Common Word Roots for Male Reproductive System

andr/o is a combining form that refers to "male". A male organism carries the gamete (sex cell) known as sperm, which, when combined with a larger female gamete, or ovum, results in fertilization.

balan/o is a combining form that refers to "glans penis". The glans penis is located at the tip of the penis, which is also known as the head or tip of the penis. The urethra's opening can be found here. In this area, pre-ejaculated material (precum) and semen (cum) are released, and urination drains out.

epididym/o is a combining form that refers to "epididymis". The epididymis is a coiled tube that contains and transports sperm from the testes. A tube-shaped organ connecting the testis to the vas deferens.

gonad/o is a combining form that refers to "gonad". The gonad is the main reproductive gland that produces reproductive cells (gametes). Male gonads are called testes, whereas female gonads are called ovaries.

osche/o or scrot/o is a combining form that refers to "scrotum". The scrotum is the skin pouch that encloses and serves to keep protected the testicles.

pen/o, pen/i or phall/o is a combining form that refers to "penis". Penis is a cylinder-shaped male copulatory organ that is located above the scrotum. Its function is to transfer sperm to the vagina. Blood vessels and sponge-like tissues make up this organ.

preputi/o or posth/o is a combining form that refers to "prepuce (foreskin)". Prepuce (also known as foreskin) is a flexible skin covering that extends over the head of the penis. By circumcision, the foreskin can be removed early in life or at birth.

prostat/o is a combining form that refers to "prostate gland". Located just beneath the bladder, the prostate is located in the anterior region of the rectum. Approximately the width of a walnut, it encloses the urethra (the tube through which urine is expelled from the bladder). Semen is composed in part of a fluid produced by the prostate.

semin/i is a combining form that refers to "semen". Seminal fluid, also known as semen, is an internal bodily fluid that contains spermatozoa. The gonads (sexual glands) are responsible for producing it.

sperm/o or spermat/o is a combining form that refers to "spermatozoon (sperm)". A spermatozoon (sperm) is a reproductive cell of a male contained in semen, which fertilizes an ovum in order to create a zygote.

test/o, testicular/o, orch/o, orchi/o or orchid/o is a combining form that refers to "testis (testicle)". An egg-shaped gland within the scrotum, the testis (testicle) is responsible for making sperm and male hormones.

urethr/o is a combining form that refers to "urethra". Male urethras are narrow tube-like structures that carry urine and semen out of the bladder and ejaculatory ducts, respectively.

vas/o is a combining form that refers to "vas deferens (also refers to vessel)". A muscular tube extends from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity and is known as the vas deferens. The vas deferens carries fully matured sperm to the urethra before ejaculation.

vesicul/o is a combining form that refers to "seminal vesicle". In between the bladder fundus and the rectum, the seminal glands are a pair of long tubular glands. The seminal glands (also called vesicular or seminal vesicles) help to create many of the components of semen. They produce around 70% of the total semen volume.