This Grade 12 IEB Life Sciences summary provides a thorough look at the human reproductive organs, covering the anatomy, functions, and roles of both male and female reproductive systems. Ideal for students preparing for exams, this guide explains each organ’s structure and how they work together...
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
The Male Reproductive System:
What makes the reproductive organs?
‣ Primary sex organs - the testes
‣ Ducts - epididymis, sperm duct (vas deferens) and urethra
‣ Accessory glands - prostate gland, seminal vesicle, Cowpers gland
Scrotum:
- Contains the testes
Functions
• Regulates the temperature of the testes (+/- 35º) - necessary for the production of fertile sperm
• Houses and protects the testes
Testes:
- 2 oval structures suspended outside the body in the scrotum
- Consists of many compartments which contain convoluted seminiferous tubules that are lined with
germinal epithelium
- Between the tubules are groups of cells called the cells of Leydig (interstitial cells)
Epididymis:
- Seminiferous tubules join to form the epididymis (convoluted tubule of approx 5m)
Function
• Sperm mature to become more fertile and then stored for several months (
Sperm Duct (vas deferens):
- Muscular continuation of the sperm duct
- Leaves the scrotum passes through the prostate gland and then enters the urethra
Function
• Pushes mature sperm forward by strong peristaltic waves from the epididymis into the urethra
(ejaculation)
Urethra
- End of urogenital system leading to the exterior
Function
• Forms a common duct for the transportation of semen and urine (processes never occur
together)
Prostate Gland
- Plum sized gland that surround the urethra at the bases of the bladder
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