reproductive system

• Reproductive system


  Also known as the genital system, the biological system made up of all anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction
• Male reproductive system


  • TESTICLES (MALE GONADS): Responsible for making male gametes, sperm, and the androgen hormone, testosterone
  • The testes have to reach the lower temperature necessary for proper spermatogenesis
  • Unlike female egg maturation, which occurs in cycles and ceases at menopause, sperm production is continuous, reducing gradually with age
• Epididymis


  • A long-coiled tube that rests on the backside of each testicle, carries, stores, and brings the sperm to maturity
  • Each epididymis is a tube about 20 feet long, which is tightly coiled and bunched into a length of just 2 inches
• Vas deferens


  • A long muscular tube that travels from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity behind the bladder, transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation
• Ejaculatory ducts


  • Formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles
• Seminal vesicles


  • Sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens near the base of the bladder, produces a sugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperms with a source of energy and helps with the sperms' motility (ability to move)
• Prostate gland


  • Contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate and help to nourish the sperm
• Bulbourethral glands


  • Produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra
• Urethra


  • A tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body, and expelling semen when the man reaches orgasm
• Penis


  • For sexual intercourse where semen contains sperm is expelled or ejaculated
  • The flaccid penis fills with blood during arousal, causing an erection and allowing for the function of copulation/intercourse
  • A lubricant, smegma, is produced under the prepuce on the penis
  • The foreskin may be circumcised/removed for hygiene or religious reasons
  • It covers the glans/head that is filled with nerve endings
• Scrotum


  • The loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis which contains the testicles, acts as a climate control system for the testes
• Female reproductive system


  • Labia majora: The "large lips" that enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs of female, contains sweat and oil-secreting glands
  • Labia minora: The "small lips" that lies inside the labia majora, surrounds the openings to the vagina and urethra
  • Clitoris: Small, sensitive protrusion where two labia minora meet, covered by a fold of skin called prepuce
  • Vagina: How menstrual blood and babies leave the body, entry point of sperm, a 3 1/2 inch long muscular tube that expands in length and width during sexual arousal, the female organ for copulation (sexual intercourse), receiving the seminal fluid from the male penis, and a passageway for menstruation or the birth of a fetus
• Ovaries


  • Small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus, produces eggs and hormones
  • Oogenesis is the process of creating egg cells or oocytes
• Menstrual cycle


  • Happens in the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg
• Ovarian cycle


  • All about the maturation and the follicle of egg
• Fallopian tube


  • Narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus
  • The fallopian tube is 4-6 inches long
  • The egg, released from the ovary, is captured by the fimbria and brought into the fallopian tube
  • The egg is moved along inside the tube by muscular contractions and the waving action of cilia
  • It takes an egg about 3-4 days to travel the length of the tube
  • If an egg is fertilized, it occurs here
• Uterus


  • A hollow, pear shaped that is the home to a developing fetus divided into two parts, cervix and corpus