Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Anatomy
Male and Female Reproductive Systems
Spermatogenesis is responsible for producing sex cells called gametes. It reaches its maximum development at puberty, which occurs at different ages in boys and girls. Sexual dimorphism is different in both sexes. It is also responsible, along with the hormones, for producing the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the appearance of pubic hair, etc.
Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system includes:
- Internal genital organs: These are the testes, the genital tracts, and attached glands. They are responsible for the production of male sex hormones, spermatozoa, and triggering the maturation of the genitals.
- External genitalia: These are the penis and scrotum.
Testes
The testes are two glands located outside the abdominal cavity, inside the pouch of the scrotum. They are composed of numerous small tubes called seminiferous tubules, whose walls produce sperm. The testes also produce the sex hormone testosterone.
Genital Tract
Sperm is stored for 10 days in a tube attached to the testicle called the epididymis. During this time, they mature and acquire the ability to move. From each testicle, a vas deferens enters the abdominal cavity and into the prostate. There, it joins with the urethra, which passes through the penis and allows the output of spermatozoa.
Accessory Glands
Associated with the genital tract are the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands. These glands secrete an alkaline and lubricating fluid (seminal fluid), which provides nutrients to the sperm. The mixture of seminal fluid and sperm is called semen.
Penis
The penis deposits sperm in the female reproductive canal during intercourse. The output of semen through the penis is called ejaculation. The penis is composed of three columns of erectile tissue. The innermost part is the glans, and it is traversed by the urethra. The skin around the glans forms a fold that covers it, called the foreskin. With sexual arousal, the erectile tissue fills with blood, causing a penile erection.
Key facts:
- Spermatogenesis is the process of formation of male gametes.
- Oogenesis is a process that begins in the embryonic stage.
- Chromosome 23 in sperm.
- Process of egg maturation and oogenesis: female gamete formation.
- Chromosome 23 in the egg.
- Spermatogenesis begins at puberty.
- The pituitary gland produces hormones and regulates the menstrual cycle.
- Menstruation is the phase of the menstrual cycle which degenerates and is ejected.
- Process of endometrial maturation and ovulation: egg release.
- Follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: where the egg is not mature, and fertilization cannot occur.
- Zygote: cell resulting from the union of gametes.
- Morula: embryo with 16 cells or more.
Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
The ovaries are paired glands located in the pelvic cavity, on either side of the uterus. They contain oocytes, which, upon maturity, become eggs.
Fallopian Tubes
Each ovary communicates with the uterus through a funnel-shaped tube called the oviduct or fallopian tube. This tube is responsible for transporting the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization of the egg occurs in the fallopian tube.
Uterus
The uterus is a muscular organ with thick, hollow, pear-shaped walls, oriented towards the posterior of the body. Its anterior part, coupled with the vagina, is the cervix. The embryo implants and develops in the uterus.
Vagina
The vagina is a somewhat flattened, very elastic tube with thin muscular walls and opens to the outside. Until the first intercourse occurs, it is partially enclosed by a membrane called the hymen.
Vulva
The vulva is formed by two folds of skin called labia. The labia majora are at the top of the clitoris, which, like the penis, consists of highly sensitive erectile tissue.