Class 10th Science Chapter 7 – How Do Organisms Reproduce? | Male Reproductive System

How Do Organisms Reproduce?

Male Reproductive System | Class 10 Science | CBSE + Foundation + Competitive Level

Male Reproductive System

1. Introduction to Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a group of organs responsible for the production, maturation, nourishment and transport of sperm and for the secretion of male reproductive hormones.

नर जनन तंत्र (Male Reproductive System) पुरुषों में शुक्राणुओं के निर्माण, परिपक्वता, परिवहन तथा पुरुष लैंगिक हार्मोन के स्राव के लिए उत्तरदायी अंगों का समूह है।

Testes → Sperm Formation → Epididymis → Vas Deferens → Urethra → Penis

2. Main Parts of Male Reproductive System

Part	Major Function	हिंदी
Testes	Produce sperm and testosterone.	शुक्राणु तथा टेस्टोस्टेरोन का निर्माण।
Scrotum	Contains testes and helps maintain a suitable lower temperature for sperm formation.	वृषणों को धारण करता है तथा उपयुक्त कम तापमान बनाए रखने में सहायता करता है।
Epididymis	Site of sperm maturation and storage.	शुक्राणुओं के परिपक्व होने और संग्रह का स्थान।
Vas deferens	Transports sperm from epididymis towards the urethra.	शुक्राणुओं का परिवहन करता है।
Seminal vesicles	Add nutrient-rich fluid to semen.	वीर्य में पोषक द्रव मिलाती हैं।
Prostate gland	Adds fluid that contributes to semen and supports sperm function.	वीर्य में द्रव मिलाती है जो शुक्राणुओं के कार्य में सहायता करता है।
Urethra	Passage through which semen is expelled; it also carries urine at different times.	वीर्य के बाहर निकलने का मार्ग; अलग समय पर मूत्र भी इसी मार्ग से निकलता है।
Penis	Transfers semen into the female reproductive tract.	वीर्य को मादा जनन मार्ग में पहुँचाता है।

🧬 Animated Male Reproductive System

Exam Focus: Testes are located in the scrotum outside the abdominal cavity because sperm formation requires a temperature slightly lower than the normal body temperature.

3. Testes – The Primary Male Reproductive Organs

The testes are the primary male reproductive organs. A pair of testes is present in the scrotum.

Two Major Functions

1. Production of sperm.
2. Secretion of testosterone.

Sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules present inside the testes.

The hormone testosterone plays an important role in male reproductive development, secondary sexual characteristics and support of sperm production.

4. Scrotum

The scrotum is a pouch of skin and muscle located outside the main abdominal cavity. It contains the testes.

Its important function is to help maintain the testes at a temperature slightly lower than the normal body temperature, which is favourable for sperm formation.

CBSE Point: Do not write that the scrotum produces sperm. The testes produce sperm; the scrotum provides suitable temperature conditions.

5. Seminiferous Tubules

The testes contain numerous coiled structures called seminiferous tubules.

These tubules are the main sites of spermatogenesis, the process of sperm formation.

Specialised supporting cells help developing sperm, while interstitial (Leydig) cells produce testosterone.

6. Formation of Sperm – Spermatogenesis

The formation of sperm is called spermatogenesis. It occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Germ Cells → Cell Division → Developing Sperm Cells → Mature Sperm

Sperm are specialised male gametes. Each mature sperm is haploid and normally contains 23 chromosomes.

7. Structure of Sperm

A sperm is a microscopic cell adapted for movement and fertilisation. Its major parts are:

Part	Function
Head	Contains nucleus with genetic material.
Acrosome	Contains enzymes involved in penetration of the egg coverings.
Middle piece	Contains numerous mitochondria that supply energy.
Tail	Helps sperm move towards the ovum.

Animated Sperm Structure

8. Epididymis

The epididymis is a long, highly coiled tube attached to each testis.

It provides a site where sperm undergo maturation and are stored before they are transported through the vas deferens.

9. Vas Deferens

The vas deferens is a muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis towards the reproductive ducts and urethra.

