Reproductive Anatomy
Male Anatomy
The male reproductive tract consists of the scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands and penis. In addition to surrounding and protecting the testes, the scrotum also aids in temperature regulation of the testes due to the presence of numerous sweat glands. Sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone are produced in the testes, and sperm are produced continuously throughout the reproductive life of the the male. Sperm are then transported, matured, concentrated and stored in the epididymis until ejaculation. The vas deferens leads from the epididymis of each testicle and merges with the urethra near the bladder. At ejaculation, the vas deferens transports the sperm outside the body via the urethra.The accessory glands add fluids and ions that help to make up the ejaculate. There is considerable variation in ejaculate volume and sperm concentration, both of which are dependent on season, age and sexual activity. A normal range for volume and concentration is 0.5 to 1.5 milliliters and 1.5 - 5.0 billion sperm mL. Finally, the penis functions as the organ of copulation.
For additional reading on the impact of hormones on buck reproduction please visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/19731/reproductive-biology-goat-reproduct...
In addition, please click the following link for information on female/doe anatomy: http://www.extension.org/pages/19268/anatomy-female-anatomy
Keywords: male anatomy, testes, sperm, testosterone
References: http://www.luresext.edu/goats/training/reproduction.html; Senger P.L. Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition
