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Testicles
Comprised of the testes and the epididymis
Testes (The Male Gonads)
Functions:
Reproduction of sperm
Secretion of testosterone and other steroid
hormones (sexual hormones)
Self Examination for testicular
cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men between
the ages 15 and 35. Early detection ensures survival in almost 100%
of men with the most common form of testicular cancer. For all types
of testicular cancer there is a 78 to 85% five-year survival rate.
Once you're well into puberty generally between ages 13 and
15 it is important to examine your testicles once a month. Make
sure to read our testicular
exam page.
Epididymis
A highly coiled tube lying against the upper
back side of each teste.
Functions:
Storage of immature sperm until they reach maturity,
which takes about 20 days after entering the epididymis. Once each
sperm reaches maturity it enters the vas deferens.
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)
Two 18" long tubes beginning at the epididymis
of each testicle and joining the urethra within the prostate gland.
Functions:
Storage of sperm prior to ejaculation
Transport of sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Seminal Vesicles
Two finger-length glands, lying behind the bladder,
that produce a secretion that makes up 60% of your semen.
Function:
This secretion activates the sperm and supplies
a sugar called fructose that the sperm use for energy;
"Sperm fuel!"
Prostate Gland
A walnut-sized gland, surrounding the urethra
just below the bladder. Produces secretions that make up 30% of
semen.
Function:
These secretions activate the sperm and protect
the sperm by reducing the acidity of the vagina.
Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's
Glands)
Two pea-sized glands in males just below the
prostate that secrete a clear fluid into the urethra prior to ejaculation.
Function:
Reduces the acidity of the urethra
Provides lubrication on the tip of the glans penis prior to ejaculation
(This is the stuff you see on the tip of your penis sometimes before
having sex) Be careful: If you've
ejaculated recently, this drop of lubrication could contain thousands
of sperms ready to fertilize an egg. Keep your penis away from the
vagina until you're covered up with a condom.
Semen
A mixture containing sperm and the nutrients
and chemicals that activate and fuel sperm while protecting them
from the hostile environment they will encounter.
Urethra
Tube running from the bladder to the end of the
penis
Functions:
Muscles around the base of the urethra contract
during ejaculation to force semen through the urethra and out the
urethral orifice at the tip of the penis.
Provides a tube through which urine leaves the bladder to exit out
the urethral orifice.
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