Human reproductive system

• The human reproductive system is made up of all anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction
• The male reproductive system:

  • Produces male gametes
  • Transfers them to the female
• The female reproductive system:

  • Produces female gametes
  • Receives male gametes
  • Carries the baby throughout its development
• External structures of the male reproductive system:

  • Penis: deposits sperm into the vagina during mating
  • Scrotum: hangs behind the penis, acts as a climate control system for the testes
  • Testis: responsible for making testosterone and producing sperm cells
• Internal structures of the male reproductive system:

  • Vas Deferens: transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation
  • Ejaculatory Duct: formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles
  • Urethra: carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body
  • Seminal Vesicle: produces a sugar-rich fluid that provides sperms with energy and helps with motility
• Sperm structure:

  • Head: contains a nucleus with 23 chromosomes
  • Tail: subdivided into neck, middle piece, principal piece, and end piece
• Hormones involved in the male reproductive system:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): signals sperm production
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): stimulates testosterone production
• Hormones involved in the female reproductive system:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): signals development of egg cells
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): plays a role in the development of ova and stimulation of estradiol and progesterone production