D3.1.
4
Anatomy of the human male
and female reproductive
systems
Reproductive Structures
Males and females have different roles in sexual reproduction (D3.1.3) and have different
reproductive structures.
Typical Human Male Typical Human Female Intersex
Sex Chromosomes
Sex chromosomes determine whether an embryo begins to develop X and Y X and X
male-typical or female-typical physical characteristics (D3.2.11) Any
combination of
Gametes male and female
Gametes are specialized haploid cells (B2.3.10) Sperm Egg
produced via meiosis (D2.1.9) sex
characteristics,
Gonads including
Organs that produce gametes and hormones Testes Ovaries
essential for reproduction (C2.1.12* and C2.1.13) chromosomes,
gonads and
Genitals genitals.
External reproductive structures
Penis Vulva
The vertebrate female
reproductive tract has
undergone
considerable
diversification over
evolution, having
become
physiologically
adapted to different
reproductive
strategies.
Andrew T. Major, Martin A. Estermann,
Zahida Y. Roly, and Craig A. Smith "An
evo-devo perspective of the female
reproductive tract," Biology of Reproduction
106(1), 9-23, (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioab166
Typical Human Female System
The typical human female
reproductive system Oviduct
includes:
● Ovary
● Oviduct
● Uterus with
endometrium
● Cervix
● Vagina
● Vulva Vulva
Ovaries and Oviducts
Ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either Oviducts are the tubes that serve as passage between
side of the uterus. They produce, store and release the ovary and uterus. At ovulation, the egg enters the
eggs (B2.3.10) and make hormones that control the oviduct. If sperm is present, fertilization occurs in the
menstrual cycle (D3.1.5) and pregnancy (D3.1.19*). oviduct (D3.1.6) and the embryo (D3.1.16*) moves from
the oviduct into the uterus.
Uterus and Cervix
The uterus is is a hollow muscular organ. The main The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that
function of the uterus is to nourish a developing fetus connects the uterus to the vagina for menstruation
prior to birth. The endometrium is the inner layer of the (D3.1.5) and birth. It allows sperm into the uterus. The
uterus. During the menstrual cycle (D3.1.5), the cervix serves as a physical and chemical barrier to
endometrium grows a blood vessel-rich tissue layer to infection, producing a mucus as a primary defense
prepare the uterus for implantation of an embryo against pathogens (C3.2.2).
(D3.1.16*).
Vagina and Vulva
The vagina is a muscular canal lined with mucus The vulva is all of the structures that make the
membranes (C3.2.2). It connects the uterus and female external genitalia. The vulva functions as
cervix to the outside of the body, allowing for sensory tissue and protection of internal structures
menstruation (D3.1.5), intercourse and childbirth. from infection.
Typical Human Male System
The typical human male
reproductive system
includes:
● Testis and epididymis
within the scrotum
● Vas deferens
● Seminal vesicles
● Prostate gland
● Penis with urethra
Scrotum and Testes
The scrotum is a sac protecting the
testes. It keeps the testes outside of the
body, where the temperature is several
degrees below the average body
temperature.
The testes are responsible for making
sperm (D3.1.14*) and producing
testosterone. Testosterone is an
important hormone during male
development and maturation for
developing muscles, deepening the
voice, and growing body hair (C2.1.12*).
Epididymis and Vas Deferens
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube on top of The vas deferens (also called the sperm duct) is a
each testis. Sperm mature in the epididymis long, muscular tube that travels from the
before moving into the vas deferens. epididymis into the pelvic cavity. It merges with the
urethra near bladder. The vas deferens transports
mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for
ejaculation.
Seminal Vesicles and Prostate Gland
The seminal vesicles are glands that
produce a fluid that is high in fructose, a
sugar that provides nutrients for sperm
cells, as well as other proteins, enzymes,
and mucus. This fluid is the major
component of semen.
The prostate gland adds an alkaline
(base pH) fluid to the semen. The fluid
neutralizes the slightly acidic pH of the
vagina.
Urethra and Penis
The male urethra is a narrow
tube that moves urine and
semen to the exterior of the
body.
The penis is the male external
genitalia. During copulation,
the penis penetrates the
vagina for ejaculation of
semen near the cervix.
