🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is Male Genital Anatomy?

Male genital anatomy includes external structures (penis and scrotum) and internal structures (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, and accessory glands) that together produce, mature, and deliver sperm. Each part has a distinct role in reproduction and urination.

Short answer

The male reproductive system consists of the testes (sperm and testosterone production), epididymis (sperm maturation and storage), vas deferens (sperm transport), accessory glands (seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands) that add seminal fluid, and the penis, which delivers semen through the urethra.

Path of Sperm from Production to Ejaculation

1
Testes
Seminiferous tubules produce sperm (spermatogenesis) and Leydig cells make testosterone.
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2
Epididymis
A tightly coiled ~6 m duct where sperm mature and are stored for 2-3 weeks.
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3
Vas deferens
A muscular tube that propels mature sperm toward the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation.
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4
Ejaculatory duct & urethra
Sperm mixes with seminal vesicle and prostate fluid, then exits through the urethra as semen.

Step-by-step worked examples

Trace the path sperm travel from where they are made to where they leave the body.

Produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
Mature and are stored in the epididymis (about 2-3 weeks)
Propelled through the vas deferens (about 30-45 cm long) during ejaculation
Join fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate at the ejaculatory duct, then exit via the urethra

What is the average adult testis volume, and why does it matter clinically?

Average adult testis volume is about 15-25 mL, measured with an orchidometer
Volume correlates with sperm-producing tissue mass
Significantly smaller volume can indicate reduced fertility or a hormonal issue

Which glands contribute fluid to semen, and roughly what share of semen volume does each provide?

Seminal vesicles contribute about 60% of semen volume (fructose-rich fluid for sperm energy)
Prostate gland contributes about 25-30% (alkaline fluid that helps sperm survive vaginal acidity)
Bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands add a small amount of pre-ejaculate that lubricates the urethra
Sperm itself makes up only about 2-5% of total semen volume

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Where does sperm production actually occur?

Correct answer: B. Spermatogenesis takes place inside the seminiferous tubules within the testes.

Q2.What is the main function of the epididymis?

Correct answer: B. The epididymis is where sperm mature and are stored until ejaculation.

Q3.Which structure transports mature sperm toward the ejaculatory duct?

Correct answer: B. The vas deferens is the muscular duct that propels sperm during ejaculation.

Q4.Roughly what share of semen volume comes from the seminal vesicles?

Correct answer: A. The seminal vesicles provide roughly 60% of total semen volume, mainly fructose-rich fluid.

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Common mistakes

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Thinking the prostate gland produces sperm. — Correct: The prostate produces seminal fluid, not sperm — sperm is made exclusively in the testes.

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Confusing the epididymis with the vas deferens. — Correct: The epididymis is a coiled storage/maturation duct attached to each testis; the vas deferens is the longer tube that later transports mature sperm.

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Assuming the scrotum is just skin with no function. — Correct: The scrotum actively regulates testicular temperature via the cremaster muscle and dartos fascia, contracting or relaxing to keep sperm production optimal.

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Believing all semen fluid is made by the testes. — Correct: Sperm makes up only a small fraction of semen; most of the fluid comes from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

FAQ

What is male genital anatomy?

Male genital anatomy covers the external structures (penis, scrotum) and internal structures (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles) involved in reproduction and urination.

What are the parts of male genital anatomy?

Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, urethra, penis, and scrotum.

What is the function of the testes in male genital anatomy?

The testes produce sperm through spermatogenesis and secrete testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

How does sperm travel through male genital anatomy?

Sperm forms in the seminiferous tubules, matures in the epididymis, travels through the vas deferens, mixes with glandular fluid, and exits via the urethra as semen.