Male Reproductive System – Complete Notes for Class 10

1. What is Reproduction?

Reproduction is the biological process through which living organisms produce new individuals of their own kind.
It is essential for continuity of life.

Types of Reproduction

1) Asexual Reproduction

Involves one parent
No formation of sex cells
No fusion of gametes
Offspring are genetically identical (clones)
Methods: Fission, budding, fragmentation, spore formation, vegetative propagation

2) Sexual Reproduction

Involves two parents
Fusion of male and female gametes → fertilization
Offspring show genetic variations
Seen in humans, animals, flowering plants

2. What is a Reproductive System?

A reproductive system is a group of organs in the body that work together to:

Produce gametes (sperm/ovum)
Nourish and protect them
Help in fertilization
Support the continuation of the species

In humans:

Male reproductive system → Produces sperms
Female reproductive system → Produces ova (eggs)

This chapter deals with male reproductive system in detail.

3. Male Reproductive System (Structure + Function)

The male reproductive system consists of:

Testes
Scrotum
Epididymis
Vas deferens (Sperm duct)
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)
Urethra
Penile structure (external organ) → explained medically & non-explicitly

3.1 Testes (Primary Male Reproductive Organ)

Structure

A pair of oval-shaped organs
Present inside the scrotum
Each testis contains many seminiferous tubules where sperms are produced

Functions

Production of sperms (spermatogenesis)
Production of male hormone TESTOSTERONE

Hormone Released

Testosterone
- Develops male secondary sexual characters
  (facial hair, deep voice, body growth)
- Regulates sperm production

3.2 Scrotum

Structure

A pouch of skin located outside the body cavity
Holds the testes

Function

Maintains a temperature 2–3°C lower than body temperature
→ essential for healthy sperm formation

3.3 Epididymis

Structure

A long coiled tube attached to each testis

Functions

Stores sperms temporarily
Allows sperms to mature and develop motility

3.4 Vas Deferens (Sperm Duct)

Structure

A muscular tube connecting the epididymis to the urethra

Function

Transports mature sperms during ejaculation
(a biological process of releasing semen)

3.5 Accessory Glands of Male Reproductive System

These glands produce seminal fluid which nourishes and protects sperm.

A) Seminal Vesicles

Produce seminal fluid rich in fructose
Function:
- Gives energy to sperms
- Makes sperm transport easier

B) Prostate Gland

Produces a milky, alkaline fluid
Functions:
- Protects sperms in the acidic environment of the female tract
- Helps in sperm motility

C) Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands

Produce a clear alkaline secretion
Function:
- Lubricates and neutralizes the urethra before sperm release

3.6 Urethra

Structure

A tube running through the penis

Functions

Carries urine (excretory function)
Carries semen (reproductive function)
→ but not simultaneously

3.7 Penis (External Organ – medically described)

Structure

Cylindrical organ containing blood vessels and urethra

Functions

Transfers semen into the female reproductive tract
Excretes urine

Note: Explanations are purely anatomical and educational as per Class 10 NCERT guidelines.

4. Male Reproductive System Hormones (Summary Table)

Hormone	Secreted By	Function
Testosterone	Testes	Secondary sexual characters, sperm production
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)	Pituitary gland	Stimulates sperm formation
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)	Pituitary gland	Stimulates testes to release testosterone

5. Disorders of Male Reproductive System

1. Low Sperm Count

Causes: Stress, smoking, alcohol, hormones, infections
Effect: Reduced fertility

2. STDs/STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections)

AIDS, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Genital warts, Chlamydia

3. Prostate Problems

Prostate enlargement (common in older men)
Prostate cancer (medical attention required)

4. Hormonal Imbalance

Low testosterone levels
Leads to mood changes, reduced fertility

5. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Burning, pain, fever
Caused by bacterial infection

6. Reproductive Health (For Adolescents)

What is Reproductive Health?

It refers to:

Physical well-being
Emotional well-being
Social well-being

related to sexual and reproductive processes.

Key Components of Reproductive Health

Hygiene
Nutrition
Awareness about puberty
Emotional stability
Prevention of STDs
Respect and safety in relationships

7. Adolescent Awareness & Safety

1. Puberty Changes

Growth of body
Changes in voice
Emotional changes
Hormonal changes
Development of reproductive organs

2. Myths vs Facts

Night emissions (wet dreams) are normal
Body hair growth is natural
Mood swings occur due to hormones

3. Personal Hygiene

Daily bathing
Clean undergarments
Safe toilet habits
Avoid sharing razors/towels

4. Mental & Emotional Health

Talk to trusted adults
Avoid peer pressure
Develop healthy habits

8. Prevention of Reproductive Diseases (STDs, AIDS, etc.)

How STDs Spread

Unsafe sexual activities
Sharing needles
Infected blood transfusion
From infected mother to child (AIDS)

Prevention Methods

Use of condoms (barrier method)
Hygienic practices
Avoiding multiple partners
Regular health check-ups
Proper sterilization of needles
Awareness & education

Vaccines

HPV vaccine helps prevent genital warts & some cancers

9. Contraceptive Methods

Contraceptives prevent:

Unwanted pregnancy
Spread of infections (some methods)

Contraceptive Methods

Barrier Methods
- Condoms
- Prevent STDs + pregnancy
Chemical Methods
- Spermicides (kill sperms)
Surgical Methods
- Vasectomy (for males)
  - Cutting & tying vas deferens
  - Permanent method
  - Safe, simple surgery
Natural Methods
- Avoiding sexual activity during fertile period
- Less reliable

10. Additional Important Topics

1. Semen

Mixture of sperm + fluids from glands
Provides nutrition & protection

2. Sperm Structure

Head → contains genetic material
Middle piece → mitochondria (energy)
Tail → movement

3. Fertilization

Fusion of sperm with ovum
Takes place inside the female body

Below is a short, clear, informative Class 9–10 level note on Gametes in English.

4. Gametes – Short Informative Notes

1. What is a Gamete?

A gamete is a special haploid reproductive cell (n) produced during sexual reproduction.
Gametes fuse during fertilization to form a zygote, which develops into a new organism.

Gametes have half the number of chromosomes compared to normal body cells.
They are formed by meiosis.

2. Types of Gametes

There are two main types:

(1) Male Gamete – Sperm

Produced in males
Small, motile (able to move)
Formed in testes

(2) Female Gamete – Ovum (Egg)

Produced in females
Large, non-motile
Formed in ovaries

In higher organisms:
This type of gamete formation (two different gametes) is called heterogamy.

3. Structure of Gametes

A) Structure of Sperm (Male Gamete)

Head → Contains nucleus with genetic material
Middle Piece → Contains mitochondria (energy for movement)
Tail (Flagellum) → Helps in movement toward the egg

B) Structure of Ovum (Female Gamete)

Large spherical cell
Nucleus with chromosomes
Cytoplasm (yolk) providing nourishment
Protective layers around the egg

4. Functions of Gametes

Carry genetic information from parents
Fuse during fertilization to form a zygote
Ensure genetic variation through meiosis
Transfer hereditary traits to the next generation

11. Conclusion

The male reproductive system is a complex, well-coordinated system responsible for producing, storing, and transporting sperms, and releasing hormones.
Understanding reproductive health helps adolescents stay:

Safe
Informed
Hygienic
Emotionally balanced

Education and awareness are essential for preventing diseases and promoting a healthy society.

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