- What is the male reproductive system?
- function of the male reproductive system
- Parts and organs of the male reproductive system
- Diseases of the male reproductive system
We explain what the male reproductive system is and what its function is. In addition, its most common parts and diseases.
What is the male reproductive system?
When speaking of the male reproductive system, reference is made to the set of internal and external organs, as well as the ducts between them, that allow a man to have sexual relations and eventually reproduce with a woman.
Unlike the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system is mostly visible, outside the body, and has the mechanisms to produce and introduce a load of sperm into the uterus (the ejaculate) and thus fertilize the egg, giving rise to a zygote that, over time, will become a new individual. This method of reproduction is shared by human being with most of Vertebrate animals.
The male reproductive system is born with the individual but begins its hormonal and mechanical functions from puberty, the stage of adolescence in which the human being sexually matures and his body is ready for reproduction. Fertile men will be fertile throughout their lives, but their capacity for sexual interaction is limited to the possibility of an erection, which decreases or is lost during the so-called third age (old age).
function of the male reproductive system
As we have said, the primary biological function of the male reproductive system is reproduction. This goes through various stages that involve different organs, to the extent that sex hormones are secreted that activate the process and predispose the body to reproduction.
Semen and sperm are produced in the testicles and prostate (10 to 14 days); The erection occurs through the filling of the body of the penis with blood and, finally, after ecstasy during intercourse, the seminal content is emptied through the urethra (ejaculate).
Parts and organs of the male reproductive system
The male reproductive system involves the following organs and ducts:
External organs (outside the body):
- Testicles. The main organ of the system, is responsible for producing both male sex hormones (testosterone, mainly) and sperm (reproductive cells). It is located in the scrotum, an envelope of tissues and skin that covers and protects them.
- Penis. It is the copulatory organ of the system, formed by three instances: the glans, which is the tip and the most sensitive region; the corpus spongiosum, tissue of which the glans is part and that supports the urethra during erection to allow the passage of semen; and the corpora cavernosa, located in the upper part of the penis, which fill with blood and provide hardness and firmness to the erect penis. It is normally covered by the foreskin, a layer of skin that is part of the scrotum. It also serves the excretory system to expel urine from the body.
- epididymis. It is located at the meeting of the seminiferous ducts, and is responsible for the maturation and activation of sperm.
- vas deferens They connect the epididymis with the ejaculatory ducts, allowing the exit of semen.
Internal organs (inside the body):
- Seminal vesicles. They produce an alkaline and viscous liquid whose task is to neutralize the acidity of the urethra (product of urine) and safeguard the sperm. This fluid is part of 40% of semen. The vesicles are found next to the prostate, behind the urinary bladder.
- Prostate.This glandular organ is exclusive to the male gender and is located behind the rectum, right at the base of the urinary bladder. It produces much of the seminal content that nourishes the sperm on its journey to the uterus and also blocks the exit of urine during intercourse, so that the excretory and reproductive functions are not mixed.
- Urethra. The conduit that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body also serves in the case of men to carry semen to the outside.
- Bulborethral glands. Also called Cowper's glands, they are located under the prostate and secrete pre-seminal fluid, which cleanses the urethral duct and neutralizes its acidity, paving the way for ejaculation.
Diseases of the male reproductive system
The male reproductive system can suffer from diseases such as:
- Phimosis. It is a congenital narrowing of the foreskin, which does not allow the penis to emerge freely and often causes pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is usually remedied by circumcision.
- Cancer. Tumor malformations tend to particularly afflict the prostate and testicles.
- venereal infections. such as herpes, virus of human papilloma, syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS and others, some of which produce recognizable local symptoms, such as pustules, purulent discharge or difficulties in urinating.
- Prostatitis. An enlarged prostate is often the product of bacterial infections, but it is also an indicator of deeper ailments such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or cancer.