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Male Anatomy

The male anatomy has a different physical build than the female anatomy.

Sexual health

Male Anatomy

External Anatomy

Penis

The Penis is a cylindrical-shaped organ located on top of the scrotum. It consists of erectile tissues that are covered in connective tissue and skin. Its function is allowing urination and sperm to leave the body. During sexual intercourse, it becomes erect allowing easy insertion into a vagina where sperm is ejaculated to reach and  fertilize the egg (if there’s no contraceptive). The penis is made up of several parts. 

  1. Shaft: main part of the penis and contains the urethra. It fills up with blood when it arouses which is called an erection.
  2. Glans penis: is a sensitive structure that is located at the tip of the penis through which the urethra opens. It contains the foreskin and frenulum.
  3. Foreskin:  also called prepuce is a loose fold skin that covers the glans. Every baby boy is born with it however, some have it removed through a process called circumcision. 
  4. Frenulum: a very sensitive area for many men where the foreskin connects with the shaft. Even after circumcision, a part of it usually remains.

Scrotum

Scrotum is the sack of skin containing and protecting the testicles,epididymis, and part of the spermatic cord. It is located behind the penis. It is outside the body to regulate temperature for the testicles. 

 

Anus

The Anus is an opening to allow feces to leave the body and can also bring pleasure for some people.

 

Internal Anatomy

Testicles

Testicles are 2 small organs found inside the scrotum responsible for making sperm and producing testosterone (a hormone responsible for male maturation such as developing muscles, deepening the voice, and growing body hair). They can feel firm and a little spongy and usually start growing between the ages of 11–13. 

Epididymis

Epididymis is a long spiral tube that connects the testicles to the vas deferens and where sperm matures (12 days). It is located on the top, outside edge of each testicle. The muscles of epididymis contract when ejaculating and shoot the sperm into the vas deferens.

 

Vas deferens

Vas deferens is a tube that connects the epididymis to the urethra and carries sperm to the seminal vesicles. It uses muscular contractions to launch the sperm forward. During a vasectomy (male sterilization), the vas deferens is cut. 

 

Seminal vesicles

Seminal vesicles are glands (bag-like) behind the bladder that release a liquid that makes part of semen in which the sperm floats in. The seminal vesicles have a structure called ejaculatory duct that connects with the vas deferens. The sperm has access to thick fluid containing fructose (a type of sugar), proteins, and other enzymes made by the seminal vesicles fors a source of energy and nutrition.

 

Prostate gland

Prostate gland is a small thick gland located below the urinary bladder. It produces fluids that thickens the semen for easy mobility and helps stay longer in the woman’s reproductive tract. 

 

Cowper’s (Bulbourethral) Glands

Cowper’s (Bulbourethral) Glands is a small round gland that prepares the urethra for ejaculation and produces pre-ejaculate/precum to decrease friction for sperm to easily move.

Urethra

Urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the tip of the penis (the meatus) that allows urine to exit the body. It also passes through the prostate gland where an opening (ejaculatory duct) gets the sperm and fluid that make up semen.

Cremaster

Cremaster is a thin muscular layer that enables your scrotum and testicles to get closer to your body when you’re cold, aroused, or in a fight or flight scenario. It fully develops only in males but for females, it does not grow and only found in the uterus as a round ligament

Corpus cavernosa

Corpus cavernosa are two columns of spongy tissue that travel along the interior shaft that cause an erection when these tissues harden. The tissue has nerves, blood vessels, and muscle fibers.

Corpus spongiosum

Corpus spongiosum is the third column of tissue that travels along the interior shaft. It contains the urethra, and extends to form the glans penis. During an erection, the corpus spongiosum stops the urethra from closing.

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