Reproductive System
Reproduction
This is a process by which an organism reproduces and offspring who is biologically similar to the
organism.
It is defined as the biological process of producing a new individual or an offspring identical to the
parents. This process ensures the increase in the number of individuals of a species when conditions
are favorable. It is one of the fundamental characteristics of living things and an essential life
process.
Kinds of Reproduction:
Sexual Reproduction
o This process is very complex that involves the formation and transfer of gametes, followed
by fertilization, the formation of the zygote, and embryogenesis. This basically combines
the genetic info from two parents.
Asexual Reproduction
o This process involves only one parent and the new offspring produced is genetically similar
to the parent.
Male Reproductive System
Testicles / Testes
o A pair of oval-shaped organs masked in a pouch called the scrotum. They are responsible
for the production of sperms and the male hormone testosterone.
Scrotum
o It is a sac-like organ that hangs below the penis and behind it. It is the houses of the testicles,
or testes, and maintains a temperature that is required for the production of sperm by it.
o It also regulates the temperature of the testicles.
Vas deferens
o The sperms produced in testes are stored in a tube called the epididymis. Here the sperms
get matured and pass to urethra through this muscular tube.
o It also carries the sperms from the testis to the urethra.
Accessory Glands
o It includes three seminal glands:
Seminal vesicles: It lies at the base of the bladder, secretes thick viscous fluid
containing fructose and alkaline substance for the survival of
the sperm.
Prostate gland: It is a mass glandular tissue at the base of the urethra, secretes an
alkaline fluid that has a stimulating effect on the sperm as they
are released.
Cowper's gland / Bulbourethral gland: It is located slightly below the prostate
secreting mucous for lubrication.
o The secretions from the three glands mix to form a fluid called semen. Semen nourishes
the sperm, increases the volume and helps in lubrication.
Penis
o It is a cylindrical tube which serves as both reproductive organ and an excretory organ. It
delivers sperms into the vagina during sexual intercourse.
Urethra
o It is the passageway of urine and semen.
Epididymis
o It is the temporary storage of mature sperms.
Roles of seminal fluid in the survival of the sperm cells:
Semen coagulation
Sperm motility
Stability of sperm chromatin
Female Reproductive System
A pair of ovaries
o These produce and store ovum in them. They also produce a female hormone called
estrogen, progesterone, and egg cells.
Fallopian Tube / Oviducts
o They are the site of fertilization. They connect ovaries with the uterus.
Uterus
o It is the site of development for the embryo. It is also a special hollow organ where the
embryo develops for nine months.
Vagina
o It is the part which connects the cervix to the external female body parts. It is the route for
the penis during coitus as well as a fetus during delivery. It is also called "birth canal".
Cervix
o It is the opening of the uterus.
