The Male Urethra Serves Both Urinary And Reproductive Functions
The male urethra is a duct that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. It also allows semen out during ejaculation. This article explains what the urethra is and how it works.
Male anatomy includes three organs called the penis, scrotum, and testes. The penis is a cylindrical organ made up of spongy tissue and blood vessels. Its main function is to pass semen during ejaculation. The scrotum is a pouch that holds the testes. Testes are oval-shaped reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone. The prostate gland is located between the rectum and the bladder. It produces fluid that makes semen thick and alkaline.
Urination begins when muscles in the bladder contract, pushing urine into the urethra. The penis relaxes, allowing urine to flow through the urethra. During sexual activity, pressure builds in the bladder, which signals the brain to relax the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles surround the bladder and urethra. When these muscles relax, urine flows from the bladder through the urethra and out of the penis.
Sexual arousal occurs when nerves send messages to the brain. This causes an increase in heart rate, breathing, and blood flow. Muscle contractions cause the penis to become hard. Semen production increases as well. A man may feel pleasure from touching or stimulating his genitals. He may also feel pleasure from seeing, smelling, or thinking about attractive people.
Ejaculation happens when muscles in the penis contract. This forces semen through the urethra and out of the end of the penis. Sperm swim toward the egg and fertilize it if there is one nearby. Once inside a woman's body, sperm compete with other sperm for the opportunity to fertilize the egg. If successful, the egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus and grows into a baby.
The male urethra serves both urinary and reproductive functions. Urination involves a complex system of muscle contraction and relaxation. Sexual arousal leads to increased blood flow and muscle tension, leading to ejaculation. The process of conception begins with fertilization and ends with implantation.