Science

• The reproductive system is also called the genital system and is made up of anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction
• There are two types of reproductive systems in humans: male and female
• The male reproductive system produces sperm cells and transfers them to the female, while the female reproductive system produces egg cells and carries the baby throughout its development
• Male reproductive system parts:

  • Vas deferens
  • Urethra
  • Penis
  • Glands
  • Prepuce/foreskin
  • Seminal vesicle
  • Ejaculatory duct
  • Prostate gland
  • Cowper's gland/bulbourethral gland
  • Epididymis
  • Testis/testes
  • Scrotum
• The scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes to maintain optimal sperm production at 35 degrees Celsius
• Functions of male reproductive system parts:

  • Penis: deposits sperm into the vagina during mating
  • Scrotum: acts as a climate control system for the testes
  • Testis/testes: responsible for making testosterone and producing sperm cells
  • Epididymis: carries, stores, and matures sperm
  • Vas deferens: transports mature sperm to the urethra for ejaculation
  • Ejaculatory duct: formed by the fusion of vas deferens and seminal vesicles
  • Seminal vesicle: produces fructose to nourish sperm
  • Prostate gland: gives additional fluid to nourish sperm
• • Cowper's gland/bulbourethral gland: produces fluid for lubrication
  • Urethra: passageway for semen and urine
• Female reproductive system parts:

  • Ovary
  • Fimbriae
  • Fallopian tube/oviduct
  • Endometrium
  • Uterus
  • Cervix
  • Vagina
• Functions of female reproductive system parts:

  • Ovary: site of egg cell production and hormone production
  • Fimbriae: picks up the egg cell from the ovary
  • Fallopian tube/oviduct: passage from ovary to uterus, site of fertilization
  • Endometrium: nourishes the embryo and sheds during menstruation
  • Uterus: site of egg implantation
  • Cervix: muscular opening of the uterus
  • Vagina: entrance of the penis and birth canal
• Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system
• Important hormones in the male and female reproductive systems:

  • Male: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) produced by the pituitary gland
  • FSH signals sperm production, LH stimulates testosterone production
  • Testosterone regulates male sex characteristics, spermatogenesis, and fertility
  • Female: FSH and LH signal egg cell development and hormone production in the ovaries
  • Estrogen and progesterone are important female hormones for sex characteristics and preparing the body for potential pregnancy
• The reproductive system is also called the genital system and is made up of anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction
• There are two types of reproductive systems in humans: male and female
• The male reproductive system produces sperm cells and transfers them to the female
• The female reproductive system produces egg cells and carries the baby throughout its development if the egg cell is fertilized
• Male reproductive system parts:

  • Vas deferens
  • Urethra
  • Penis
  • Glands
  • Prepuce/foreskin
  • Seminal vesicle
  • Ejaculatory duct
  • Prostate gland
  • Cowper's gland/bulbourethral gland
  • Epididymis
  • Testis/testes
  • Scrotum
• The scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes to maintain optimal sperm production at 35 degrees Celsius
• Functions of male reproductive system parts:

  • Penis deposits sperm into the vagina
  • Scrotum acts as a climate control system for the testes
  • Testis produces testosterone and sperm cells
  • Epididymis carries, stores, and matures sperm
  • Vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra
  • Ejaculatory duct prepares for ejaculation
  • Seminal vesicle produces fructose to nourish sperm
  • Prostate gland gives additional fluid to nourish sperm
  • Cowper's gland produces lubricating fluid
  • Urethra is the passageway for semen and urine
• Female reproductive system parts:

  • Ovary
  • Fimbriae
  • Fallopian tube
  • Endometrium
  • Uterus
  • Cervix
  • Vagina
• Functions of female reproductive system parts:

  • Ovary produces egg cells, estrogen, and progesterone
  • Fimbriae pick up the egg cell from the ovary
  • Fallopian tube is the site of fertilization
  • Endometrium nourishes the embryo and sheds during menstruation
  • Uterus is the site of egg implantation
  • Cervix is the muscular opening of the uterus
  • Vagina is the entrance of the penis and birth canal
• Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system
• Pituitary gland is the master gland that directs the endocrine system
• Important hormones in the male reproductive system:

  • FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) signals sperm production
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone) stimulates testosterone production
• Testosterone is the most important male hormone for regulating sex characteristics, spermatogenesis, and fertility
• Important hormones in the female reproductive system:

  • FSH signals egg cell development
  • LH signals production of estrogen and progesterone
• Estrogen is responsible for female sex characteristics and prepares the body for potential pregnancy
• Progesterone is secreted after ovulation and prepares the body for a fertilized egg cell
• If the egg is not fertilized, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation