Penis Anatomy
The male reproductive system is formed by:- penis
- scrotum
- testicles
- vas deferens
- seminal vesicles
- prostate gland
- urethra
The penis is anatomically divided into two areas, an external one and an internal one.
The shaft or the external part of the penis has a cylindrical shape when flaccid and a triangular one when erect.
The internal part of the penis begins with the corpus spongiosum; this cylindrical tissue expands at the tip of the penis into the glans. The corona is found at the base of the glans as a projecting margin.
Above the corpus spongiosum, occupying the sides and the upper portion, there is a pair of cylindrical bodies called the corpora cavernosa.
A circular layer of elastic tissue, covered with a fine layer of skin, surrounds both the corpus spongiosum and the corpora cavernosa. From the corona a fold of skin covers the glans – that is called prepuce.
The scrotum is a pouch made of skin and muscle; it contains the testicles. Due to the contractions and relaxations of muscular tissue in the scrotum, the sperm is kept at a constant temperature; it’s known that the sperm is sensitive to temperatures over or below 94F degrees. The production of sperm and male sex hormones are the main functions of the scrotum.
The testicles are contained in the scrotum. They are glans positioned outside the body and suspended by the spermatic cord.
The vas deferens is made by two tubes that connect the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts, in order to move the semen. They are surrounded by a smooth muscle which contracts during ejaculation and pushes the sperm forward.
The seminal vesicles have as main function the secretion of seminal fluid, they produce about 70% of the total quantity of seminal fluid.
The prostate gland is an exocrine gland formed by smooth muscles that play an important role in ejaculation. The main function of the prostate gland is to secrete and store 10-30% of the seminal fluid.
The urethra plays an important role, being the passage for both semen and urine. It is divided in three parts:
- prostate urethra
- membranous urethra
- spongy urethra
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