K325 / 2027

Lesson 8 of 12 / Reproduction

Trace the male reproductive system

Where are sperm made, and how do they leave the body?

In this lesson: Identify the named male structures and explain their functions.

About 4 min

The key ideaTestes produce sperm; sperm ducts carry them towards the urethra, where gland fluids contribute to semen.

Simplified male reproductive system side view with duct highlightedBladderSperm ductProstatePenisTestisScrotum
The sperm duct carries sperm from the testis towards the urethra. It does not empty into the urinary bladder.

A simplified side view shows one of the two testes and sperm ducts. The sperm duct joins the route to the urethra, not the bladder. Gland ducts and fine structures are simplified.

Explanation

The testes produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. They lie in the scrotum, which holds them outside the main body cavity and helps maintain a temperature lower than core body temperature, suitable for sperm production.

Sperm travel from each testis into a sperm duct. The ducts carry sperm towards the urethra. The diagram shows one side for clarity; there are two testes and two sperm ducts.

The prostate gland lies below the bladder and contributes fluid to semen. Semen is a mixture of sperm and fluids from glands; sperm cells and semen are not identical terms.

The urethra passes through the penis and carries semen to the outside during ejaculation. The penis can deliver semen into the vagina during sexual intercourse. The male urethra also carries urine at a different time; sperm do not come from the urinary bladder.

Step by step
  1. 1

    Find sperm production

    Begin at the testes rather than the prostate or bladder.

  2. 2

    Follow the transport route

    Trace the sperm ducts towards the urethra.

  3. 3

    Add the support structures

    Explain scrotal temperature, prostate fluid and the role of the penis.

Worked example

Separate a cell from its fluid

Explain why semen contains more than just sperm cells.

One way to explain it

Glands, including the prostate, add fluid to sperm. These fluids support the sperm and their transport, forming semen.

Why this answer works
  • The testes produce sperm.
  • The prostate contributes fluid rather than being the main sperm-producing organ.
Is this true? "The prostate gland produces sperm."

Sperm are produced in the testes. The prostate contributes fluid to semen.

Try a question

Which structure directly transports sperm from the testis towards the urethra?
You can return to this lesson any time.