Male Reproductive System

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Male Reproductive System
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Basic Anatomy

• Testes (gonads)
• Encased within scrotum and stored outside body
• Scrotum expands and contracts to heat and cool
  the testes keeping them at a temp. slightly less
  than body temp
• This is the optimal temp for sperm formation.
• Seminiferous Tubules
• 250 m long network of highly coiled tubes within
  testes which produce sperm
• Epididymis
• Extension of sem. tubules, where the sperm are
  stored and reach final maturation

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Basic Anatomy

• Penis
• Delivery mechanism for sperm also part of
  urinary tract
• Vas Deferens
• Sperm duct how sperm get from the epidymis to
  the urethra
• Urethra
• shared with urinary tract allows sperm to move
  through the penis
• Several glands will add liquids to the sperm to
  form semen
• Seminal Vesicle
• Injects fructose for energy
• Prostate Gland
• Injects an alkaline (basic) fluid which
  neutralizes acidity of vagina
• Cowpers Gland
• Injects a white mucous-like fluid which clumps
  the sperm together for a short period after
  ejaculation

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Basic Anatomy The Brain

• Pituitary Gland
• Hypothalamus
• Both involved with male hormonal responses

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Basic Hormones

• GnRH - Gonaditropin Releasing Hormone
• Secreted by the hypothalamus (at the base of the
  brain next to the pituitary gland)
• Causes the pituitary gland to increase production
  of FSH and LH
• FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone
• Secreted by the pituitary gland
• Stimulates the cells in the testes to divide and
  become sperm
• Released constantly enabling males to produce
  around 400 million (estimates vary widely) sperm
  per day
• LH - Lutenizing Hormone
• Secreted by the pituitary gland
• Stimulates the testes to produce androgens (like
  testosterone)

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A Natural Steroid Hormone

• Testosterone
• Secreted by the testes it stimulates
• The development of the penis and testes
• The deepening of the voice during puberty
• Muscle size and strength
• Bone growth and strength
• Sex drive (libido)
• Sperm production

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What are illegal steroids?

• Steroids can be natural or synthetic and are
  often referred to as
• Anabolic substances promote growth of skeletal
  muscle
• Androgenic substances promote development of
  male sexual characteristics.
• Use of steroids can have severe and lasting side
  effects
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Reduced sperm count/infertility and impotence
• Baldness
• Difficulty or pain in urinating
• Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence
• Severe acne
• Liver disease
• High cholesterol
• Anxiety
• Stunted growth (bones stop lengthening)
• Who is most likely to use steroids?
• Most steroid users are males between the ages of
  11 and 18

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• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vLERmITrQaIM