The Male Reproductive System

Penis

  The penis is composed of columns of erectile tissue. When this tissues fills with blood, the penis becomes erect.

Corpus Cavernosum

  This column of erectile tissue is one of two that lie side by side.

Corpus Spongiosum

  This spongy, erectile tissue surrounds the urethra, and widens to form the glans (penis tip).

Seminiferous Tubules

  The testes contain many of these tightly coiled tubules, which produce millions of sperm per day.

Vas Deferens

  Sperm are propelled from the epididymis through this tube to reach the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal Vesicle

  These paired, sac-like glands secrete a fluid that forms roughly 60 per cent of semen. It contains a sugar that provides the energy for sperm to swim.

Prostate Gland

  About 20 per cent of the volume of seminal fluid is made up of milky, alkaline secretions produced by this small, encapsulated gland.

The Scrotal Area

  Scrotal tissue contains a layer called the cremaster muscle. This contracts or relaxes to move the testes nearer to or away from the body to maintain the correct temperature.