male gorilla reproductive organs
In order to understand the evolution and behavior of our own species, we need to understand what goes on in the wild among our closest cousins, the great apes. [10], The external genitalia of the male is distinct from those of the female by the end of the ninth week. Varicocele can cause swelling and the formation of a painless lump on a testicle. The reason for this action is to prevent in-breeding or mating with their fathers. The developing tubules within the testes secretes a polypeptide Mllerian inhibition factor (MIF). If not treated immediately, testicular torsion can lead to permanent damage and the loss of the testicle. It has been observed that some female gorillas mate with the silverback to win favor from the dominant male or prevent him from mating with other adult female gorillas within the group. He is an attending physician at Yale New Haven Health System, Northeast Medical Group and teaches at the Frank Netter School of Medicine. Corryn Wetzel is a freelance science journalist based in Brooklyn. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when a testicle rotates excessively, twisting the spermatic cord and cutting off the blood supply. They make sperm and hormones like testosterone. The major androgens secreted by these cells is testosterone and secretion begins 8 to 10 weeks after conception. The site of production of androgens is the Leydig cells that are located in the interstitium between seminiferous tubules. It is an unwanted condition that can cause increasing pain and lead to permanent nerve damage and erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly. National Cancer Institute. Paraphimosis is a related condition in which the foreskin is trapped behind the head of the penis, obstructing the flow of blood. Matthew Wosnitzer, MD, is board-certified in urology. Variations between primate taxa are demonstrated most strikingly by the glans penis, scrotum, and perineum of the male and by the clitoris and labial folds of the female vulva. On average, they are 4 to 6 feet tall. Cancers (Basel). doi:10.21037/tau.2016.05.10. Meet Chromodoris reticulata, a type of sea slug, that has to reckon with a scary reality: sex means saying goodbye to their penis. Urol Case Rep.2018;16:57-58. doi:10.1016/j.eucr.2017.09.016, Salonia A, Eardley I, Giuliano F, et al. The length and form of the clitoris, which when elongated mimics the penis (as in spider monkeys, for instance), are a potent source of confusion in determining the sex of certain New World primates. It is important to state that male gorillas sometimes force female gorillas to mate even when they are not in heat or estrus. The scrotum is a pouch-like structure that hangs behind the penis. Testes and epididymides are supplied by the testicular arteries. Gray's Anatomy (41tst ed.). Testosterone secretion reaches a peak at 12 to 14 weeks, and declines to very low levels by the end of the second trimester (about 21 weeks). The scrotum remains connected with the abdomen or pelvic cavity through the inguinal canal. What happens after mating? They are spread across different parts of the world, but you will most likely find them in West, East, and Central African forests. For men, the external reproductive organs include: Penis: This tubular, muscular organ fills with blood during arousal, thus making sexual intercourse possible. With the mature males in the gorilla group, the available option is to leave the group and be a loner stealing females from other groups. Gorillas World is dedicated to providing the most updated and informative facts about gorillas! The penis is supplied by branches of the internal pudendal artery, while venous blood is conveyed by the superficial external pudendal vein. Micropenis describes an adult penis that is smaller than 2.8 inches (7 centimeters) when erect. Urologists are specially trained in diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Reading time: 9 minutes. [4], External distinctions are not observed even by the eighth week of pre-embryonic development. The mission of this article is to present the male reproductive organs from the anatomical and functional aspects, so lets dive in. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2002. Curr Urol Rep. 2013;14(4):309-314. doi:10.1007/s11934-013-0339-4, Manini C, Lopez JI. [10], The descent of the testes to its final location at the anterior abdominal wall, followed by the development of the gubernaculum, which subsequently pulls and translocates the testis down into the developing scrotum. The male reproductive system is made up of external organs (like the penis and scrotum) and internal organs (like the testes, seminal vesicles, and epididymis) that play a role in human reproduction, sexual development, sexual function, and urination. This creatures coat of quills dont spare its genitalia, which features penile spinesa horrifying frequent trait in the animal kingdom (even humans once had them) which may increase fertilization success or trigger ovulation. The source of the ova (the female germ cells) is the female ovary; that of spermatozoa (the male germ cells) is the testis. urogenital system, also called genitourinary system, in vertebrates, the organs concerned with reproduction and urinary excretion. The impaired blood flow can, in turn, lead to low sperm production, decreased sperm