During ejaculation, muscular contractions help move sperm through the reproductive tract.

10. Accessory Glands and Semen

The male reproductive system contains accessory glands such as the seminal vesicles and prostate gland. Their secretions mix with sperm to form semen.

Gland	Contribution
Seminal vesicles	Secrete nutrient-containing fluid that forms a major part of semen.
Prostate gland	Adds fluid containing substances that support sperm function.

Sperm + Secretions of Accessory Glands → Semen

11. Urethra

The urethra is a tube through which semen is expelled during ejaculation.

It also carries urine from the urinary bladder, but urine and semen normally do not pass through the urethra at the same time.

12. Penis

The penis is the male copulatory organ. During sexual intercourse, it helps transfer semen into the female reproductive tract.

13. Testosterone

Testosterone is the major male sex hormone. It is produced mainly by Leydig cells in the testes.

Important Functions

• Supports development of male reproductive organs.
• Supports sperm production.
• Contributes to development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
• Influences muscle and bone development during puberty.

14. Changes in Boys During Puberty

• Testes and reproductive organs mature.
• Sperm production begins.
• Voice generally becomes deeper.
• Facial, underarm and pubic hair develop.
• Muscle development increases.
• Sexual maturity develops.

These changes are largely regulated by hormonal changes during puberty.

15. Pathway of Sperm

Seminiferous Tubules → Epididymis → Vas Deferens → Reproductive Duct → Urethra → Outside

16. Important Differences

Term	Meaning
Spermatogenesis	Formation of sperm.
Sperm	Male gamete.
Semen	Mixture of sperm and secretions from accessory glands.
Testosterone	Major male sex hormone.
Ejaculation	Expulsion of semen through the urethra.

17. 30 MCQs – CBSE + Foundation + Competitive

Q1. The primary male reproductive organs are:

A) Kidneys

B) Testes

C) Prostate glands

D) Ureters

Answer: B) Testes

Testes produce sperm and testosterone.

Q2. Sperm are formed mainly in:

A) Seminiferous tubules

B) Urethra

C) Prostate gland

D) Epididymis

Answer: A) Seminiferous tubules

Q3. The main male sex hormone is:

A) Estrogen

B) Progesterone

C) Testosterone

D) Insulin

Answer: C) Testosterone

Q4. The scrotum helps in:

A) Producing urine

B) Maintaining suitable temperature for sperm formation

C) Producing ova

D) Producing semen directly

Answer: B)

Q5. Sperm maturation mainly occurs in:

A) Epididymis

B) Urethra

C) Bladder

D) Prostate

Answer: A) Epididymis

Q6. Which tube transports sperm from the epididymis?

A) Ureter

B) Vas deferens

C) Fallopian tube

D) Oviduct

Answer: B)

Q7. Which organ produces testosterone?

A) Testes

B) Urethra

C) Epididymis

D) Seminal vesicle

Answer: A)

Q8. Semen consists of:

A) Only sperm

B) Only glandular fluid

C) Sperm mixed with secretions of accessory glands

D) Urine and sperm

Answer: C)

Q9. Which gland contributes significantly to semen?

A) Thyroid

B) Prostate

C) Adrenal

D) Pituitary

Answer: B)

Q10. The tail of sperm helps in:

A) Nutrition

B) Movement

C) Cell division

D) Hormone secretion

Answer: B)

Q11. The head of sperm contains:

A) Nucleus

B) Large vacuole

C) Chloroplast

D) Cell wall

Answer: A)

Q12. The middle piece of sperm contains many:

A) Ribosomes only

B) Mitochondria

C) Chloroplasts

D) Vacuoles

Answer: B)

Q13. The process of sperm formation is called:

A) Ovulation

B) Fertilisation

C) Spermatogenesis

D) Implantation

Answer: C)

Q14. Which structure stores and allows maturation of sperm?

A) Epididymis

B) Scrotum

C) Bladder

D) Penis

Answer: A)

Q15. Which structure helps transport semen out of the body?

