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the Male Reproductive System?

  • The male reproductive system is designed for ONGOING production of sperm

    • Over 300,000,000 sperm cells are made PER DAY!​

Parts & Functions of the Male Reproductive System

Physical Digestion:

TESTICLES:

  • The testicles are a paired organ, meaning there are two of them that work and function simultaneously. 

  • ​They function to produce sperm cells.

    • A man's testicles develop from GONADS within the fetus which are located in the abdomen. During the last two months of development the testicles descend through a canal into a SCROTAL SAC (pouch of skin) into the pelvic region.​

  • The SCROTUM or SCROTAL SAC functions to maintain a cooler temperature of 36 degrees Celcius within the testicles. This cool temperature is vital for sperm production in the testicles.  

  • If the temperature in the testicles is too high or if the testicles fail to descend into the scrotal sac then it can lead to sterility.

MAle Hormones

The hypothalamus in the brain controls the testicles by secreting a hormone GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH). GnRH triggers the anterior pituitary gland (in the brain) to produce two hormones...

  1. FOLLICLES-STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) which promotes spermatogenesis (sperm creation)​ in the seminiferous tubules. However, when sperm count gets too high then INHIBIN hormones are released to start a negative feedback cycle that prevents RH, FSH and GnRH from being released.

  2. INTERSTITIAL CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE (ICSH or LH) which is also called a luteinizing hormone and controls the production of testosterone by interstitial cells.

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TESTOSTERONE:

  • Is a hormone that is needed for manufacturing sperm

  • It also causes secondary sex characteristic at puberty such as...

    • Growth of beard, underarm and public hair​

    • Enlargement of vocal cords and larynx

    • Muscle growth

    • Increases sex drive and aggressiveness

    • Stimulates sweat glands which cause acne and odor

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ANABOLIC STEROIDS are also used to increase muscle growth. However, they are DANGEROUS and can cause kidney and circulatory damage. As well they can interrupt a male hormone feedback system and cause feminization to occur to a man (ie. male breasts, widening of hips, softer voices, etc.)

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