quality, lower testosterone, and infertility. An Overview of the Male Reproductive System. Presence of both testes should be always confirmed after the birth by scrotal palpation. The vas deferens, also known as the sperm duct, is a long, thin tube that starts at the epididymis and connects to a passageway known as the ejaculatory duct. Sometimes, overzealous males kill females with their saber-like penis in the process. It is a part of the stages of sexual differentiation. To reduce your risk, it is important to exercise regularly, eat a healthy low-fat diet, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It contains the urethra, which carries both urine and semen. The silverback is the dominant male in the group that consists of infant gorillas, young adults, adult mature gorillas, and females. The popular position for mating among gorillas involves the female gorilla, who is usually smaller in size kneeling on the ground while the male gorilla stays on top of her. Even so, common conditions like erectile dysfunction can sometimes benefit from the expertise of a specialist known as a urologist, particularly if standard treatments fall short. Her book, Phallacy: Life Lessons from the Animal Penis, hit shelves in September. The expulsion of urine through the penis is regulated by voluntary and involuntary sphincter muscles, the latter of which prevents urine from entering the urethra during ejaculation. Their function is concerned with reproduction and sexual pleasure. Even so, there are a few simple things you can do be improve the overall health of your reproductive tract at any age. Birds have them, bees have them, even regular old fleas have them, but in the animal kingdom, no penis is exactly like the next. Good hygiene, the avoidance of sexually transmitted infections, and healthy lifestyle choices (like quitting cigarettes and losing weight) can improve the overall health of the male reproductive system. The structures are masculinized by secretions of the testes: The prostate gland derives from the urogenital sinus, and the other embryonic structures differentiate into the external genitalia. The internal organs include the . The male reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that play a role in sexual function, human reproduction, and urination. Maturation continues as the medial aspect of each mesonephros grows to form the genital ridge. Scrotum: This pouch-like sac. A prehensile penis helps males navigate the complex, labyrinth-like reproductive tracts of female dolphins. As soon as 24 hours later, the slug will be back in action. There isnt a mating season and they can take part in this activity any time of the year. Many of the creatures packing the most surprising phalluses are hermaphrodites, meaning they also have female reproductive organs. These are the spermatogonia in the developing male. | READ MORE. During copulation, echidna penises operate on a part-time schedule: half the penis temporarily shuts down while the other two heads are responsible for fertilization. The male reproductive system is a series of organs located outside of the body and around the pelvic region of a male that contribute towards the reproduction process. In other cases, like with the tiger flatworm, they can play both roles: each flatworm gives and receives sperm from its partner. Read our. They often do this by opting to mate with less subordinate males within the group. This is because 38-40 percent of the infant gorillas die at some point during their first three years of life, during the lactation period. It is important to note that although silverbacks form strong and long lasting social bonds with females in his group, they will start leaving him for another group when he gets too old or is at the end of his reproductive years. 2013;5(4):217-223. doi:10.4274/Jcrpe.1135. En garde! Female gorillas can reach sexual maturity years earlier, even at 7-8 years old, and can have their first ovulatory cycle even during their sixth year of life, but they do not start breeding until they are ten years old or later. Western lowland adult male gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are about 1.7 m (66.9 in.) The bundle consists of arteries, nerves, pampiniform plexus, ductus deferens, lymphatic vessels and tunica vaginalis to the testes and cremaster muscle. Chromodoris reticulata are hermaphrodites and fertilize each other simultaneously during sex. Births usually occur in the early hours of the morning. Ultimately, the passageway closes behind the testis. These organs are located on the outside of the body and within the pelvis. The gene for sexual differentiation in humans, called the testis determining factor (TDF),[19][non-primary source needed] is located on the short arm of the Y chromosome. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urinary urgency (the need to urinate immediately), and nocturia (frequent nighttime urination). Am I normal? All About the Gorilla - Reproduction | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Take a deep dive and learn all about gorillas - from what they like to eat to how they care for their young. The gorilla is the largest of all primates. The role of the silverback is to ensure that infants are accepted by other members of the group. Gorillas are born weighing about 2 kilos, and mostly their moms take care of them. Rediscovering Biology, Unit 11 - Biology of Sex and Gender, Expert interview transcripts, Learn how and when to remove this template message, development of the urinary and reproductive organs, "Differentiation of the urogenital sinus in males", "The external genitalia, indifferent stage", "Differentiated stage of the male genitalia", "A gene from the human sex-determining region encodes a protein with homology to a conserved DNA-binding motif", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Male_reproductive_system&oldid=1141570068, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from August 2021, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 18:39. Grays Anatomy for Students (3rd ed.). The attention given to a fertile/ovulating female by the silverback tends to arouse competition among females in the group. 2021;48(4):208-214. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001355. Once weaned, the infant starts to make its own nest and it is at this time that the mother starts to ovulate again. Kinsey Institute. Female gorillas frequently use sex to gain the favor of the dominant silverback to stop him from mating with other females. They include trauma at birth or an early age, and this accounts for about 56% of the deaths of infant gorillas. When they leave their fathers group, they stay alone or gang up with other bachelor males until they are able to steal females from other groups. American Urological Association. Phimosis is a condition in uncircumcised males in which a tight foreskin cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis, increasing the risk of penile infection (balanitis). The male reproductive system's internal structure consists of organs involved with the production, maintenance, and delivery of sperm (male reproductive cells) and the production and delivery of semen (fluids that transport sperm out of the body). Our labeled diagrams and quizzes on the male reproductive system are the best place to start. In many monkeys, it is bidiscoidal, having two linked portions. The dominant silverback mates with all females in the group as soon as they begin ovulation. Just ask Emily Willingham, a biologist and journalist whos been studying penises for over a decade. Testes, also known as the testicles, are two oval organs housed within the scrotum that are suspended by a cable-like structure called the spermatic cord. There are many reasons responsible for the high mortality rate of infant gorillas. [4], Specialized primordial germ cells are forming and migrating from the yolk sac to the embryonic gonads during week eight and nine. If there are other silverbacks in the group, they will help him deal with intruders and other threats. Childbirth can happen any time of the year, and after childbirth, a female gorilla cannot breed for the next four years or so. Quitting cigarettes is also important as tobacco smoke contributes to erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer as well as reduced sperm count and quality. Generally, western gorilla males tend to mate with every female in the group regardless of whether they are fertile or not. 2, the internal reproductive organs include the vagina, uterus, Fallopian (uterine) tubes, and ovaries. On the day of birth, the female looks uncomfortable, does eat and does a lot of stretching. A 2016 study from Yale University involving 7,071 males with PD reported that the average age of diagnosis was 57.9 years. By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD 8th ed. Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic gyperplasia). A gorilla group contains about 30 individual gorillas with the silverback giving directions on migration and activities. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)help regulate testosterone as well as the production and maturation of sperm cells. Most females leave their fathers group too in order to avoid inbreeding. Click here for a library of gorilla resources. Even if she does, very few of them will survive at birth. The prostate function is to produce fluid secreted into the urethra during ejaculation. Once inside the target cells, testosterone is converted by means of an enzyme called 5-reductase into the dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Your Privacy Rights The silverback is the dominant male in the group that consists of infant gorillas, young adults, adult mature gorillas, and females. The internal male genitalia include the seminal. (The spermatic cord, formed from spermatic artery, vein and nerve bound together with connective tissue passes into the testis through inguinal canal. Copyright There could be no more effective barrier to mating between different species than incompatibility of the male and female sex organs. Sometimes, penises pose logistical challenges. Each of them plays a vital role in spermatogenesis. