fetal testes; by puberty, the secondary sex organs further develop and become functional. Sperm is produced in the testes and is transported through the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra. Concomitantly, the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral gland produce seminal fluid that accompany and nourish the sperm as it is emitted from the penis during ejaculation and throughout the fertilization process.Most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the body. These external structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles.

    Penis: This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped part at the end of the penis. The glans, also called the head of the penis, is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin.. The penis also contains a number of sensitive nerve endings.The body of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of three circular shaped chambers. These chambers are made up of special, sponge-like tissue.

    Scrotum: This is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum acts as a "climate control system" for the testes. For normal sperm development, the testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than body temperature. Special muscles in the wall of the scrotum allow it to contract and relax, moving the testicles closer to the body for warmth or farther away from the body to cool the temperature.

    Testicles (testes): These are oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most men have two testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled masses of tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubes are responsible for producing sperm cells.


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