A) Urethra

B) Ureter

C) Kidney

D) Epididymis

Answer: A)

Q16. A mature human sperm normally contains:

A) 46 chromosomes

B) 23 chromosomes

C) 92 chromosomes

D) 44 pairs

Answer: B)

Q17. Testosterone is secreted mainly by:

A) Leydig cells

B) Red blood cells

C) Neurons

D) Platelets

Answer: A)

Q18. Which is NOT a function of testes?

A) Sperm production

B) Testosterone secretion

C) Ovum production

D) Male reproductive function

Answer: C)

Q19. Which structure is located outside the abdominal cavity?

A) Testes

B) Prostate

C) Seminal vesicles

D) Urinary bladder

Answer: A)

Q20. The fluid added by accessory glands helps:

A) Support sperm

B) Destroy all sperm

C) Form ova

D) Produce urine

Answer: A)

Q21. Which organ is the male copulatory organ?

A) Testis

B) Penis

C) Epididymis

D) Prostate

Answer: B)

Q22. Which sequence is correct?

A) Testis → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Urethra

B) Epididymis → Testis → Urethra → Vas deferens

C) Urethra → Testis → Epididymis

D) Testis → Urethra → Epididymis

Answer: A)

Q23. Which hormone contributes to deepening of voice during male puberty?

A) Testosterone

B) Insulin

C) Thyroxine

D) Glucagon

Answer: A)

Q24. Which statement is correct?

A) Sperm and semen are identical terms

B) Semen contains sperm and glandular secretions

C) Sperm are produced in prostate

D) Testosterone is produced by urethra

Answer: B)

Q25. Why are testes present in the scrotum?

A) For urine storage

B) To maintain suitable temperature for sperm formation

C) To produce bile

D) To digest proteins

Answer: B)

Q26. Which cell type in the testes produces testosterone?

A) Leydig cells

B) Platelets

C) Neurons

D) Osteocytes

Answer: A)

Q27. The acrosome is present in the:

A) Tail

B) Head of sperm

C) Middle piece only

D) Scrotum

Answer: B)

Q28. Which organ contributes nutrients to semen?

A) Seminal vesicles

B) Kidney

C) Bladder

D) Thyroid

Answer: A)

Q29. The correct term for release of semen from the male reproductive tract is:

A) Ovulation

B) Menstruation

C) Ejaculation

D) Implantation

Answer: C)

Q30. Which combination is correctly matched?

A) Testes – sperm and testosterone

B) Epididymis – ovum production

C) Prostate – sperm formation

D) Scrotum – testosterone secretion

Answer: A)

18. 30 Subjective Questions with Answers

2 Marks Q1. What is the male reproductive system?

The male reproductive system is a group of organs responsible for producing sperm, secreting male reproductive hormones and transporting sperm.

2 Marks Q2. Name the primary male reproductive organs.

The primary male reproductive organs are the two testes.

2 Marks Q3. Write two functions of testes.

1. Production of sperm.
2. Secretion of testosterone.

2 Marks Q4. What is the function of scrotum?

The scrotum holds the testes and helps maintain a temperature suitable for sperm formation.

2 Marks Q5. What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the major male sex hormone, produced mainly by the testes. It supports male reproductive development and sperm production.

3 Marks Q6. What are seminiferous tubules?

Seminiferous tubules are numerous coiled structures present inside the testes. They are the main sites of sperm formation.

3 Marks Q7. What is the function of epididymis?

The epididymis is a coiled tube attached to each testis. It provides a site for sperm maturation and storage before transport.

3 Marks Q8. What is the function of vas deferens?

The vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis towards the urethra and reproductive ducts.

3 Marks Q9. What is semen?

Semen is a mixture of sperm and secretions from male accessory glands, including the seminal vesicles and prostate gland.

3 Marks Q10. Why are testes present outside the abdominal cavity?

Sperm formation requires a temperature slightly lower than the normal body temperature. The scrotum helps maintain this suitable temperature.

4 Marks Q11. Describe the structure and function of sperm.

A sperm has a head, middle piece and tail. The head contains the nucleus and acrosome. The middle piece contains many mitochondria that supply energy. The tail helps the sperm move.

