Video Transcript
The testes hang outside the body in
a sac called the scrotum. Why is this important? (A) It ensures the testes do not
press against the bladder and cause unwanted urination. (B) It provides the testes with a
flow of blood that is separate from the rest of the body. (C) It minimizes the risk of injury
to the testes. (D) It keeps the testes at a lower
temperature than the rest of the body, which is best for sperm production.
This question is asking us about
the testes and scrotum, both of which are part of the male reproductive system. One of the roles of this system is
to deliver semen, which contains sperm, to the female reproductive system using the
penis. A sperm cell can then combine with
an egg cell that’s produced by the female reproductive system to make a fertilized
egg. This fertilized egg can then go on
to make a baby, which can develop in the female reproductive system.
Sperm cells are produced in the
testes, or testis as singular. These are sometimes called the
testicles. Once sperm is produced, it can
travel along the vas deferens as shown here. Then sperm can mix with different
fluids produced by special glands, including the prostate gland. This forms semen. Semen can then be ejaculated
through the penis during sexual intercourse. The sperm in semen can then combine
with an egg cell in the female reproductive system.
When sperm is produced by the
testes, the testes are kept outside the body in a sac called the scrotum. This is because sperm are very
sensitive to high temperatures. And by keeping the testes outside
the body, the sperm are protected from heat. Therefore, the option that best
explains why the testes hang outside the body in a sac called the scrotum is given
by answer choice (D). It keeps the testes at a lower
temperature than the rest of the body, which is best for sperm production.
