9.1 Male Reproductive System*

Sperm are created in the testes. The testes are a pair of male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. They are responsible for producing sperm cells through a process called spermatogenesis. The testes also produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. The penis and urethra are involved in the delivery of sperm, but they are not the organs where sperm are created.

The main purpose of the male reproductive system is to create as many sperm as possible. Sperm production occurs in the testes through a process called spermatogenesis. The testes contain numerous seminiferous tubules where sperm cells are produced and matured. The male reproductive system also includes other structures such as the epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles, which all play a role in the production, storage, and transportation of sperm. The ultimate goal is to produce a large number of healthy sperm cells to increase the chances of fertilizing an egg during sexual reproduction.

The organ shown in the image is the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles are a pair of glands located behind the bladder in males. They produce and store a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. This fluid provides nourishment and protection for the sperm as they travel through the reproductive system.

The organ shown in the image is the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males. It is an important part of the male reproductive system and produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. The prostate gland can be affected by various conditions, such as prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause urinary and sexual problems.

The organ shown in the image is responsible for producing preejaculate fluid. Preejaculate fluid, also known as preseminal fluid, is a clear fluid that is released from the penis during sexual arousal. It serves multiple functions, including lubricating the urethra and neutralizing any acidity in the urethra caused by urine, creating a more favorable environment for sperm to survive and travel through. This fluid also contains some sperm, although in lower concentrations compared to semen.

A man with a very low sperm count is likely to have a problem with his testes. The testes are responsible for producing sperm, and a low sperm count indicates that there may be an issue with the production or development of sperm in this organ. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles are not directly involved in sperm production, so they are less likely to be the cause of the low sperm count.

If a man's vas deferens are cut to "disconnect" his testes, he will still be able to ejaculate. The vas deferens is the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra. By cutting the vas deferens, sperm cannot reach the semen during ejaculation, resulting in semen that does not contain sperm. However, the man will still be able to experience ejaculation, as the semen is produced by other glands in the reproductive system.

The organ shown in the image is the epididymis. The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the back of the testes, where sperm are stored and matured before they are transported to the vas deferens. It plays a crucial role in the reproductive system by allowing sperm to gain the ability to swim and fertilize an egg.

The seminal vesicles are responsible for producing the majority of the fluid in semen, including fructose which provides energy for sperm motility. Therefore, if a man has a high sperm count but low motility, it suggests a problem with the seminal vesicles, as they are not producing enough of the necessary fluid and nutrients to support the sperm's energy needs.