Discuss the Male Reproductive System
Discuss the Male Reproductive System
The reproductive system is questionably the body system that is the most important influence on life as we know it. It is the w ay in which we procreate and ensure our existence as a species. However, the penis is only one part of the male reproductive system, which constitutes of a series responsible for generating, storing, and transporting the genetic material contained in the sperm cells. The main organs include: testicles (or testes), the epididymides, the vas deferens, the ejaculatory duct, the urethra, and the penis. Others are the scrotum, urogenital opening, and the prostate gland.
The penis is a male organ, responsible for transporting urine and semen outside the body. It is a flexible, that splits into a Y shaped rod (an attached root and a free body, capable of expanding,1 attached to the underside of the pubic bone. The penis consists of various components such as nerve and blood vessels, fibrous tissue and three cylinders of erectile tissue called corpora. Spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood allowing an erection. This is called the Corpus spongiosum, which surrounds the urethra. However, it is the paired dorsal erectile bodies, the corpora cavernosa, which makes up most of the penis and anchors it in place. Below is a graphical representation of basic anatomy of male sexual reproduction:
“During sexual excitement a parasympathetic reflex is triggered and releases nitric oxide (NO)” . The NO relaxes vascular smooth muscles causing arteioles to dilate so that the erectile tissues can fill with blood due to specific brain signals, mean while an expansion of the corpora cavernosa compresses venous drainage. Thus causing an erection. When not sexually aroused, arterioles supplying the erectile tissue are constricted and the penis is flaccid. A loose skin covering called the prepuce or foreskin normally covers the head of the penis, but it has become common to remove the foreskin shortly after birth
The reproductive system is questionably the body system that is the most important influence on life as we know it. It is the w ay in which we procreate and ensure our existence as a species. However, the penis is only one part of the male reproductive system, which constitutes of a series responsible for generating, storing, and transporting the genetic material contained in the sperm cells. The main organs include: testicles (or testes), the epididymides, the vas deferens, the ejaculatory duct, the urethra, and the penis. Others are the scrotum, urogenital opening, and the prostate gland.
The penis is a male organ, responsible for transporting urine and semen outside the body. It is a flexible, that splits into a Y shaped rod (an attached root and a free body, capable of expanding,1 attached to the underside of the pubic bone. The penis consists of various components such as nerve and blood vessels, fibrous tissue and three cylinders of erectile tissue called corpora. Spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood allowing an erection. This is called the Corpus spongiosum, which surrounds the urethra. However, it is the paired dorsal erectile bodies, the corpora cavernosa, which makes up most of the penis and anchors it in place. Below is a graphical representation of basic anatomy of male sexual reproduction:
“During sexual excitement a parasympathetic reflex is triggered and releases nitric oxide (NO)” . The NO relaxes vascular smooth muscles causing arteioles to dilate so that the erectile tissues can fill with blood due to specific brain signals, mean while an expansion of the corpora cavernosa compresses venous drainage. Thus causing an erection. When not sexually aroused, arterioles supplying the erectile tissue are constricted and the penis is flaccid. A loose skin covering called the prepuce or foreskin normally covers the head of the penis, but it has become common to remove the foreskin shortly after birth
References: · Purves et al, Life, the Science of Biology (6th Ed), 2001. (ch. 43) · Netter, Frank, The Ciba Collection of Medical Illustrations: Volume 3 – Reproductive systems, 1965. · Male Reproductive Page; http://faculty.ncwc.edu/ddaley/ · Male Reproductive System; http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/research/blanchard/www/465/textbook/otherprojects/2003/group12/male/malesystem.htm http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy/unit12_2_repdt_male.html