What is the difference between prostate gland and seminal vesicle

Luteinizing hormone results in testosterone release. The presence of both testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone FSH is needed to support spermatogenesis. Almost all healthy male vertebrates have two testes. In mammals, the testes are often contained within an extension of the abdomen called the scrotum. In mammals with external testes, it is most common for one testicle to hang lower than the other.

While the size of the testis varies, it is estimated that The tough membranous shell called the tunica albuginea contains very fine coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules. These are lined with a layer of germ cells that develop into sperm cells also known as spermatozoa or male gametes from puberty into old age.

The developing sperm travels through the seminiferous tubules to the rete testis located in the mediastinum testis, to the efferent ducts, and then to the epididymis where newly-created sperm cells mature. The sperm moves into the vas deferens and is eventually expelled through the urethra, via the urethral orifice through muscular contractions.

Leydig cells located between seminiferous tubules produce and secrete testosterone and other androgens important for sexual development and puberty, including secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair and sexual behavior. They also support libido, spermatogenesis, and erectile function.

In addition, testosterone controls testicular volume. Inside the Human Testes : Diagram illustrates the scrotum with a portion of the covering removed to display the testis. The penis is an intromittent organ of male animals with reproductive and urinary functions. Unlike many other species, the human penis has no baculum, or erectile bone. Instead, it relies entirely on engorgement with blood to achieve erection.

The human penis cannot be withdrawn into the groin, and is larger than that of any other primate, particularly in regards to proportion to body mass. Human Penis : This is a diagram of a human penis with its parts labeled. The human penis is made up of three columns of tissue: two corpora cavernosa that lie next to each other on the dorsal side and a corpus spongiosum that lies between the corpora cavernosa on the ventral side.

The glans penis is the bulbous end of the penis formed by the corpus spongiosum. It supports the foreskin prepuce that retracts to expose the glans. The area on the underside of the penis, where the foreskin is attached, is called the frenum or frenulum.

The rounded base of the glans is called the corona. The perineal raphe is the noticeable line along the underside of the penis. The urethra is the last part of the urinary tract and traverses the corpus spongiosum. The urethral opening is called the meatus and lies on the tip of the glans penis. It serves as a passage both for urine and semen.

Sperm are produced in the testes and stored in the attached epididymis. Sperm are propelled through the vas deferens during ejaculation. Fluids are added by the seminal vesicles before the vas deferens carries the sperm to the ejaculatory ducts, which join the urethra inside the prostate gland. The prostate as well as the bulbourethral glands add further secretions, then the semen is expelled through the penis. The raphe is the noticeable ridge between the halves of the penis.

It is located on the ventral aspect of the penis and runs from the meatus and across the scrotum to the perineum area between scrotum and anus. Penile and Clitoral Structure : This diagram compares the structure of the penis to the clitoris. An erection is the stiffening and rising of the penis that facilitates sexual arousal, though it can also happen in nonsexual situations. The primary physiological mechanism that brings about an erection is the autonomic dilation of arteries supplying blood to the penis.

This allows more blood to fill the three spongy erectile tissue chambers in the penis, causing it to lengthen and stiffen. The engorged erectile tissue presses against and constricts the veins that carry blood away from the penis. More blood enters than leaves the penis until an equilibrium is reached where an equal volume of blood flows into the dilated arteries and out of the constricted veins; a constant erectile size is achieved at this equilibrium.

Although many erect penises point upwards, it is common and normal for the erect penis to point nearly vertically upwards, nearly vertically downwards, or even horizontally forward, depending on the tension of the suspensory ligament that holds it in position. Ejaculation is the ejection of semen from the penis and is usually accompanied by orgasm. A series of muscular contractions delivers semen, containing sperm cells or spermatozoa, from the penis. It is usually the result of sexual stimulation, including prostate stimulation.

Ejaculation has two phases: emission and ejaculation proper. The emission phase of the ejaculatory reflex is under control of the sympathetic nervous system, while the ejaculatory phase is under the control of a spinal reflex at the level of spinal nerves S2 to S4 via the pudendal nerve.

A refractory period succeeds the ejaculation, and sexual stimulation precedes it. Anejaculation is the condition of being unable to ejaculate.

Testes ducts, which include the seminiferous tubules and vas deferens, are involved in the creation or transportation of sperm.

Inside the Human Testes : Diagram of cross-section of testes: 1: Testicular septa 2: Convoluted seminiferous tubules 3: Testicular lobules 4: Straight seminiferous tubules 5: Efferent ductules 6: Rete testis. Seminiferous tubules, located in the testes, are where meiosis occurs and the gametes spermatozoa are created.

The seminiferous tubules are formed from primitive sex cords from the gonadal ridge. The epithelium of the tubule consists of tall, columnar cells called Sertoli cells. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors.

A seminal vesicle is one of a pair of small tubular glands. These glands are positioned inside the body: above the prostate, behind the bladder, and in front of the rectum. Prostate problems are common, especially in older men. The most common include an inflamed prostate, an enlarged prostate , and prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate trouble often appear as difficulty urinating, which might include poor bladder control or weak urine flow.

This article provides an overview of the prostate, including its function and structure, where it is, and what medical conditions can affect it. The prostate is a small, soft organ. On average, it is roughly the size of a walnut or a ping-pong ball. It weighs around 1 ounce 30 grams and is usually soft and smooth to the touch.

The prostate sits deep in the pelvis, between the penis and the bladder. It is possible to feel the prostate gland by placing a finger into the rectum and pressing toward the front of the body. The urethra, a tube that carries urine and semen out of the body, passes through the prostate. Because the prostate surrounds this tube, prostate problems can affect urine flow.

This organ is one part of male sexual, or reproductive, anatomy. The other parts include the penis, scrotum, and testes. The prostate is not essential for life, but it is important for fertility. The following sections discuss the functions of the prostate. The primary function of the prostate is to contribute prostatic fluid to semen.

Prostatic fluid contains components that make semen an ideal substance for sperm cells to live in, including enzymes, zinc, and citric acid. One important enzyme is prostate-specific antigen PSA , which helps make the semen thinner and more fluid. The fluid in semen helps the sperm travel down the urethra and survive the journey towards an egg, which is essential for reproduction.

Prostatic fluid is slightly acidic, but other components of semen make it alkaline overall. This is to counteract the acidity of the vagina and protect the sperm from damage. The sperm and secretions from the bulbourethral gland contribute only a small volume. The volume of semen in a single ejaculation may vary from 1. There are usually between 50 to million sperm per milliliter of semen.

Sperm counts below 10 to 20 million per milliliter usually present fertility problems. Although only one sperm actually penetrates and fertilizes the ovum, it takes several million sperm in an ejaculation to ensure that fertilization will take place.