The Human Reproductive System

What is the purpose of the reproductive system? The reproductive system is responsible for: Creating and maintaining gametes (the sex cells). The gametes are either egg cells or sperm cells. Creating and maintaining gametes (the sex cells). The gametes are either egg cells or sperm cells. Providing the structures necessary for internal fertilization and internal development. Providing the structures necessary for internal fertilization and internal development. The development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in both men and women. The development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in both men and women.

Investment of resources In mammalian reproduction, the males are considered the low investment sex, and females are considered the high investment sex. Females invest a much greater amount of time, resources and energy towards reproduction than males. Because of this, the female reproductive system is much more complex than the male reproductive system.

The male reproductive system Penis: The male sexual organ responsible for the transfer of semen into the female’s vagina. Also responsible for the discharge of urine. Testes:The male sex glands. They are located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testes produce and store sperm, and are also the body's main source of male hormones, such as testosterone. Scrotum: The pouch of skin which house the testes.

The male reproductive system Epididymis: is a coiled segment of the spermatic ducts that serves to store, mature and transport sperm cells between the testis and the vas deferens. Vas Deferens: The vas deferens is a coiled duct that conveys sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. ductspermepididymisductspermepididymis Urethra: A tube that runs through the penis which transports both semen and urine.

Diagram of male reproductive system A- Teste (right) B- Cowper’s gland C- Vas Deferens D- Urinary bladder E- Prostate gland F- Penis G- Epididymis G

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The female reproductive system Ovaries: The female gonads, produce egg cells as well as secrete the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Fallopian tube: Also called the oviduct, it is a tube which connects the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube.

The female reproductive system Uterus: The site of implantation and fetal development. Endometrium: The spongy inner lining of the uterus where implantation occurs. Placenta: Organ that forms from the uterine wall which nourishes the fetus. The fetus is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord.

The female reproductive system Cervix: The boundary between the uterus and the vagina. The cervix is sealed with a mucous plug during pregnancy. Vagina: Also known as the birth canal. Site of sperm deposition during intercourse. During childbirth the child is passed out of the mother’s body through the vagina.

Diagrams of the female reproductive system Front view A= Ovary B= Fallopian tube C= Uterus D= Vagina Side view A= Ovary B= Fallopian tube C= Uterus D= Urinary bladder.

The menstrual cycle Women are not always able to become pregnant. The only time a woman can become pregnant is when a mature egg cell is released into the fallopian tube after ovulation. If sperm are present in the fallopian tube during this time, fertilization can occur.

Preventing pregnancies There are surgical procedures available to men and women to prevent pregnancy. For females, the procedure is called a Tubal Ligation. In this procedure the fallopian tubes are severed, sealed or pinched shut. (“tubes tied”). For males the procedure is called a vasectomy. In this procedure the vas deferens are severed and sealed shut.