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Actual mating occurs on the ground with the silverback on top of the smaller female. The testes are responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone. Gorilla Feeding & Diet. This is due to the production of Anti-Mllerian hormone by the Sertoli cells of the testes. Those in rougher waters have shorter, stouter penises, while those in calmer areas have long, slender penises. There are many conditions and disorders that can affect the function of the male reproductive system. Gorilla mating habits depend on several factors but we also need to understand their reproductive cycle. It is found inferior to the urinary bladder, and is penetrated by the urethra. The penis is the male intromittent organ. [citation needed] The testes descend into the scrotal sac between the sixth and 10th week. The major structures of the urinary system in mammals are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. In addition to testing and treating STIs, it is important to avoid STIs by using condoms consistently, reducing your number of sex partners, and getting vaccinated against STIs like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) where appropriate. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 males in the United States will get prostate cancer in a lifetime. While most courtship and mating activities are initiated by the female gorilla, by nature, male gorillas can perceive the moment when a female is in heat (available to mate). He will protect them from any bullying from members of the group and for this reason, the mother will stay close to the dominant silverback for extra protection during the first five months. It has spongy tissue which can fill with blood to cause an erection. A female gorillas gestation period is about 8.5 months. After courtship, gorillas mate on the ground. It takes about 8 months from conception for the gorilla to give birth. Be sure to retract the foreskin gently while bathing and clean and dry the penis thoroughly afterward. The eastern gorillas are made up of two subspecies namely the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas while the western gorillas are made up of the Cross River Gorillas and Western Lowland Gorillas. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator. Gorillas are herbivores and gorilla food consists of mainly plants. Males weigh about 169.5 kilograms and females 71.5 kg approximately. The death or weakness of a silverback is not the only reason why mature female gorillas leave their groups. Enclosing these neurovascular structures are three tissue layers: external spermatic fascia, cremaster muscle and internal spermatic fascia. It usually occurs when there is severe compression of a vein and/or the valves in a vein fail to function. Campbells Urology. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is cut or ligated (closed) to prevent sperm from exiting the testes and epididymis. This is the reason why the mother lives close to the male gorilla for the first five months of the infants life. They share about 98% of the human DNA. A short list of some of natures most curious phalluses, from the echidnas four-headed unit to the dolphins prehensile member. Regions other than the primary sex organs may also be affected by hormones circulating at certain periods of the reproductive cycle. It has a long shaft and an enlarged bulbous-shaped tip called the glans penis, which supports and is protected by the foreskin. Blue whale penises range between eight and ten feet, with a foot-long diameter. the accessory glands, which include the seminal vesicles and prostate gland. In case a male performs the courtship, the purpose is the same: attract a female to mate with her, for that, he gets closer to touch her and emit sounds. 2016;11(2):e0150157. Among most gorilla species, interaction with other groups is very rare though it has been observed in western lowland gorillas. Am I normal? The main male sex organs are the penis and the testicles which produce semen and sperm, which, as part of sexual intercourse, fertilize an ovum in the female's body; the fertilized ovum (zygote) develops into a fetus, which is later born as an infant. Both are influenced by hormones classified as androgens and estrogens, but typically males produce more androgens while females produce more estrogens. 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Urology. Parts of the reproductive tract also enable urination (the passing of liquid waste from the body). Some are influenced by age (due to normal declines in testosterone and other factors), while others can affect males of any age. Mating and breeding occurs throughout the year. Maintaining a healthy male reproductive system involves every aspect of your health. This is why it is very difficult for a female gorilla to birth more than 8 offspring in her lifetime. By the time it reaches 12 months, it would be confident enough to move five meters away from the mother. At eight weeks, a distinct phallus is present during the indifferent stage. These tubules are responsible for producing the sperm through a process called spermatogenesis. Infants weaning starts when they are three years old. In most cases, it is the female who initiates the mating process as soon as she ready. This is especially true for sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) for whom annual testing is recommended for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. They are usually aware of the latest treatments and may be better equipped to identify and treat uncommon conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. The estrous cycle or reproductive cycle, the recurring reproductive cycle is 28/30-33 days, depending on the subspecies. [20][21] The presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines whether the embryo will have testes or ovaries. The male reproductive