Human Reproduction
Structure and function of male reproductive system
Human beings reproduce sexually and are viviparous.
In humans, the reproductive phase starts after puberty. It involves:
- Gametogenesis
- Insemination
- Fertilisation
- Implantation
- Gestation
- Parturition
The Male Reproductive System
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It is located in the pelvic region.
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It consists of:
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A pair of testes
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Accessory glands and ducts
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External genitalia
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Testes
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Situated within the scrotum, which protects the testes and also helps in maintaining the temperature.
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Each testis is 4 to 5 cm in length, and 2 to 3 cm in width, and has about 250 compartments called testicular lobules.
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Testicular lobules have seminiferous tubules which are the sites of sperm formation.
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Seminiferous tubules are lined by two types of cells:
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Male germ cells − They undergo meiosis to form sperms.
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Sertoli cells − They provide nourishment to the germ cells.
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- Region outside the seminiferous tubules is called the interstitial space, which contains Leydig cells (interstitial cells). The Leydig cells produce androgens.
- Apart from producing sperms, testes also produce a hormone called testosterone. This hormone is responsible for the development of male sex organs like penis and testes. It also brings about secondary sex characteristics in boys during puberty.
Sperm
- Head: It contains a nucleus, that carries the genetic material. It also contains a large secretory ve…
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