MEN’S EXTERNAL SEX STRUCTURES AND ORGANS: SCROTUM
The other external sex organ is called the scrotum—the sac that hangs directly under the penis. The scrotum contains some internal reproductive organs. In the scrotum are two ball-shaped glands. These are called testes, and they produce sperm. Part of the function of the scrotum is to protect the testes. Another word for the testes is testicles.
The scrotum changes in appearance. Sometimes the scrotum is loose so that the testes hang far from the body. At other times the scrotum is small, and the testes are tight against the body.
Changes in the shape of the scrotum are necessary for the production of sperm. The testes produce sperm only if they are at temperatures a few degrees below the temperature of the body. The scrotum holds the testes away from the body to maintain this cooler temperature. On hot days, the scrotum becomes larger, and the testes hang far from the hot body. On cold days, or after a cold shower or swim, the scrotum draws the testes closer to the body to share its heat.
A muscle named the cremaster muscle is attached to the scrotum.
It is responsible for adjusting the distance that the testes hang from the body. The cremaster muscle also tightens or relaxes the scrotum when the inside of a man’s thigh is touched. The cremaster muscle operates involuntarily. Men and boys have no control over it. The muscle’s response to temperature and touch is called the cremaster reflex.
Some men notice that their testicles are lopsided. It is normal for one side of the scrotal sac to hang lower than the other side. It is also normal for both sides to hang at the same level.
Self-examination of the external sex organs and structures once a month is an important part of good health care. Men should ask for medical advice if they notice any sores, swellings, or bumps on the penis or scrotum.
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