Reproductive system

• The reproductive system is a collection of internal and external organs
• It is composed of gonads and hormones
• The human organ system is responsible for the creation and fertilization of gametes (eggs or sperm) as well as the carrying of a baby in females
• Both male and female reproductive systems have gonads, which produce gametes
• Functions of the reproductive system include:

  • To produce egg and sperm cells
  • To transport and sustain the cells mentioned
  • To nurture the developing offspring
  • To produce hormones
  • To coordinate the meeting of the sperm and the egg
• These functions are divided between the primary and secondary organs
• The male reproductive system functions to produce sex cells or sperm and hormones, as well as to deliver the sperm to the female reproductive system
• Sperm cells are produced in the primary male reproductive organ called Testis, located in the scrotum outside the body
• The testis are responsible for the production of sperm cells through a process called spermatogenesis
• A male can produce about 200 million immature sperms per day (10 to 30 billion per month)
• Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, essential for various functions including the growth of body hair and development of male reproductive organs
• Semen is the mixture of sperm and fluids, capable of fertilizing the female’s eggs
• Interstitial cells are responsible for the production and secretion of male sex hormones or testosterone
• Ejaculation is the release of semen during sexual arousal
• Parts of the testis include:

  • Lobules lead to straight ducts that join the rete testis
  • Seminiferous tubules produce, maintain, and store sperm
  • Rete testis serves as a collecting reservoir for sperm within the testis
  • Sperm cell is produced and developed by the seminiferous tubules
• External parts of the male reproductive system include the penis, scrotum, urethra, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate gland, and Cowper’s glands
• The female reproductive system functions to produce ova or egg cells and provide a place for a fertilized egg (zygote) to develop
• Ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogen and progesterone
• An egg cell is produced in the primary female reproductive organ called the ovary
• Estrogen plays a crucial role in the normal sexual and reproductive developments in women
• Progesterone prepares the endometrium for the potential of pregnancy after ovulation
• Parts of the egg cell include the corona radiata, zona pellucida, cytoplasm, nucleus, and vitelline membrane
• Internal parts of the female reproductive system include fimbriae, oviducts, endometrium, cervix, vagina, epithelium, vestibule, and hymen
• External parts of the female reproductive system include mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and hymen
• Labia Majora & Labia Minora:

  • Two sets of lips or flaps that protect the internal parts of the vagina
  • Labia majora is the larger fold covered with pubic hair
  • Labia minora is located beneath the labia majora
• Clitoris:

  • Small penis-like projection located at the anterior part of the labia
  • Plays a role in sexual arousal and stimulation
  • Often hidden beneath a hood flesh called prepuce
• Bartholin’s gland (greater vestibular glands):

  • Produces mucoid secretion for vaginal and vulvar lubrication
  • Small glands on each side of the vaginal opening
• Vulva (The Pudendum):

  • Main function is to protect the internal parts of the reproductive system
• Perineum:

  • Skin between genitals and anus
• Anus:

  • Last part of the digestive tract
• Cavernous body:

  • Contains a pair of corpora cavernosa, spongy cylinders of tissue filled with blood responsible for erection of penis and clitoris
• Glans:

  • Most sensitive part of the penis
  • Contains nerve endings sensitive to touch
• Pre-cum:

  • Contains glycoproteins for lubrication during intercourse
  • Fluid that comes out before ejaculation when aroused
• Semen (cum):

  • Fluid emitted from the male reproductive tract containing sperm cells
• Spongious body (corpus spongiosum):

  • Prevents urethra from pinching closed, maintaining it as a viable channel for ejaculation
• Bulb:

  • Helps empty the urethra of residual semen and urine
  • Functions closely with the clitoris in females
• Crus:

  • Helps keep the clitoris in place and becomes swollen with blood during sexual arousal
  • "Legs" of the penis are formed from the clitoral legs
• Summary:

  • Glans clitoris = head of the penis
  • Clitoral hood = foreskin
  • Outer lips (outer labia) = scrotum
  • Inner lips (inner labia) = skin of the penis
  • Shaft of the clitoris = shaft of the penis
  • Clitoral bulbs (part of internal clitoris, vestibular bulbs) = bulb of penis
  • Clitoral legs (part of internal clitoris, crus) = crus of penis
• Fertilization:

  • Problems with ovulation are a common cause of infertility in women
  • Factors affecting fertility include age, hormonal imbalances, weight, toxin exposure, and smoking habits
• Mammary Glands:

  • Provide nourishment for newborns
  • Nipple or mammary papilla contains milk duct openings
  • Lobes of glandular tissues embedded in adipose tissue inside the breast