4 Marks Q12. Explain the functions of testes.

The testes:

• Produce sperm.
• Secrete testosterone.
• Support male reproductive development.
• Support development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

4 Marks Q13. Differentiate between sperm and semen.

Sperm	Semen
Male reproductive gamete.	Fluid containing sperm and glandular secretions.
Microscopic reproductive cell.	Mixture produced during ejaculation.
Contains genetic material.	Provides a medium for transporting sperm.

4 Marks Q14. Explain the role of accessory glands.

Seminal vesicles and prostate gland add fluids to sperm. These secretions form semen and provide substances that support sperm transport and function.

4 Marks Q15. Write four functions of testosterone.

• Supports male reproductive organ development.
• Supports sperm production.
• Contributes to male secondary sexual characteristics.
• Influences muscle and bone development during puberty.

5 Marks Q16. Describe the male reproductive system.

The male reproductive system consists of testes, scrotum, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra and penis. Testes produce sperm and testosterone. Epididymis allows sperm maturation and storage. Vas deferens transports sperm. Accessory glands add fluids to form semen. Urethra and penis help in the transfer of semen.

5 Marks Q17. Explain sperm formation.

Sperm formation, called spermatogenesis, occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Germ cells undergo specialised cell divisions and differentiation to produce mature haploid sperm. Mature sperm are then transported to the epididymis for further maturation and storage.

5 Marks Q18. Explain the role of scrotum in reproduction.

The scrotum is a pouch outside the abdominal cavity that contains the testes. It helps keep the testes at a temperature slightly lower than body temperature. This temperature difference is important for normal sperm formation.

5 Marks Q19. Explain the pathway of sperm.

Sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules, move to the epididymis for maturation and storage, then pass through the vas deferens. They mix with secretions of accessory glands and are finally transported through the urethra during ejaculation.

5 Marks Q20. Explain the functions of accessory glands in males.

Seminal vesicles and prostate gland secrete fluids that mix with sperm. These fluids form semen and provide nutrients and a suitable medium that supports sperm transport and function.

6 Marks Q21. Explain the complete structure and functions of the male reproductive system.

The male reproductive system consists of:

1. Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
2. Scrotum: Maintains suitable temperature for sperm formation.
3. Epididymis: Sperm maturation and storage.
4. Vas deferens: Transports sperm.
5. Seminal vesicles: Add nutrient-containing fluid.
6. Prostate gland: Adds reproductive fluid supporting sperm function.
7. Urethra: Passage for semen during ejaculation.
8. Penis: Transfers semen into the female reproductive tract.

6 Marks Q22. Describe the structure of a sperm with functions of its parts.

Part	Function
Head	Contains nucleus carrying genetic material.
Acrosome	Contains enzymes involved in penetrating egg coverings.
Middle piece	Contains mitochondria that provide energy.
Tail	Provides movement.

6 Marks Q23. Explain the role of testosterone in male reproduction.

Testosterone is produced mainly by Leydig cells of the testes. It supports development of male reproductive organs, sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics such as deepening of voice and development of facial and body hair during puberty.

6 Marks Q24. Explain spermatogenesis.

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm formation. It occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Germ cells undergo cell division and differentiation to produce mature haploid sperm. The sperm then move into the epididymis where they mature further and are stored.

6 Marks Q25. Explain why the testes are located in the scrotum.

Normal sperm formation requires a temperature slightly lower than the normal internal body temperature. The scrotum keeps the testes outside the abdominal cavity and helps regulate their temperature. Therefore, the location of testes in the scrotum provides suitable conditions for spermatogenesis.

6 Marks Q26. Differentiate between testes and accessory glands.

Testes	Accessory Glands
Primary male reproductive organs.	Supporting reproductive structures.
Produce sperm.	Do not produce sperm.
Secrete testosterone.	Secrete fluids added to sperm.
Seminiferous tubules are present.	Include seminal vesicles and prostate gland.

