A man is a male human.

The term "manhood" is used to refer variously to the condition of being male, male sexuality, or the actual reproductive organs.

Etymology

main: Man (word) The term man (from Proto-Germanic *mannaz "man, person") and words derived from it can designate any or even all of the human race regardless of their sex or age. This is indeed the oldest usage of "man". The word developed into Old English man, mann "human being, person," (cf. also German Mann, Old Norse maðr, Gothic manna "man"). Few argue that the term man is derived from Manu, the first human according to Hindu beliefs.

Age and terminology

main: Virility The term manhood is used to describe the period in a human male's life after he has trasitioned from boyhood, having passed through puberty, usually having attained male secondary sexual characteristics, and symbolises a male's coming of age. The word man is used to mean any adult male. Many other words can also be used to mean an adult male such as guy, dude, buddy, bloke, fellow, chap and sometimes boy or lad, such as boys' night out. The term manhood is associated with masculinity and virility, which refer to male qualities and male gender roles.

Biology and gender

main: Secondary sexual characteristics

Some examples of male secondary sexual characteristics in humans, those acquired as boys become men or even later in life, are:

• more pubic hair around penis and under arms
• more facial hair
• larger hands and feet than women
• broader shoulders and chest
• larger skull and bone structure
• greater muscle mass
• a more prominent Adam's apple and deeper voice

Reproductive system

The sex organs of a man are part of the reproductive system, consisting of the penis, testicles, vas deferens, and the prostate gland. The male reproductive system's function is to produce semen which carries sperm and thus genetic information that can unite with an egg within a woman. Since sperm that enters a woman's uterus and then fallopian tubes goes on to fertilize an egg which develops into a fetus or child, the male reproductive system plays no necessary role during the gestation. The concept of fatherhood and family exists in human societies. The study of male reproduction and associated organs is called andrology.