Lesson 2 of 6 / Reproduction in humans
Trace the male reproductive system
Where are sperm made, and how do they leave the body?
I can identify the named male structures and explain their functions.
I can identify six named male structures and their functions.Syllabus
Syllabus K327 / K328, Topic 11(b). Identify six named male structures and their functions.
About 4 min
Make a guess. You are not marked.
Where are sperm actually made?
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In the testes.
The testes make sperm. The prostate gland and other glands add fluid to form semen.
The key idea
Testes produce sperm; sperm ducts carry them towards the urethra, where gland fluids contribute to semen.
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
Find sperm production
Begin at the testes rather than the prostate or bladder.
- 2
Follow the transport route
Trace the sperm ducts towards the urethra.
- 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.
Watch out for this
A student says: "The prostate gland produces sperm." What is wrong with this?
Show the answer
Sperm are produced in the testes. The prostate contributes fluid to semen.
Check your understanding
Which structure directly transports sperm from the testis towards the urethra?
Show the answer
Sperm duct
The sperm duct is the transport route; the testis is the production site.
Quick recall
Where are sperm made, and how do they leave the body?