6 Marks Q27. Explain the complete pathway of sperm from its formation to ejaculation.

Sperm are formed in seminiferous tubules of the testes. They pass into the epididymis where they mature and are stored. They are then transported through the vas deferens. Secretions of accessory glands mix with sperm to form semen. Semen enters the urethra and is expelled during ejaculation.

6 Marks Q28. Explain the changes occurring in boys during puberty.

During puberty, testes and other reproductive organs mature and sperm production begins. Testosterone contributes to deepening of voice, development of facial, pubic and underarm hair, increased muscle mass and other male secondary sexual characteristics.

6 Marks Q29. Explain the difference between sperm formation and semen formation.

Sperm formation: It is called spermatogenesis and occurs in seminiferous tubules of testes.

Semen formation: Mature sperm mix with secretions from accessory glands such as seminal vesicles and prostate gland to form semen.

6 Marks Q30. Draw a labelled diagram of the male reproductive system and explain the function of each major part.

Important labels:

Testis, Scrotum, Epididymis, Vas deferens, Seminal vesicle, Prostate gland, Urethra and Penis.

The testes produce sperm and testosterone; the epididymis allows sperm maturation and storage; vas deferens transports sperm; accessory glands add fluid; urethra transports semen; and penis transfers semen into the female reproductive tract.

19. HOTS / Competency-Based Questions

HOTS 1: A person's testes are unable to function normally. Which two major functions of the male reproductive system would be directly affected?

Answer: Sperm production and testosterone secretion would be affected.

HOTS 2: Why would blockage of the vas deferens affect fertility even if sperm are being produced normally?

Sperm would not be transported normally from the epididymis into the reproductive tract, so their delivery during ejaculation would be affected.

HOTS 3: Why is the scrotum located outside the abdominal cavity?

It helps maintain a temperature slightly below normal body temperature, which is favourable for sperm formation.

HOTS 4: If the accessory glands stopped secreting their fluids, would sperm still be produced?

Sperm formation in the testes could still occur, but the normal formation of semen and the supportive environment for sperm transport and function would be affected.

HOTS 5: A sperm has a damaged tail. Which function is most directly affected?

Its ability to move efficiently would be affected.

20. Important Diagram Labelling

Male Reproductive System – Important Labels:

Testis Scrotum Epididymis Vas deferens Seminal vesicle Prostate gland Urethra Penis

21. CBSE Golden Points

Testes → Sperm Testes → Testosterone Scrotum → Temperature Epididymis → Maturation Vas Deferens → Transport Glands → Semen Urethra → Exit Penis → Transfer

• Testes are the primary male reproductive organs.
• Testes produce sperm and testosterone.
• Seminiferous tubules are the main sites of sperm formation.
• Scrotum helps maintain a suitable temperature for spermatogenesis.
• Epididymis helps sperm maturation and storage.
• Vas deferens transports sperm.
• Accessory glands add secretions to sperm to form semen.
• Urethra carries semen during ejaculation.
• Penis transfers semen into the female reproductive tract.
• Testosterone is the major male sex hormone.

22. Easy Memory Trick

🔑 Male Reproductive Pathway

T → E → V → U → P

Testis → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Urethra → Penis

🔑 Functions

Testes = Produce | Epididymis = Mature | Vas deferens = Transport | Glands = Add Fluid | Urethra = Exit

23. One-Line Revision

Testes produce sperm and testosterone; sperm mature in the epididymis, travel through the vas deferens, mix with glandular secretions to form semen, and are expelled through the urethra.

24. Final Summary

• The male reproductive system produces and transports sperm.
• Testes are the primary male reproductive organs.
• Testes produce sperm and testosterone.
• Seminiferous tubules are the sites of sperm formation.
• The scrotum maintains suitable temperature for sperm formation.
• Epididymis helps sperm maturation and storage.
• Vas deferens transports sperm.
• Seminal vesicles and prostate gland add secretions to sperm.
• The mixture of sperm and glandular secretions is called semen.
• Urethra transports semen during ejaculation.
• Penis transfers semen into the female reproductive tract.
• Testosterone regulates important aspects of male reproductive development.
• A mature human sperm normally contains 23 chromosomes.