1.65. Male Reproductive System http://www.ck12.org
1.65 Male Reproductive System
- List the functions of the male reproductive system.
Why do men and women look different?
The features that make men unique from women, such as this man’s beard, are controlled by the sex hormones. The
production of the sex hormones is a key role of the male reproductive system.
The Male Reproductive System Functions
Dogs have puppies. Cats have kittens. All organisms reproduce, including humans. Like other mammals, humans
have a body system that controls reproduction. It is called thereproductive system. It is the only human body
system that is very different in males and females. The male and female reproductive systems have different organs
and different functions.
The male reproductive system has two main functions:
- Producing sperm.
- Releasing testosterone into the body.
Spermare malegametes, or reproductive cells. When a male gamete meets a female gamete, they can form a new
organism. Sperm form when certain cells in the male reproductive system divide bymeiosis. When they grow older,
males produce millions of sperm each day.
Testosteroneis the main sex hormone in males. Hormones are chemicals that control many body processes.
Testosterone has two major roles:
- During the teen years, testosterone causes the reproductive organs to mature. It also causes other male traits
to develop. For example, it causes hair to grow on the face and allows for muscle growth (Figure1.127).