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Sexual and Reproductive Anatomy
When describing sexual anatomy to clients, be sure to use language that they understand. Clients may not use medical terminology when discussing their genital structures; they might use slang, or might even be too embarrassed to mention the names. To communicate effectively with clients, learn their terminology as you share the technical names for body parts. Male sexual and reproductive organsExternal male genitals The penis is a cylindrical
structure with the capacity to be flaccid or erect. The penis provides
passage for both urine and semen. It can be a source of pleasure in response
to sexual stimulation and is the organ that penetrates the mouth, vagina,
or anus during penetrative sex. The head of the penis, the glans
(glans penis), is the part of the penis that is
most sensitive and has the most nerve endings. The glans is covered by
the foreskin, or prepuce, in men who are not circumcised.
The scrotum is a pouch of skin hanging directly under the penis that contains the testes. The scrotum protects the testes and maintains the temperature necessary for the production of sperm. Internal
male genitals The epididymides are the two highly coiled tubes against the back side of the testes where sperm mature and are stored until they are released during ejaculation. The vasa deferentia are the paired tubes that carry the mature sperm from the epididymides to the urethra. The seminal vesicles are a pair of glandular sacs that secrete about 60% of the fluid that makes up the semen in which sperm are transported. Seminal fluid provides nourishment for sperm. The prostate gland is a walnut-sized, glandular structure that secretes about 30% of the fluid that makes up semen. The alkaline quality of the fluid neutralizes the acidic environment of the male and female reproductive tracts. A muscle at the bottom of the prostate gland keeps the sperm out of the urethra until ejaculation begins. The prostate gland is very sensitive to stimulation and can be a source of sexual pleasure for some men. The Cowper’s glands are two pea-sized glands at the base of the penis under the prostate gland that secrete a clear alkaline fluid into the urethra during sexual arousal and before orgasm and ejaculation. These glands produce mucus-like, pre-ejaculatory fluid in the urethra that acts as a lubricant for the sperm and coats the urethra as semen flows out of the penis.
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An understanding of sexual
and reproductive anatomy and physiology helps providers educate clients
about their bodies and helps both clients and providers better discuss
sexual and reproductive health issues. 
The external male genitals
consist of the penis and the scrotum.
The testes, the paired, oval-shaped organs that produce sperm and
male sex hormones, are located in the scrotum. They are highly innervated
and sensitive to touch and pressure. The testes produce testosterone,
which is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics
and sex drive (libido). 