system has several different functions, including: Themale reproductive system produces and delivers sperm to the female reproductive system, whereas the female reproductive system produces eggs and facilitates fertilization and the development and birth of a baby. Males of the species have a vagina-like pouch containing sperm, while females have a special penis-like organ that penetrates and vacuums up sperm from the male. It results from a wound-healing disorder of the tunica albuginea (outer layer of the penile blood bodies) in some people who are susceptible to this condition. You can read more about the types and subspecies of gorillas. The coloration of the male scrotum in forest-living primates, particularly of the guenon (genus Cercopithecus) and in drills and mandrills (genus Mandrillus), shows an infinite range of variations and provides a species-recognition signal of considerable effectiveness. Western gorillas are smaller than the Eastern gorilla but not by much. Some subspecies of gorillas such as the mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas have been found to mate in this manner. Generally, once a female gorilla matures and is ready to breed, she has two options. What are the functions of the male reproductive system? Testosterone secretion by the interstitial cells of the testes then causes the growth and development of the mesonephric ducts into male secondary sex organs. Mission Africa Safaris is a leading Tour company in East Africa. The scrotum is a cutaneous sac that contains the testes and lower parts of the spermatic cord. Here are eight penises that are as cool and surprising as the creatures that wield them: Sometimes one just isnt enough. The scrotum is a loose, pouch-like sack of skin situated below the penis that houses the testes ("balls"). The moment when a female gorilla is ready to mate is not evident physically like it is in chimpanzees. The epididymis is a long, tightly coiled tube situated at the back of each testicle into which sperm is passed from the seminiferous tubules. Mazaheri M, Tadayon F, Khanbabapour S, Omidi A, Salehi H, Kazemi R. Correlation between ultrasound bladder parameters with severity of symptoms and response to treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia under medical treatment. The placenta is a flat, discoid-shaped cake in humans, some of the other monkeys and apes, and the tarsiers. Mortality rate is high among gorillas and almost half do not make it to adulthood. After sex, they shed their single-use penis into the oceans abyss. The internal parts of male sex anatomy are made up of: Testicles. How does the male reproductive system differ from the female reproductive system? Testes comprise an intricate network of tubules and dispersed secretory cells. The external organs collectively called the vulva include the clitoris and labia. It carries the spermatozoa from the epididymis to ejaculatory duct. This low reproduction rate complicates the recovery of continuously decimated populations. Find it hard to pronounce 'epididymis'? Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs in the part of the prostate which surrounds the urethra. Testicular torsion in the emergency room: a review of detection and management strategies. You can reduce the risk of balanitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) by regularly washing the penis and genitals with soap and warm water. A gorilla diet contains vegetative materials like leaves & stems. It is made of the following parts: Penis the organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. It begins with a single fertilized egg and culminates 38 weeks later with birth of a male child. If you are at risk of STIs or believe you may have been infected, speak with your healthcare provider about getting tested. In all primates except modern humans, tarsiers, and some South American monkeys, the penis contains a small bone called the baculum, a typically mammalian character. If the dominant silverback dies before weaning, the infant will be killed by the male taking over. The observation that geladas spend many hours a day feeding in a sitting posture provides a feasible, Darwinian explanation of this curious physiological adaptation. Adult females are about 1.5 m (59.1 in.) Their function is to produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. Females are in heat for 1 or 2 days a month, but before they start having sex partners they must be separated from their born troop and start searching for a silverback male from another group. Male genitalia only equips an organism to initiate fertilization and does not support the development of a growing fetus. Should the male not respond, she will attract his attention by slapping the ground as she reaches towards him. Levels are the barely detectable 46 months of age postnatal. [12] Gonadotropin secretion is low until the beginning of puberty. American Cancer Society. Sometimes, it takes the assistance of other adult male gorillas to help the silverback overcome the confrontation from the lone gorilla. Register now Impact of estrogens in males and androgens in females. It is an important check to perform as cryptorchidism affects fertility and undescended testes carry greater risk for malignant alterations. Lastly, there is the health and diseases issue. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.