The Testes
Spermatic Cord: This contains the bundle of nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and the vas deferens. This cord connects the testicles (testes) to the rest of the body. The spermatic cord also contains the cremasteric muscle (not shown) which contracts to pull the testicles closer to the body during cold temperatures and sexual arousal.
Blood Vessels and Nerves: The testes have a high density of nerves on the scrotal skin surrounding them, making them very sensitive.
Vas Deferens: A long, slender tube that carries sperm up from the epididymis into the abdominal region of the male human body, looping around the side of the bladder and terminating near the seminal vesicle. There are two of these tubes, one on each side and they are the tubes that get cut during a vasectomy.
Epididymis: After being produced in the testicles, sperm are moved to the epididymis, which is located above the testicle. Sperm stay here several weeks, maturing and taking in nutrients.
Seminiferous Tubules: Sperm are produced in the lumen, or internal hole, of the seminiferous tubules in a process called spermatogenesis. Special tissue that fills the spaces between the seminiferous tubules, called Leydig cells, produce testosterone.
Testicles: Most men have two testicles also called testes. Each testicle contains highly coiled tubes called the seminiferous tubules. Sperm are produced and begin their maturation in the seminiferous tubules. The testicles also produces testosterone.
Updated 10/11/2007