Reproductive System
Major Functions
The reproductive system is a collection of internal and external organs in both males and females that work together for the purpose of procreating. Due to its vital role in the survival of the species, many scientists argue that the reproductive system is among the most important systems in the entire body.
What males and females have
Female
Ovaries- Ovaries are needed in reproduction since they are responsible fro producing the the female reproductive cells.
Fallopian Tubes- The fallopian tubes carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus.
Uterus- Nurtures the fertilized ovum that develops into the fetus and holding it till the baby is mature enough for birth
Cervix- Allows flow as menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and direct the sperms into the uterus during intercourse.
Vagina- The vagina is the sex organ that distends to envelop the male's penis during sexual intercourse. It is the receptacle for sperm, the passage way for the menstrual blood, and the fetus during childbirth.
Male
Prostate- The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
Urethra- The male urethra connects the urinary bladder to the penis, and it functions as an exit from the body.
Penis- The penis has three functions which are urination, sexuality and pleasure, and reproduction.
Testicle- The primary function of the testicles is to produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.
Vas Deferens- The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra, the tube that carries urine or sperm to outside of the body, in preparation for ejaculation.
Seminal Vesicles- The seminal vesicles produce a sugar-rich fluid that provides sperm with a source of energy to help them move.
Ovaries- Ovaries are needed in reproduction since they are responsible fro producing the the female reproductive cells.
Fallopian Tubes- The fallopian tubes carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus.
Uterus- Nurtures the fertilized ovum that develops into the fetus and holding it till the baby is mature enough for birth
Cervix- Allows flow as menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and direct the sperms into the uterus during intercourse.
Vagina- The vagina is the sex organ that distends to envelop the male's penis during sexual intercourse. It is the receptacle for sperm, the passage way for the menstrual blood, and the fetus during childbirth.
Male
Prostate- The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
Urethra- The male urethra connects the urinary bladder to the penis, and it functions as an exit from the body.
Penis- The penis has three functions which are urination, sexuality and pleasure, and reproduction.
Testicle- The primary function of the testicles is to produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.
Vas Deferens- The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra, the tube that carries urine or sperm to outside of the body, in preparation for ejaculation.
Seminal Vesicles- The seminal vesicles produce a sugar-rich fluid that provides sperm with a source of energy to help them move.
Hormonal Cycle of the Female Menstrual Cycle
The first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of your period (day 1). The period usually then lasts anything from 3 to 7 days. You’ll probably find that if you get any period pains, they’ll be at their worst in the first few days of your period. This is because the hormones in the body are causing your womb to actively shed the lining that was built up in the previous menstrual cycle. Next is ovulation. At the beginning of the cycle follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. This is the main hormone involved in stimulating your ovaries to produce mature eggs. Follicles are the fluid-filled cavities in the ovaries. Each follicle contains one undeveloped egg. The FSH stimulates a number of follicles to develop and start to produce the hormone estrogen. The level of estrogen is at its lowest on the first day of the period. From then on, it starts to increase as the follicles grow. The level of estrogen in the body is still increasing and it eventually causes a rapid rise in lutenist hormone (the ‘LH surge’). This LH surge causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release the mature egg from the ovary, from where it enters the Fallopian tube. This process is known as ovulation. Once the egg has been released, it moves along the Fallopian tube towards your womb. The egg can live for up to 24 hours. Sperm survival is more variable, but typically 3-5 days, so the days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are the most fertile, when you are most likely to get pregnant. As soon as you have ovulated, the follicle starts producing another hormone, progesterone.Progesterone causes further build up the lining of your womb in preparation for a fertilized egg.
Diseases
Prolapsed Uterus- Severe prolapse can result in the uterine cervix protruding from the vaginal opening. Surgical repair is typically required to restore the uterus to its proper anatomical position.
Cryptorchidism- literally “hidden testicle.” A condition of lack of descent of one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer.
Cryptorchidism- literally “hidden testicle.” A condition of lack of descent of one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer.
How it works with other systems
Circulatory System- The blood vessels carry nourishment to the fetus. It also assists in the male process that cause their hormones to grow.
Nervous System- The nervous system regulates the reproductive system's process. The nervous system is greatly involved in the body's homeostasis.
Nervous System- The nervous system regulates the reproductive system's process. The nervous system is greatly involved in the body's homeostasis.